The new 12mm lens is currently the widest t/2.9 lens that can cover sensor up to both full frame & vista vision size (wider than full frame), making it one of the ideal wide angle option for both professional cinema cameras and mirrorless cameras.
Suitable for both Large format & Super35 cameras
The image circle allows cinematographers to use not only on full frame sensors (Size = 43.14mm), but also able to fill the Vista Vision sensors on RED Monstro and the sensor on Arri Alexa LF (Size @ open-gate = 44.7mm) fully. The lens is also ideal for Super35-sized camera owners with the ultra-wide 17mm equivalent field of view and its future-proof decision when cinematographers need to upgrade to large format cameras.
Screengrabs © Alan Caudillo
Super compact & lightweight
This 12mm lens is extremely compact and lightweight despite of the extreme specifications. It measures 3.4” (87mm) long and weighs less than 1.5 lb (675g). It can be easily fitted onto any sorts of stabilizations system including handheld gimbals.
Close-to-zero distortion
The optical distortion of ultra-wide angle lens will never be a nightmare for DoP. The distortion rate of good wide angle lenses in the market ranges from 2-4%. Venus Optics, however, are able to compress the distortion to a close-to-zero level. In fact, the ‘Zero-D’ claim had been validated by many existing Laowa lenses owners from all around the world.
Extremely close focusing distance
The lens able to focus at an extremely close focusing distance. It can focus anywhere from 7” away from sensor (<4” from front element) all the way to infinity. No diopter will be needed in this case. Wide angle lenses usually create a ‘flat’ image with very deep DOF but with this close focusing ability and a fast t-stop, Laowa 12mm is able to create some unique wide & shallow DOF look with pleasing bokeh.
Robust and professional cinema housing
Designed with standard 0.8 mod gears on both aperture and focusing rings for easy installation of follow-focus system. An extended 270° smooth focus throw is designed for accruate focus pulling. The entire enclosure of the lens is made up of aluminum alloy.
A 114mm step-ring is includedin the package to expand the front diameter to fit with industry sized matte box. Venus Optics have tested with a number of matte boxes in the market and it is still free of vignetting on VV sensor with the matte box installed.
Robust and professional cinema housing
The lens comes with three different variants, PL, EF and E mount (Not inter-changeable). Shims with different thickness is also included for users to do flange calibration.
The complimentary watertight and crushproof Pelican hard case protects the the lenses from damage during travel.
Reviews & Samples
Screengrabs © Alan Caudillo
Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T/2.9 Zero-D (ft)Overview
The Canon EF mountLaowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine LensfromVenus Opticsprovides a wide, 122° angle of view well suited for outdoor and landscape shots and in tight interior locations, and it is optimized for digital cinematography. It is so lightweight and compact that it can be used not only with handheld shooting, it is also light enough for use on gimbals. The lens produces an image circle that will cover full-frame, VistaVision, and ARRI ALEXA LF sized sensors or smaller.
The 12mm cine lens features a maximum aperture of T2.9 with 16 elements in 10 groups. Its 7-blade aperture provides a soft, pleasing bokeh, a shallow depth of field with little to no distortion, and a 7'' close focus distance. The focus and aperture rings feature industry-standard 0.8 pitch gearing that will accommodate standard cine follow focus motors. The 102mm front diameter can be stepped up to 114mm with the included adapter to fit industry-standard matte boxes to prevent glare and reflection, as well as to add filters. Focus, aperture, and depth of field markings are in feet on the side of the lens to aid focus pullers.
In addition to the 114mm step-up adapter ring, a shim set is included for calibration, and a hard-shell Pelican case with custom foam is included to protect and transport the lens.
Ultra wide-angle 12mm T2.9 prime designed for EF mount cine cameras with up to full-frame/VistaVision/ALEXA LF sensor
Designed with 16 elements in 10 groups, low distortion, and 7-blade iris
102mm front diameter with 114mm step-up adapter ring to fit industry-standard matte box
7'' close focus, smooth 270° focus rotation, and standard 0.8 MOD focus ring
Shim set and hard-shell Pelican case with custom foam are included
Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T/2.9 Zero-D (Ft)Specs
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Focal Length
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12mm
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Lens Mount
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Canon EF
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Lens Format Coverage
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Full Frame
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Image Circle
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44.7 mm
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Maximum Aperture
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T2.9
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Minimum Aperture
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T22
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Horizontal Angle of View
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Super35: 122°
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Minimum Focus Distance
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From : 7'' / 17.8 cm
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Optical Design
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16 Elements in 10 Groups
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Diaphragm Blades
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7
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Gear MOD & Pitch
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Focus: 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch
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Front Diameter
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102 mm
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Filter Thread
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None
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Focus Scales
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Imperial
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Focus Rotation
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270°
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Image Stabilization
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No
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Length
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3.43'' / 87 mm
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Weight
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1.49 lb / 675 g
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Packaging Info
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Package Weight
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5.715 lb
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Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
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11.2 x 10.1 x 7.5''
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