Four f/0.95 lenses unleashed by Laowa

Four f/0.95 lenses unleashed by Laowa
(Image credit: Venus Optics / Sightron)

Laowa has unveiled four f/0.95 prime lenses that comprise its new Argus line – two for full frame, and one each for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras. 

Venus Optics, manufacturer of the Laowa brand, revealed the fast glass at the CP+ 2021 imaging super show in Japan. They consist of mostly wide-angle lenses – 25mm (Micro Four Thirds), 33mm (APS-C) and 35mm – along with a 45mm option. However, given the associated crop factors, the first two behave as effective 50mm lenses

• Read more: Fastest lenses you can buy

They join the increasingly populated ranks of f/0.95 lenses, including the Mitakon Speedmaster f/0.95 and the Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct. Here are the specs of the lenses, courtesy of Venus Optics / Sightron:

Laowa MFT 25mm f/0.95

(Image credit: Venus Optics / Sightron)

Micro Four Thirds

• Focal length: 25 mm
• Effective focal length: 50mm
• Maximum aperture ratio: F0.95
• Angle: 46.7 °
• Lens construction: 8 groups 14 sheets (1 aspherical lens, one special low-dispersion lens, including three high refractive lenses)
• Number of aperture blades: 9
• Minimum shooting distance: 25 cm
• Maximum shooting magnification: 0.17 times
• Filter diameter: φ62mm
• Dimensions: φ71 mm × 86 mm
• Mass: Approx. 570 g

Laowa CF 33mm f/0.95 APO

(Image credit: Venus Optics / Sightron)

APS-C – Sony E / Fuji X / Nikon Z / Canon EF-M

• Focal length: 33 mm
• Effective focal length: 49.5 (Sony / Fuji / Nikon), 52.8 (Canon)
• Maximum aperture ratio: F0.95
• Angle: 46.2 °
• Lens construction: 9 groups 14 sheets (1 aspherical lens, one special low-dispersion lens, including three high refractive lenses)
• Number of aperture blades: 9
• Shortest shooting distance: 35cm
• Maximum shooting magnification : 0.125x
• Filter diameter 62mm
• Dimensions: φ71.5mm × 83mm
• Mass: Approximately 590g

Laowa 35mm f/0.95

(Image credit: Venus Optics / Sightron)

Full frame – Sony FE / Nikon Z / Canon RF

• Focal length: 35 mm
• Maximum aperture ratio: F0.95
• Angle: 63.4 °
• Lens construction: 9 groups 14 sheets (1 aspherical lens, one special low-dispersion lens includes four high refractive lenses)
• Number of aperture blades: 15
• Shortest shooting distance: 50cm
• Maximum shooting magnification : 0.1x
• Filter diameter: 72mm
• Dimensions: φ76.8mm × 103mm
• Weight: Approximately 755g

Laowa FF II 45mm f/0.95

(Image credit: Venus Optics / Sightron)

Full frame – Sony FE / Nikon Z / Canon RF

• Focal length: 45 mm
• Maximum aperture ratio: F0.95
• Angle: 51.3 °
• Lens construction: 9 groups 13 sheets (1 aspherical lens, one special low-dispersion lens, including one high refractive lenses)
• Number of aperture blades: 15
• Shortest shooting distance: 50cm
• Maximum shooting magnification : 0.12x
• Filter diameter: 72mm
• Dimensions: φ76.8mm × 110mm
• Weight: Approximately 850g

Read more: 

Best wide angle lens
Best 50mm lens
Best Canon RF lenses
Best Nikon Z lenses
Best Sony lenses
Best Micro Four Thirds lenses

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.