Venus Optics has expanded the Argus line of lenses to include a Laowa 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO and an 18mm f/0.95 Micro four-thirds APO.
The lenses feature an ultra lens aperture image circle which provides high performance in low-light environments and an exceptionally shallow depth of field that the company declares can “capture the essence of light.”
Both lenses have an apochromatic optical design (APO) for the correction of chromatic and spherical aberration and providing extreme sharpness, even when the lens is wide open. Purple fringing is also kept at bay, reducing post-editing to improve the image.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Each lens contains 14 lens elements, organized in eight groups for the 18mm APO, and nine groups for the 25mm APO respectively.
The glass elements include two extra-low dispersion elements, a single aspherical lens element, and four ultra-high refraction glass elements on the 18mm APO, while the 25mm APO has one extra-low dispersion element, two ultra-high refraction elements, and a single aspherical element at the end.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Internal focusing maximizes optical performance at the extreme ends of the focusing distance with .15X maximum magnification on the 18mm and .1x on the 25mm.
The internal focusing design also prevents dust from getting into the system more effectively and video content creators will also welcome the configuration which keeps focus-breathing at bay.
Both lenses also have a nine-bladed aperture iris to create a rounded, pleasing bokeh with a shallow depth of field and subject background separation for what Laowa says is a glamorous and dreamy image.
The lenses have a maximum aperture range of f/.095 to f/11.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Image Credit – Venus Optics
The lenses are capable of a minimum focusing distance of 7.87 inches (20cm) for the 18mm and 13.4 inches (34cm) for the 25mm respectively. The angle of view is 61.9 degrees for the 18mm, and 58.8 degrees for the 25mm.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Both lenses also have a 62mm filter thread and weigh 17.6 ounces (500 grams) and 20.25 ounces (575 grams) respectively. The length of the 18mm is 83mm, while the 25mm is 81mm.
The retail price for the Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 Micro four-thirds APO is $449 USD, while the Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO is available for Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon RF / Fuji X / Canon EF-M and sells for $549 USD.
Both are available now worldwide from VenusLens.net and authorized distributors.
[source: Venus Optics]
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