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.
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Key Features
- Leica L 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 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.
Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T/2.9 Zero-D (ft) Overview
- 1Description
- 2Leica L Mount
- 3Low Distortion, 7-Blade Iris
- 4114mm Step-Up Ring
- 57" Close Focus
- 6Hard-Shell Case
By B&H Photo's
Leica L Mount
Ultra wide-angle 12mm T2.9 prime designed for Leica L-mount cine cameras with up to full-frame/VistaVision/ALEXA LF sensor
Low Distortion, 7-Blade Iris
Designed with 16 elements in 10 groups, low distortion, and 7-blade iris
114mm Step-Up Ring
102mm front diameter with 114mm step-up adapter ring to fit industry-standard matte box
7" Close Focus
7" close focus from sensor (4" from lens front), smooth 270° focus rotation, and standard 0.8 MOD focus ring
Hard-Shell Case
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 | |
| Maximum Aperture | |
| Minimum Aperture | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Lens Format Coverage | |
| Image Circle | |
| Focus Scales | |
| Optical Design | |
| Filter Thread | |
| Minimum Focus Distance | |
| Diaphragm Blades | |
| Image Stabilization | |
| Weight |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
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 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.
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.
Date published: 2022-09-29
Does anyone know how this compares to the Laowa ...
Does anyone know how this compares to the Laowa 12mm 2.9 Cine Lens, specifically for real estate video? I can't seem to find any real comparisons online.
This Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine Lens (Leica L) is a great lens for real estate videos as it has a very wide 122° angle of view, with very minimal to no distortion of the image.
Date published: 2022-09-29
anyway to get a matte box on this guy?
anyway to get a matte box on this guy?
The Venus Optics Laowa 12mm Cine Lens has a 114mm outer diameter. You will be able to use a 114mm clamp on adapter.
Date published: 2021-10-24
Does this lens work on my A7R4 mirrorless? Thanks
Does this lens work on my A7R4 mirrorless? Thanks
Yes it will. Totally manual.
Date published: 2021-05-25
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?
Yes they are the same focal length, but the cine version will be much better for video.
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?
Yes, the standard Canon EF to R Adapter will work with the Laowa 12mm lens.
Date published: 2021-07-15
Im guessing Tilta Mini Matte Box will not fit on ...
Im guessing Tilta Mini Matte Box will not fit on this, correct?
The Tilta Mini Matte Box will not fit on this lens.
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?
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.
Date published: 2022-10-24