Venus Optics announce 2 new Laowa wide angle lenses for Nikon Z & Canon RF cameras

Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of unique Laowa camera lenses, are proud to introduce the the Nikon Z & Canon RF mount to the world’s widest rectilinear f/2 lens (Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D) and the world’s widest zoom lens (Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6).

Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D (Both Nikon Z & Canon RF mounts)

The Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D is currently the widest f/2 rectilinear native lens for full frame mirrorless cameras. The lens falls into the Laowa ‘Zero-D’ products line-up and the patented optical design successfully minimizes the optical distortion to the lowest. This compact and lightweight lens comprises of 12 elements in 9 groups with 2 pcs of aspherical elements and 3 pcs of Extra-low dispersion elements. Photographers can also take advantage of the super close focusing distance (less than 6” from the sensor) and the f/2 aperture to create some wide angle close-up shots with pleasing bokeh.

Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics have successfully minimized the size of the lens to only 1.1 lbs and 3” long. The flat front surface design allows photographers to use 72mm circular filter with ease. Unlike the Sony E variant, the new Nikon Z / Canon RF variants feature a design of 5 straight aperture blades which produce a clean and sharp 10-point sunstar rendering.

Availability

The new variants of Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D & Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 are currently available to order and ship in the official website of Venus Optics (http://www.venuslens.net/) and their authorized resellers. Recommended Retail Price in US (without tax) is USD 849/pc for both lenses. Pricing may vary in different countries.

Nikon mount of this lens will be available in August.

Small interview with lens designer

PR: We think your Laowa 15mm 2.0 Zero-D FE is a very interesting and versatile ultra wide angle lens with a unique focal length and maximum aperture combination, so we would like to know more about the process of designing this lens. It is Laowa’s first mirrorless design (together with the mFT 7.5mm 2.0), was the filter stack in front of the Sony sensor an issue or easily accounted for in the optical design?

Mr. Li: I’m very glad you are interested in the Laowa 15mm 2.0 Zero-D FE. As you know, the Sony mirrorless camera bodies are extraordinarily convenient and compact. But the same cannot be said of most existing wide-angle lenses, which are huge and heavy. It takes away from the convenience of the Sony bodies. And in shooting landscape, it’s not usually possible to use filters with any ease on these large wide angle lens. Another issue which typical wide angle lenses have is that they display levels of distortion which result in extra work in post-production, especially when shooting architecture. My goal was thus to produce a small lens, which could accept screw-on filters, and has very low native distortion.

Taking advantage of the design possibilities of the short flange focal distance of mirrorless cameras, I was able to restructure the entire design, getting rid of the conventional design concepts of wide angle lenses for DSLRs.

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/the-man-behind-the-lens-mr-li-laowa-15mm-2-0-zero-d-fe/

Review

https://matthewdurrphotography.com/2017/11/07/venus-optics-laowa-15mm-f2-zero-d-review/

Available for preorder

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1357085-REG/venus_optics_ve1520sfe_15mm_f_2_0_fe_zero_d.html

Preorder is available now

http://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-15mm-f2/