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Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens (Sony E)

BH #VE1229FEC • MFR #VE1229FEC
Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens (Sony E)
Key Features
  • Sony E Mount Lens, T2.9 to T22 Aperture
  • 122° Angle of View, Low Distortion
  • Covers Full Frame/VistaVision/ALEXA LF
  • 7" Close Focus, 0.8 MOD Cine Gears
The Sony E mount Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens from Venus Optics provides a wide, 122° angle of view well suited for outdoor and landscape shots and in tight interior locations, and it is optimized for digital cinematography. It is so lightweight and compact that it can be used not only with handheld shooting, it is also light enough for use on gimbals. The lens produces an image circle that will cover full-frame, VistaVision, and ARRI ALEXA LF sized sensors or smaller.
In Stock
$1,499.00
$125/mo. suggested payments for 12 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
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Focal Length
12mm
15mm
Focus Scale Markings
Feet
Meters
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Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T/2.9 Zero-D (ft) Overview

The Sony E mount Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens from Venus Optics provides a wide, 122° angle of view well suited for outdoor and landscape shots and in tight interior locations, and it is optimized for digital cinematography. It is so lightweight and compact that it can be used not only with handheld shooting, it is also light enough for use on gimbals. The lens produces an image circle that will cover full-frame, VistaVision, and ARRI ALEXA LF sized sensors or smaller.

The 12mm cine lens features a maximum aperture of T2.9 with 16 elements in 10 groups. Its 7-blade aperture provides a soft, pleasing bokeh, a shallow depth of field with little to no distortion, and a 7" close focus distance. The focus and aperture rings feature industry-standard 0.8 pitch gearing that will accommodate standard cine follow focus motors. The 102mm front diameter can be stepped up to 114mm with the included adapter to fit industry-standard matte boxes to prevent glare and reflection, as well as to add filters. Focus, aperture, and depth of field markings are in feet on the side of the lens to aid focus pullers.

In addition to the 114mm step-up adapter ring, a shim set is included for calibration, and a hard-shell Pelican case with custom foam is included to protect and transport the lens.

Ultra wide-angle 12mm T2.9 prime designed for Sony E mount cine cameras with up to full-frame/VistaVision/ALEXA LF sensor
Designed with 16 elements in 10 groups, low distortion, and 7-blade iris
102mm front diameter with 114mm step-up adapter ring to fit industry-standard matte box
7" close focus, smooth 270° focus rotation, and standard 0.8 MOD focus ring
Shim set and hard-shell Pelican case with custom foam are included

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T/2.9 Zero-D (ft) Specs

Focal Length
12mm
Maximum Aperture
T2.9
Minimum Aperture
T22
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
Full Frame
Image Circle
44.7 mm
Focus Scales
Imperial
Optical Design
16 Elements in 10 Groups
Filter Thread
None
Minimum Focus Distance
From : 7" / 17.8 cm
Diaphragm Blades
7
Image Stabilization
No
Weight
1.49 lb / 675 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.915 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
11.1 x 10.3 x 7.6"

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T/2.9 Zero-D (ft) Reviews

Very nice lens

By James
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-26

I am very happy with this lens.

Sharp

By Stephane
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-27

Very sharp, very low distorsion! I am very happy!

Great lens

By Liam
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-24

Really awesome lens, can see me using it on every job atleast once.

95mm filters are a problem

By Alex
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-11

Despite my Laowa 12mm Zero-D Cine in PL mount has a 95mm thread, for the life of me I can't fit a 95mm filter in there. The front lens protrudes so far forward that it's on the same plane as the lens front barell and the filter just lays on the glass. I have a Freewell 95mm 2-5 stops Vari-ND filter.

No brainer

By Toby
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-10

This lens is incredible for the price, does everything it says and well built. Breathing is pronounced but forgivable due to how optically awesome it is for a lens so wide.

Beautiful Cinematic Image

By Clint
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-11

This lens is incredible. I recently paired it with a Canon Cine 50mm and the footage holds up pretty well! Lovely wide angle with a natural look rather than GoPro style fisheye. Works really well with a follow focus and overall is a lovely lens! Would highly recommend.

You don't get what you pay for

By John
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-06

Vignettes and doesn't cover full frame sensor, of course it's especially noticeable when you stop down. Back focus was off when it arrived. Be prepared to pay something to correct that.

Freaking awesome

By Ginnard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-01

Bought this last minute and was a bit conserned at first but after using it. It's now my favorite wide.

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Does this lens work on my A7R4 mirrorless? Thanks

Does this lens work on my A7R4 mirrorless? Thanks
Asked by: Mariano
Yes it will. Totally manual.
Answered by: Mark
Date published: 2021-05-25

anyway to get a matte box on this guy?

anyway to get a matte box on this guy?
Asked by: Ed
The Venus Optics Laowa 12mm Cine Lens has a 114mm outer diameter. You will be able to use a 114mm clamp on adapter.
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2021-10-24

Is this the same lens "optically" as the non cine ...

Is this the same lens "optically" as the non cine Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D?
Asked by: John
Yes they are the same focal length, but the cine version will be much better for video.
Answered by: Geetika
Date published: 2021-04-02

Can I use Canon EF to R adapter with this lens?

Can I use Canon EF to R adapter with this lens?
Asked by: Peng
Yes, the standard Canon EF to R Adapter will work with the Laowa 12mm lens.
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2021-07-15

Does anyone know how this compares to the Irix ...

Does anyone know how this compares to the Irix 11mm 4.3 Cine Lens, specifically for real estate video? I can't seem to find any real comparisons online.
Asked by: Carlos
The Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens (Leica L) is not as wide an angle as the IRIX 11mm T4.3 Cine Lens. It is however, lighter and tiny bit better in low light. Image quality wise, they are comparable.
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2022-09-29

Im guessing Tilta Mini Matte Box will not fit on ...

Im guessing Tilta Mini Matte Box will not fit on this, correct?
Asked by: James
The Tilta Mini Matte Box will not fit on this lens.
Answered by: Jabari
Date published: 2021-04-15

What is the front thread for NDs id like to screw ...

What is the front thread for NDs id like to screw on one if possible?
Asked by: Ben
The Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens (Canon EF) does not have front filter threads, and as such screw in filters are not compatible with the lens. With a 12mm format the Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens (Canon EF) is likely to wide angle to pair with external ND filters, but if you want to try a matte box would be the best way to try an apply ND in front of the lens.
Answered by: Paige K
Date published: 2022-10-24

Will this lens work on the Blackmagic Ursa Mini ...

Will this lens work on the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 12k Super35 sensor or will there be a vignette?
Asked by: Ralston
Yes, the Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens (PL Mount) is compatible with the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 12K (PL), and it will cover the entire sensor on the camera.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2023-06-12
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