The Laowa 12mm T/2.9 ZERO-D Canon EF CINE Lens - Meters offers a wide viewing angle of 122 °, suitable for outdoor filming and landscapes, as well as in narrow indoor locations, being optimized for digital cinema. It is so light and compact that it can be used not only for handheld filming, but also for use on gimbals. The lens produces an image circle that will cover sensors full-frame, VistaVision, and ARRI ALEXA LF or smaller.
The 12 mm cine lens has a maximum aperture of T2.9 with 16 elements in 10 groups. Its 7-blade diaphragm offers a pleasant bokeh, a depth of field with little or no distortion, and a focusing distance close to approx. 18cm. The 102mm front diameter can be increased to 114mm with the included adapter to fit industry standard matte boxes to prevent glare and reflection, and to add filters.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Focal Length | 12mm |
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Stop Range | t/2.9 – 22 |
Angle of View | 122° |
Format Compatibility | Full frame, VistaVision |
Lens Structure | 16 elements in 10 groups |
Aperture Blades | 7 |
Min. shooting Distance | 18 cm |
Front Diameter | 102mm, works with 114mm adaptor ring & Matte box |
Length | 87mm |
Weight | 675g |