Published: October 10, 2023
Anhui China, 10 October 2023 – Venus Optics is delighted to introduce its latest creation, the Laowa 8-16mm f3.5-5 Zoom CF. A unique compact zoom lens redefines the boundaries of wide-angle photography and is designed to meet the needs of modern photographers.
With an angle of view spanning from 82.8 degrees to 120.9 degrees, this lens opens up new horizons for capturing expansive scenes and diverse perspectives for APS-C users. Like most of the Laowa wide-angle lenses, the 8-16mm also has well-controlled optical distortion. It is also able to focus at a close distance and has an 86mm filter thread for more creative options. It’s the ultimate tool for landscape photography, architectural shots, creative wide-angle portraits, and any narrative that calls for a broader view.
Lightweight and compact design
What truly sets this lens apart is its lightweight and compact design, weighing in at just 463 grams. Its small size paired with such a wide angle makes it a perfect companion for travel and on-the-go photography, ensuring you never miss a moment. Additionally, its user-friendly design makes it suitable for both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals, providing a seamless photography experience and making it a great addition to any camera kit.
Designed specifically for mirrorless cameras, this lens seamlessly integrates with your setup, providing optimal image quality while maintaining the portability that mirrorless camera users appreciate.
10-point Sunstar
In addition to its impressive features, the 8-16mm lens offers a unique Sunstar effect with its 5-blade aperture, adding a captivating visual element to your photos.
86mm filter thread
Its 86mm filter thread adds to its flexibility, allowing you to experiment for various photographic needs. Whether you want to use ND filters for long exposure shots, polarizers for enhanced skies, or creative look filters to infuse your images with unique artistic flair, this lens gives you the flexibility to experiment and improve your photos.
Close focusing capability of 20cm
It also boasts a close focusing capability of 20cm, enabling you to capture intricate details even from a short distance.
Aperture ring de-clicking option
For videographers, the lens features an aperture ring de-clicking option, ensuring smooth and seamless aperture adjustments during video shooting.
Specs:
Format: APS-C
Focal Length: 8-16mm
Max Aperture: f/3.5-5.0
Min Aperture: f/16
Angle of View: 82.8°-120.9°
Lens Structure: 16 elements/12 groups (Aspherical element*2, ED elements*2)
Aperture Blades: 5
Min. Shooting Distance: 7.87’’ / 20cm
Max. Magnification: 0.125X
Focusing: MF
Filter Thread: 86mm
Dimensions: 3.48 x 3.48’’ / 88.4 x 88.53 mm
Weight: 1.02 lb / 463g (without lens hood and both front cap and rear cap)
Mounts: Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Canon RF, EF-M
Price: $549 USD
Pricing & availability
The Laowa 8-16mm f3.5-5 Zoom CF is currently available for purchase at $549 USD. You can find it on the official Venus Optics website and through authorized resellers. Pricing varies in different countries.
Order Laowa 8-16mm f3.5-5 Zoom CF Lens from Venus Optics | B&H Photo
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2 thoughts on “Venus Optics Announces Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF Lens”
Looks like APS-C users now have a 12mm lens! But is it chipped giving lens info to camera METADATA? I went to site and there was no mention of being chipped/contacts also no images of lens back to see if it has contacts. Must be like an old film lens, so manual focus. But the key issue that buyers need to be aware of is a lens correction for no matter the make of a camera lens they all need a lens profile on hand in all post processing programs. Lr leads with the most LP but the brand is not listed or this lens listed.
I wanted super wide in ’15 for Astro MW’s and got the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 but it had mustache distortion on horizon with trailing stars in both corners and between a chipped and unchipped there was LC for a year and Lr is the only on to this day to have a LC. My point is if you get this low cost (never say cheap) lens will you get a image that looks right. Also no mention of a LC you can download. Pro editors can do a correction like the images that are on site.
The key also is if a 12mm in 35mm format is that it has a screw on filter were as the Full Frame Sony 12-24mm needs a 150 filter assembly with filter.
Somethings to ponder before a penny is put toward any lens.
As far as indoor architectural shots 16mm has been found to be the widest for any wider everything is to far away and you get bending downward of floor and things close to camera.
Lastly super ultra wides are not for getting everything in the photo but to have an item/story close and the wideness behind. Again there is a skill to using this wide of a lens.
Venus Optics lenses do not have electronic contacts. I’ve asked them about this and it’s simply because they choose not to work with the camera manufacturers. I wish they would because their build quality is by far the best of any Chinese lens manufacturer.