Venus Optics has unveiled the Laowa 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D, a new ultra-wide-angle lens specifically crafted for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
This lens showcases a zero-distortion optical design in a compact, non-fisheye format.
It works seamlessly with autofocus cameras that utilize Sony E-Mount and Nikon Z lens mounts, making it perfect for a variety of uses, including landscape photography, vlogging, astrophotography, and aerial cinematography.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
“The wide perspective helps capture vast, expansive scenes with dramatic scale and depth, while the f/2.8 aperture allows more light to enter, enabling faster shutter speeds and better performance in dim environments,” states the announcement.
“This also offers creative flexibility for foreground emphasis and environmental storytelling. Whether you’re exploring rugged mountains, shooting seascapes, or capturing the night sky, this lens is built to handle it all with ease and clarity.”
The Laowa 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D features a fast aperture of F2.8 and presents an impressive 122° angle of view, excelling in low-light scenarios while ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness and accurate color rendering without distortion or artifacts.
Unlike many ultra-wide lenses in this category that often suffer from fisheye distortion, this lens employs advanced optical engineering to maintain straight lines and true perspectives.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Designed with 16 lens elements arranged in a 9-group structure, this lens incorporates 2 aspherical elements and 4 low-dispersion elements.
Its 5-blade aperture design creates a lightweight lens, generating a 10-point sun star flare and a cinematic bokeh effect.
This combination establishes the 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D as a powerful tool for capturing architecture, cityscapes, interiors, and any scene where precision and perspective matter.
The lens provides complete autofocus support with quiet and responsive focusing motors, keeping the design compact and lightweight while minimizing noise during recording.
It boasts a minimum focusing distance of 5.5 inches (139.7 mm).
Measuring 77.2 x 78.6 mm (3 x 3.1 inches) and featuring a 72 mm filter size, the 12mm Lite Zero-D weighs only 377 grams (0.8 lbs). Its lightweight structure makes it ideal for use on handheld gimbals or drones.
Pricing and Availability
You can preorder the Venus Optics Laowa 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D ultra-wide-angle lens at a retail price of $699 from Venus Optics and its authorized resellers.
A manual focus version with 14 blades is also available for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Leica L mounts. The expected shipping date is July 31, 2025.
[source: Venus Optics]
Order Links:
- Venus Optics Laowa 12mm F/2.8 Lite Zero-D AF Lens, 5-Blade Aperture (B&H)
- Venus Optics Laowa 12mm F/2.8 Lite Zero-D MF Lens,14-Blade Aperture (B&H)
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