Venus Optics releases Laowa OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 Cine lens

Angled view of the new Laowa OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 Cine lens. (Source: Venus Optics.)

OOOM, which stands for ‘Out Of Our Minds’, is a new line-up of cinematography lenses developed by Venus Optics to provide affordable par-focus capabilities with a versatile zoom range and minimal focus breathing. The new lens features a larger Super35 design that allows it to be used with no vignetting on Alexa Mini 4k UHD (& opengate), 8k HD on Red Helium and 5k HD on Red Gemini. The coverage can also be increased to ‘full frame’ with the proprietary 1.4x expander, which will be released in roughly three months. The parfocal design ensures focus is retained while zooming in or out to keep the subject sharp and in focus. The constant T2.9 maximum aperture allows low light shooting throughout the zoom range. Framing flexibility is provided with the 60 cm minimum focus.

The OOOM is designed to offer a vintage look in both colour and bokeh. The image is not overly contrasty nor flat but with the excellent sharpness of modern lenses. It also renders a natural healthy skin tone and silky smooth transitions. The zoom, aperture and focus rings are designed with 0.8 mod gears for motor engagement. The front outer diameter can be stepped up to 114mm via the included step-up ring and a 95mm filter thread is also equipped for easy filter installation. A new 1.33X rear Anamorphic Adapter will also be released in approximately three months to create a cinematic 2.35:1 widescreen ratio when paired with the OOOM. There will be a half-stop light loss when the anamorphic adapter is used.

The new Laowa OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 is currently available to order via Venus Optics new website for cinema lenses and authorised resellers. The US (ex-VAT) price is $5,000/pc for lens only and $6,500 for a bundle with the 2 adapters. The standalone price of both the 1.4x FF expander and the 1.33x rear anamorphic adapter will be US$999 respectively when they are released.