Venus Optics has added two 2X Macro lenses to their cinema lineup, the Laowa 65mm and 100mm T2.9 2X Macro APO.
Respectively designed for S35 and full-frame sensors, they feature cinematic housing with a stepless aperture ring and a long focus throw. Pricing starts at $599.
Over the years, Venus Optics built itself a reputation with its accessible wide-angle and macro lens lineups. Just a few weeks ago, the company released a 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO photographic lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Now, they are trying to step up their game by introducing what they claim to be the world’s first 2:1 macro cinema primes, the 65mm and 100mm T2.9 2X Macro APO. While both lenses offer a similar angle of view when paired with the sensors they’re designed for (24.4° for the 65mm and 26.1° for the 100mm), the 65mm only covers the Super 35 format, while the longer focal length can fit on full-frame cameras. Available lens mounts differ between the two models. The 65mm offers four options (Sony E/FUJIFILM X/Nikon Z/Canon RF), while the 100mm comes in ARRI PL as well as E/RF/EF/L-mount variants.
Being 2:1 macro lenses, they allow reproducing subjects at twice their real-world size on the sensor. According to the company, the apochromatic design should deliver crisp images with minimal chromatic aberrations in both in and out-of-focus areas.
Both focal lengths have an internal focusing mechanism and can reach infinity focus. The minimum focusing distance of the 65mm is claimed to be 17cm/6.69”, while that of the 100mm is set at 24.7cm/9.7”.
Optical design and cinematic housing
Obviously, the two lenses have different optical schemes. The 65mm features 14 elements arranged in 10 groups, including 3 ED (extra-low dispersion) pieces. On the other hand, the 100mm packs 12 elements in 10 groups with 2 ED elements. The number of aperture blades also varies between 9 (65mm) and 13 (100mm).
Despite the internal differences, the two lenses have a lot to share on the outside. Indeed, their cinematic housing includes a 77mm thread to accommodate front filters, as well as 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears. The aperture ring is stepless, while the focus throw is pretty long on both models (249° on the 65mm, 220°on the 100mm). The two lens barrels report focus markings in both metric and imperial units.
Price and availability
The new Laowa 65mm and 100mm T2.9 2X Macro APO cinema primes are available to pre-order from CVP. Their official retail price is set at $599 and $999 respectively. Both lenses come with a hard protective case.
