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The Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be lens doesn’t offer zoom like Laowa’s upcoming lenses, but will share the tubular and attachment-based design. Image: laova |
Venus Optics announced that it will release an innovative new zoom probe lens under its Laova brand, which will be released in the second quarter of 2025. Zoom Probe Lens is based on Laowa’s unique series of Probe Macro lenses, including the Probe that started it Beyond 24mm f/14 probe,
Laowa is treating this announcement as a teaser of sorts, and as such, it has shared very little information about specific details of the lens. What we do know is that it will offer an ultra-wide 15mm focal length along with a 2.3x zoom. The Venus optics don’t share full focal range beyond the widest focal length, but a 2.3x zoom means about 35mm when zoomed in.
The company says it will “provide unmatched versatility and creative control for cinematographers and photographers.” Given that macro photography can be challenging to set up at first, the flexibility to simply zoom in or zoom out to adjust the photograph can be a huge time saver for macro photographers. The new zoom probe will be parfocal and, like the Pro2B, will offer direct, periscope and 35-degree tilt views due to interchangeable parts. Released in 2023,
The timing of the announcement is interesting as DZOfilm announced their X-Tract 18-28mm T8 Probe zoom on the same day. Petapixel reportedThe DZOFilm zoom probe is primarily for macro cinematography and offers a focal range of 18-28 mm. It is available for Pre-order now for $3,499 and is expected to begin shipping next week.
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| Image: laova |
However, those interested in testing the Laowa Zoom will have to wait a little longer. The company simply says that “the upcoming Laowa zoom probe lens will be officially announced with more detailed specifications.” It only mentions that it will be available for shipment in the second quarter of 2025, with no specific date or pricing information.
Press release:
Laova sets the stage for a zoom probe lens with an ultra-wide 15mm perspective, wide focal range and dynamic angles
Anhui, China, January 15, 2025 – Laowa, the originator of the 24mm f/14 Probe, PeriProbe and 24mm T8 Pro2B, is set to launch a groundbreaking zoom probe lens in Q2 2025. Building on its legacy of innovation, this new lens combines the distinctive benefits of its predecessors with industry-first features, providing unmatched versatility and creative control for cinematographers and photographers alike. Designed to outperform competitors and exceed market expectations, it offers:
- 15mm wide perspective for enhanced storytelling possibilities
- Powerful and par-focus 2.3x zoom range for superior framing flexibility
- Direct, periscope and 35-degree tilt views for dynamic angles
- Magnification up to 2x for better details
- Unmatched sharpness and superior image quality
- Waterproof tubular barrel for confident shooting in challenging environments
Laowa’s previous Probe lens revolutionized macro videography by capturing intricate details in inaccessible locations, while also offering a unique, bug-like perspective that transports viewers into a new and immersive world. Laowa is grateful that investigation lenses have been widely used and appreciated by professionals throughout the industry for decades. We listened carefully to our users’ feedback and are committed to improving our products moving forward. With the upcoming Zoom Probe lens, Laowa once again pushes the boundaries of innovation – providing a wider field of view and wider focal range to meet the ever-growing demands of professional creators.
Availability
The upcoming Laowa zoom probe lens will be officially announced with more detailed specifications. It will be available for shipment in the second quarter of 2025. Stay tuned for more exciting news from Venus Optics.
