Description
The image circle allows cinematographers to use not only on full frame sensors (Size = 43.14mm), but also able to fill the Vista Vision sensors on RED Monstro and the sensor on Arri Alexa LF (Size @ open-gate = 44.7mm) fully. The lens is also ideal for Super35-sized camera owners with the ultra-wide 17mm equivalent field of view and its future-proof decision when cinematographers need to upgrade to large format cameras.
This 12mm lens is extremely compact and lightweight despite of the extreme specifications. It measures 3.4” (87mm) long and weighs less than 1.5 lb (675g). It can be easily fitted onto any sorts of stabilizations system including handheld gimbals.
The optical distortion of ultra-wide angle lens will never be a nightmare for DoP. The distortion rate of good wide angle lenses in the market ranges from 2-4%. Venus Optics, however, are able to compress the distortion to a close-to-zero level. In fact, the ‘Zero-D’ claim had been validated by many existing Laowa lenses owners from all around the world.
The lens able to focus at an extremely close focusing distance. It can focus anywhere from 7” away from sensor (<4” from front element) all the way to infinity. No diopter will be needed in this case. Wide angle lenses usually create a ‘flat’ image with very deep DOF but with this close focusing ability and a fast t-stop, Laowa 12mm is able to create some unique wide & shallow DOF look with pleasing bokeh.
The lens able to focus at an extremely close focusing distance. It can focus anywhere from 7” away from sensor (<4” from front element) all the way to infinity. No diopter will be needed in this case. Wide angle lenses usually create a ‘flat’ image with very deep DOF but with this close focusing ability and a fast t-stop, Laowa 12mm is able to create some unique wide & shallow DOF look with pleasing bokeh.
Technical Specifications
Focal Length 12mm
Stop Range t/2.9 – 22
Angle of View 122°
Format Compatibility Full frame, VistaVision
Lens Structure 16 elements in 10 groups
Aperture Blades 7
Min. shooting Distance 18 cm
Front Diameter 102mm, works with 114mm adaptor ring & Matte box
Filter Thread No filter (Matte box is required)
Length 87mm
Weight 675g
Accessory & Filter Compatibility
Key Measurements
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⭕ Outer Diameter (O.D.): 102mm Native (Includes a dedicated 114mm Step-Up Ring for industry-standard matte box compatibility).
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🔄 Front Filter Thread: None (Due to the bulbous ultra-wide front element, standard screw-on filters cannot be used. A matte box is strictly required).
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Physical Movement: Internal focus design. (The front element does not telescope or rotate during focus pulls).
Compatible Matte Boxes (Available to Rent)
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Tilta Matte Box MB-T12: Fits perfectly using the lens’s included 114mm step-up ring coupled with a 114mm clamp-on backplate.
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ARRI Lightweight Mattebox LMB-25 3-Stage: Fits directly over the included step-up ring when using a 114mm clamp adapter backplate.
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Tilta Mirage Motorized VND Kit: While the Mirage is natively 95mm, it can be adapted to this lens only if you rent the specific Tilta Mirage 114mm Clamp-on Adapter to fit over the lens’s included step-up ring.
Compatible Filters
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Cinema Filters (4×5.65″): Because there are no front threads, you must pair this lens with 4×5.65″ glass filters, such as our 7x TIFFEN 4×5.6 IR ND WW Filter Set, using the MB-T12 or ARRI LMB.
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Circular Filters: Standard screw-on filters cannot be used directly on this lens.
Recommended Rigging Accessories
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Wireless Lens Control: Features standard 0.8 MOD gears for focus and iris. We recommend renting the Nucleus-M II Wireless Lens Control System to take advantage of the lens’s smooth 270-degree focus throw.
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15mm LWS Lens Support: Utilizing a 15mm lens support bracket paired with our Smallrig Adapter Baseplate 15mm is strongly recommended to protect the camera’s mount from stress when flying 114mm matte boxes.
⚠️ Rigging Notes for Ultra-Wides
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Sensor Coverage: This lens covers both Full-Frame and VistaVision sensors. Thanks to Laowa’s careful design, mounting a standard 114mm matte box directly to the included step-up ring remains free of mechanical vignetting, even on massive VistaVision sensors.
Included
Laowa 12mm f2.8 Zero-D is available to rent at FRENEL rental.
