Venus Optics has released the Laowa 9mm f/5.6 FF RL lens, which is claimed as the world’s widest rectilinear lens for full frame cameras.
The new Laowa 9mm f/5.6 FF RL lens. (Source: Venus Optics.)
Designed to encompass a remarkable 135° angle of view, the new Laowa 9mm f/5.6 is currently the widest non-fisheye lens ever developed for full frame mirrorless cameras. It is also the smallest in its class, measuring approximately 6 cm in length and weighing only 350 grams. Its optical design (shown below) uses 14 elements in 10 groups and includes one element made from ultra-high refraction glass, two aspherical elements and two extra-low dispersion glass elements. This structure delivers corner-to-corner sharpness with low distortions and minimal chromatic aberrations.
The new lens can focus to within 12 cm of subjects, providing flexibility for photographers to compose both close-up and distant shots and also control depth of field. The new 9mm lens is available in black and silver versions for the Leica M mount and in black for Sony FE, Nikon Z and L mount cameras. It’s the first Leica M lens Venus Optics have ever produced and also supports rangefinder coupling on Leica cameras.
The new Laowa 9mm f/5.6 FF RL is currently available to purchase via the Venus Optics official website and authorised resellers. Pricing varies in different countries but the US price is $899 (Leica M mount) and $799 (Sony FE, Nikon Z and L) The first 100 orders will get a 100mm magnetic filter holder (Retail Value: US$149) for free.
