Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens (Leica L)

The Leica L-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 for 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 size 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 from the camera sensor (4" from the lens front). The focus and aperture rings feature industry-standard 0.8-MOD 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, as well as a hard-shell Pelican case with custom foam to protect and transport the lens.