Venus Optics has released a new Laowa Argus 28mm F/1.2 lens for full frame cameras. The manufacturer reports that the new optics allows you to get “impressive” sharpness even at a fully open aperture. At the same time, even in low light conditions, the optics will be able to show a high-quality result, according to Venus Optics.
The total weight of the lens is 562 grams and the dimensions are 68.5 x 106 mm. Thread for filters – 62 mm. The manufacturer positions the lens as a convenient travel optics, since the lens turned out to be quite light with high optical characteristics.
The lens only supports manual control (focus and iris). The maximum magnification is 0.073X.
An angle of view of 75.4 degrees allows you to capture much more detail with the new optics than with 50mm or 35mm. At the same time, due to the large aperture, you can isolate the object in the scene. Venus Optics reports that the Laowa Argus 28mm F/1.2 makes it possible to work in genres: street, documentary, landscape, portrait and even astrophotography. In addition, the aperture will produce beautiful creamy round bokeh with a touch of artistry, according to the press release.
The lens’s 13-blade aperture itself creates a “dreamy image,” says Venus Optics, and gives examples of shots taken using the new Laowa Argus 28mm F/1.2 lens.
The optical design also includes two UHR elements and two ED elements. Total: 13 elements in 7 groups. It is due to this design that the lens demonstrates high sharpness at an open aperture – F / 1.2. The minimum focusing distance is 50 cm.
The manufacturer says that the lens design is also optimized for videographers. There is a special switch that allows you to select the aperture mode: with or without a click. In the case of shooting video – operators prefer the mode without clicks.
The lens also has an internal focusing design, which is also quite convenient. The lens is available for bayonet mounts Sony FE, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L mount. The price of Laowa Argus 28mm F/1.2 will be $599.
At the end of January 2023, Venus Optics introduced the Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic cinema lenses . Lenses with focal lengths of 35mm, 45mm, 60mm and 85mm were presented – all optics have a T2 aperture. The lenses work with cameras with Super 35 optical format sensors.
The manufacturer claims that the entire line is designed to provide an affordable anamorphic solution for cinema camera owners (S35) with a constant 2X aspect ratio. The new lenses cover an image circle with a diameter of 25.92mm x 21.6mm. The two Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic 35mm and 45mm lenses have a minimum focusing distance of 54.9cm.
