Today UK Optics, the British distributor for Laowa lenses, announced the availability and price of the new STF 105mm f/2. The lens will be released in March for the price of £650. It covers the 35mm sensor and will be available for various DSLR mounts and Sony E-mount, meaning it can be used on Sony full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras.
The STF 105mm f/2 features an all-metal construction with multi-coated glass elements. It has a fast aperture of f/2 but Laowa also released the transmission value, which is of T/3.2. The lens has a special optical system called STF (Smooth Trans Focus) that aims to deliver smooth focusing.
The optical design includes 11 elements in 8 groups and an apodisation filter (like the Fuji 56mm f/1.2 APD) to enhance the bokeh rendering and sharpness. The iris diagram mechanism with 14 blades should also be a relevant factor for quality bokeh. The minimum focus distance is only 90cm.
Laowa is the brand behind the Venus 15mm f/4 with 1:1 macro capabilities and the 60mm f/2.8 with 2:1 macro performance.
For UK residents, the lens will be on display at The Photography Show in Birmingham (19th to 22nd March, Stand B91).