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The Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be lens doesn’t offer zoom like Laowa’s upcoming lens but will share the tubular and attachment-based design. Image: Laowa |
Venus Optics announced that it will be releasing an innovative new zoom probe lens under its Laowa brand, set to come out sometime in Q2 of 2025. The Zoom Probe Lens builds on Laowa’s unique series of probe macro lenses, including the probe that kicked it all off, the 24mm f/14 Probe.
Laowa is treating this announcement as a teaser of sorts, and as such, it shared little information regarding specific details of the lens. What we do know is that it will offer an ultra-wide 15mm focal length with 2.3x zoom. Venus Optics didn’t share the full focal range beyond the widest focal length, but 2.3x zoom implies roughly 35mm when zoomed in.
The company says it will deliver “unmatched versatility and creative control for cinematographers and photographers alike.” Given that macro photography can be challenging to set up in the first place, having the flexibility to simply zoom in or out to adjust the photograph could be a big time saver for macro photographers. The new zoom probe will be parfocal and offer direct, periscope, and 35-degree tilt views due to interchangeable parts, just like the Pro2be released in 2023.
The timing of the announcement is interesting as DZOFilm announced its X-Tract 18-28mm T8 Probe Zoom on the same day, as PetaPixel reported. The DZOFilm zoom probe is primarily intended for macro cinematography and offers a focal range of 18-28mm. It’s available for pre-order now for $3,499 and is expected to start shipping next week.
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| Image: Laowa |
Those interested in the Laowa Zoom Probe will need to wait a bit longer, though. The company simply says that “the forthcoming Laowa Zoom Probe Lens will be officially announced with more detailed specifications.” It only mentions that it will be available for shipment sometime in Q2 2025, with no specific dates or pricing information.
Press release:
Laowa Sets the Stage for a Zoom Probe Lens with an Ultra-Wide 15mm Perspective, Broader Focal Range, and Dynamic Angles
Anhui, China, 15th January 2025 – Laowa, the originator of the 24mm f/14 Probe, Periprobe, and 24mm T8 Pro2be, is set to launch a groundbreaking Zoom Probe Lens in Q2 of 2025. Building on its legacy of innovation, this new lens combines the signature advantages of its predecessors with industry-first features, delivering unmatched versatility and creative control for cinematographers and photographers alike. Designed to outperform competitors and exceed market expectations, it offers:
- 15mm Widest Perspective for Enhanced Storytelling Possibilities
- Powerful & Par-focus 2.3x Zoom Range for Greater Framing Flexibility
- Direct, Periscope, and 35-degree Tilt View for Dynamic Angles
- Up to 2x Magnification for Finer Details
- Unrivaled Sharpness and Superior Image Quality
- Waterproof Tubular Barrel for Confident Shooting in Challenging Environments
Laowa’s previous probe lenses revolutionized macro videography by capturing intricate details in hard-to-reach places, while also offering a unique, bug-like perspective that plunges viewers into a new and immersive world. Laowa is grateful that the probe lenses have been widely used and appreciated by professionals across the industry for decades. We listened closely to our users’ feedback and remain committed to advancing our products. With the upcoming Zoom Probe Lens, Laowa once again pushes the boundaries of innovation—delivering a wider field of view and broader focal range to meet the ever-evolving demands of professional creators.
Availability
The forthcoming Laowa Zoom Probe Lens will be officially announced with more detailed specifications. It will be available for shipment in Q2 2025. Stay tuned for more exciting news from Venus Optics.
Author:
This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.
