In less than two days, Venus Optics has managed to fund the world’s widest f/2.8 lens on Kickstarter, the Laowa 12mm f/2.8.
This new lens, which is also the fastest 12mm prime for full-frame cameras, is available for Canon EF, Nikon AI, Sony A, Pentax K and Sony E mounts. It provides a 122 degree angle of view, weighs just 610 grams and has a front diameter of 77mm, making it compact enough to carry around for everyday use.
With its 16 lens elements including 3 extra-low dispersion elements and 2 aspherical elements, the lens is good for a variety of genres such as landscapes, architecture, interiors, travel and astrophotography. Venus Optics claims that it has almost zero barrel distortion and excellent corner-to-corner sharpness and contrast.
By purchasing the optional filter holder, you can also insert two 100mm ND filters and one 105mm CPL filter for long exposures.
Along with the new 12mm f/2.8, Venus Optics also announced the Laowa Magic Shift Converter. It enlarges the full-frame image circle, making it possible to use the 12mm as a 17mm tilt-shift lens on full-frame E-mount cameras.
To support the campaign and pre-order the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 at a discounted price, you can visit the Kickstarter page here.
