Venus Optics has released a new ultra-wide angle lens, the Laowa 6mm f/2 Zero-D MFT, for cameras with Micro Four Thirds format sensors.
The new Laowa 6mm f/2 Zero-D MFT lens shown on a Panasonic Lumix M4/3 camera. (Source: Venus Optics.)
Developed as a ‘photo’ version of the company’s previously released 6mm T2.1 Cine lens, the new 6mm f/2 Zero-D MFT lens comes with electrical contacts that allow users to control the aperture through the camera body and record EXIF metadata in image files. Weighing only 188 grams, this lens can capture an angle of view of 121.9 degrees with close-to-zero distortion, making it ideal for landscape, astrophotography, architectural or drone shots. The optical design of this lens contains 13 elements in nine groups and includes two aspherical elements for controlling distortion. Its fast f/2 maximum aperture provides flexibility for shooting in dim lighting and controlling depth of field.
The minimum focus of 9 cm allows photographers to shoot close-ups with visual impact, while the five aperture blades can produce 10-pointed sunstars when the aperture is stopped down. A focus magnifier is provided to enable fine tuning of focus when rotating the focus ring. This lens accepts 58 mm diameter screw-in filters. It is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/) and authorised dealers for an MSRP of US$499. Click here to visit the product page.