These lenses are designed for professional videographers and cinematographers working with Super 35 cameras.
In this review, we will take a detailed look at each of these lenses, their technical specifications, advantages and disadvantages, and compare them with similar models from competitors.
Laowa Ranger S35 11-18mm
Key Specifications
- Focal Length: 11-18mm
- Maximum Aperture: T2.9
- Minimum Aperture: T22
- Mount: PL, Canon EF, Sony E
- Angle of View: 126°-90°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 30 cm
- Filter Diameter: 95 mm
- Weight: 1.1 kg
Advantages
- Wide Angle of View: This lens offers one of the widest angles of view in its class, making it ideal for landscape, architecture, and tight interior shooting.
- Constant Aperture T2.9: Allows for stable lighting during zooming, which is particularly important for video shooting.
- Short Focus Distance: 30 cm allows for expressive close-ups with a depth effect.
- Optical Quality: Excellent resolution and minimal chromatic aberrations, which are crucial for professional video shooting.
Disadvantages
- Weight and Size: Although 1.1 kg is not much for a professional lens, it can be noticeable for some operators during prolonged handheld shooting.
- High Price: Professional lenses are often expensive, and this model is no exception.
Technical Details: Optical Characteristics
- Chromatic Aberrations: The lens demonstrates minimal chromatic aberrations thanks to the use of low dispersion elements. This is particularly important for wide-angle lenses where aberrations can be noticeable at the edges of the frame.
- Distortion: At a focal length of 11mm, there is slight barrel distortion, but it is well controlled and easily corrected in post-processing. At 18mm, the distortion is almost non-existent.
- Vignetting: Slight vignetting is observed at the maximum aperture of T2.9, which becomes less noticeable when the aperture is stopped down to T4.0 and beyond.
- Resolution: The lens provides high resolution across the entire frame. The center of the frame is exceptionally sharp, with the edges slightly trailing, which is typical for wide-angle lenses.
Comparison with Competitors
Comparing the Laowa Ranger S35 11-18mm with similar wide-angle lenses such as the Canon CN-E 14mm T3.1 and Zeiss CP.3 15mm T2.9, the following differences can be noted:
- Canon CN-E 14mm T3.1: This lens has a narrower angle of view and a fixed focal length, but it is known for its high optical sharpness and reliability. The Canon CN-E 14mm is more compact but lacks the versatility of a zoom lens.
Image source: Canon - Zeiss CP.3 15mm T2.9: Zeiss offers excellent image quality and is known for its color rendition, but it also has a fixed focal length, which limits its application compared to the Laowa 11-18mm.
Image source: Zeiss
Laowa Ranger S35 17-50mm
Key Specifications
- Focal Length: 17-50mm
- Maximum Aperture: T2.9
- Minimum Aperture: T22
- Mount: PL, Canon EF, Sony E
- Angle of View: 80°-27°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 50 cm
- Filter Diameter: 95 mm
- Weight: 1.2 kg
Advantages
- Versatile Focal Range: 17-50mm is suitable for a wide range of shooting genres, from portraits to documentaries and reportage.
- Constant Aperture T2.9: Ensures high light sensitivity and beautiful bokeh at all focal lengths.
- Professional Image Quality: Excellent sharpness and contrast across the entire frame.
- Ease of Use: The wide focal range reduces the need for frequent lens changes on set.
Disadvantages
- Long Minimum Focus Distance: 50 cm can be a drawback for macro shooting or when very close shooting is required.
- Weight: 1.2 kg requires the use of a stabilizer or tripod for prolonged shoots.
Technical Details: Optical Characteristics
- Chromatic Aberrations: The lens successfully minimizes chromatic aberrations thanks to the use of high-quality glass elements. This maintains high image quality even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Distortion: Throughout the focal range of 17-50mm, distortion is almost non-existent. The lens controls geometric distortions well, making it ideal for architecture and interior shooting.
- Vignetting: Slight vignetting is observed at the open aperture of T2.9, but it becomes almost imperceptible when stopped down to T4.0 and beyond.
- Resolution: The lens shows excellent resolution and sharpness across the entire frame, which is essential for professional video shooting.
Comparison with Competitors
Comparing the Laowa Ranger S35 17-50mm with competitors such as the Canon CN-E 15.5-47mm T2.8 and Sigma 18-35mm T2, the following points can be highlighted:
- Canon CN-E 15.5-47mm T2.8: Canon offers a slightly more light-sensitive lens with a similar focal range. However, Canon can be more expensive and heavier.
Image source: Canon - Sigma 18-35mm T2: Sigma has a more limited focal range but outperforms Laowa in terms of light sensitivity (T2.0). Sigma is also more compact and lightweight, which can be an advantage for some operators.
Image source: Sigma - ARRI Ultra Prime 16-42mm T2.8: ARRI offers high image quality and color rendition, but this lens is significantly more expensive and heavier than the Laowa. The ARRI Ultra Prime also features a robust construction and durability, making it popular among professional operators.
Image source: ARRI
Laowa Ranger S35 50-130mm
Key Specifications
- Focal Length: 50-130mm
- Maximum Aperture: T2.9
- Minimum Aperture: T22
- Mount: PL, Canon EF, Sony E
- Angle of View: 27°-12°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 80 cm
- Filter Diameter: 95 mm
- Weight: 1.3 kg
Advantages
- Telephoto Lens: Ideal for shooting distant subjects, portraits, and close-ups.
- Constant Aperture T2.9: Suitable for low-light shooting and provides beautiful bokeh.
- Optical Stabilization: Reduces camera shake, especially useful for handheld shooting.
- High Build Quality: The robust construction ensures durability and resistance to harsh shooting conditions.
Disadvantages
- Weight and Size: 1.3 kg can be an issue for prolonged handheld shooting without support.
- Long Minimum Focus Distance: 80 cm limits macro shooting capabilities.
Technical Details: Optical Characteristics
- Chromatic Aberrations: This lens effectively minimizes chromatic aberrations, which is particularly important for telephoto lenses where such distortions can be more noticeable.
- Distortion: At any focal length, distortion is almost non-existent, allowing for geometrically accurate images.
- Vignetting: Slight vignetting may be observed at the open aperture, but it becomes minimal when the aperture is stopped down to T4.0 and beyond.
- Resolution: The lens demonstrates excellent resolution and high sharpness across the entire frame, allowing for detailed and high-quality images.
Comparison with Competitors
Comparing the Laowa Ranger S35 50-130mm with competitors such as the Canon CN-E 30-105mm T2.8 and Fujinon MK50-135mm T2.9, the following points can be noted:
- Canon CN-E 30-105mm T2.8: Canon offers a wider focal range and slightly better light sensitivity (T2.8), but it can be significantly more expensive and heavier.
Image source: Canon - Fujinon MK50-135mm T2.9: Fujinon offers similar light sensitivity and focal range but is known for its outstanding optical stabilization and image quality. Fujinon can also be slightly lighter, making it more convenient for long shoots.
Image source: Fujinon - RED Pro Zoom 50-150mm T3.0: RED offers a slightly larger focal range and similar light sensitivity. The RED Pro Zoom is known for its durability and reliability but can be significantly more expensive and heavier, making it less convenient for on-the-go shooting.
Image source: RED
The Laowa Ranger S35 11-18mm, 17-50mm, and 50-130mm lenses are excellent solutions for professional videographers seeking high image quality and versatility. Each of them has unique advantages, making them useful for different types of shooting. However, their weight and high price can be obstacles for some users. Overall, these lenses are powerful tools in a professional operator’s arsenal, providing excellent image quality and reliability.
