Venus Optics has officially unveiled its latest product, the Laowa 24mm f/2 tilt-shift lens, first in China, with plans for a global release anticipated shortly. Credible reports suggest that a version compatible with full-frame Sony E-mount systems will be among the first to become available. Additionally, the lens will support mounting on Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-mount systems, Fujifilm GFX, and Hasselblad XCD.
The most significant highlight of this new lens is its fast maximum aperture of f/2. Typically, 24mm tilt-shift lenses, such as Canon’s widely recognized TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, offer a maximum aperture that is approximately one and a half stops slower. The wider aperture not only facilitates easier focusing and composition through the viewfinder but is particularly advantageous for photographers who frequently employ tripods to capture architectural and interior images.
Laowa emphasizes that this lens delivers near-zero distortion, an essential feature for architectural photographers who must maintain vertical lines. The optical construction consists of 13 elements housed within 10 groups, which includes five extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, two aspherical elements, and four with a high-refractive index. Complementing the optical design is a 14-blade aperture that contributes to the lens’s performance.
With capabilities of ±12mm of shift and ±10° of tilt, the lens also features a rotating mount, allowing users to effortlessly transition between landscape and portrait orientations without the need to re-level the tripod. Moreover, a detachable bracket is included for those who wish to engage in stitched panoramas. The tilt function enables a unique miniature effect where a narrow plane of focus can create the illusion of capturing a model rather than a real scene.
Weighing in at 860 grams, the Laowa 24mm f/2 tilt-shift lens fits well within the weight range of other full-frame tilt-shift alternatives. The official retail price in China has been set at RMB 7,650, which suggests the possibility of more competitive pricing compared to established brands upon its release in international markets. However, potential tariffs may influence U.S. pricing according to industry commentary.
For those interested in the specifications of the Laowa 24mm f/2 tilt-shift lens, it boasts an array of impressive features tailored for professional photographers:
– Format: Full frame
– Aperture: f/2, with 14 blades
– Construction: 13 elements in 10 groups (5 ED, 2 aspherical, 4 high-refractive)
– Shift: ±12mm
– Tilt: ±10°
– Distortion: Near-zero (as claimed by Laowa)
– Filter thread: 77mm
– Weight: 860g
– Mounts: Compatibility with Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-mount, Fujifilm GFX, and Hasselblad XCD
Currently, the lens is available for purchase in China at the designated price, though details regarding UK pricing and a precise global launch date have yet to be confirmed.
As Venus Optics continues to innovate within the photography lens market, the Laowa 24mm f/2 tilt-shift lens is poised to cater to the needs of professionals seeking high-quality, distortion-free imagery coupled with versatile operational features.
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