Not long ago, we reported in the news about the new Laowa 8-15mm F2.8 zoom fisheye lens for full-frame cameras. Today, news came from Venus Optics about the release of a similar lens for video – the Laowa 8-15mm T2.9 FF Zoom Fisheye optic was presented.
Both lenses offer the same range of focal lengths and provide a unique fish-eye effect, featuring a round effect at 8 mm and a rectangular one at 15 mm. This fisheye optic features an ARRI PL mount, with optional mounts for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Leica L, and Fujifilm X.
The Laowa 8–15mm T2.9 Cine weighs approximately 590g, making it one of the lightest full-frame zoom lenses for cinematography, and can be used on a Steadicam, crane, or other handheld rig. The constant T2.9 aperture is an advantage for low-light shooting. With a minimum focusing distance of 16cm, it is capable of capturing close-ups while still including a fairly wide background. The stills version of this lens offers an aperture of F/2.8, but here we have T2.9, which is not a huge difference.
Unlike its brother, the lens comes with an ARRI PL mount by default. Additional mounts for mirrorless cameras are available for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and L-mount systems. Owners of cameras with an EF mount will note that there is no EF mount. On Fuji X cameras, the field of view will be narrower due to the crop factor. Each mount incurs an additional $50 charge when ordered.
Laowa 8-15mm T2.9 Specifications
- Format compatibility: Full Frame (FF)
- Mount: PL, optional Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fuji X, L-mount
- Focal length: 8-15mm
- Aperture range: T2.9–T22
- Viewing angle: 180° (8mm)
- Optical design: 13 elements in 9 groups
- Aperture: 9-blade
- Focus ring rotation angle: 70°
- Zoom ring rotation angle: 75°
- Aperture ring rotation angle: 42°
- Focus scale: Dual
- Minimum focusing distance: 16 cm
- Maximum magnification: 0.23x
- Focus: Manual
- Focus follow gear pitch: 0.8 MOD
- Dimensions: Ø84.8 x 62.5 mm
- Weight: approx. 590g
Price and Availability
The new Laowa PL Fisheye lens is now available for pre-order on B&H Photo and Adorama online stores for $1,399.
