The Laowa Zero-D 12mm T2.9 Cine Lens is a remarkable ultra-wide-angle prime for full-frame sensors, distinguished by its near-zero optical distortion (“Zero-D”). It features a fast T2.9 aperture, making it suitable for challenging lighting conditions. This lens delivers exceptional sharpness and clarity, with minimal chromatic aberration, making it ideal for architectural videography, expansive landscapes, and VFX work where straight lines must remain straight. With robust cine mechanics and geared rings, it offers a unique, rectilinear wide perspective for demanding cinematic productions.
Overview
- Remarkable ultra-wide-angle prime lens
- Near-zero optical distortion (“Zero-D”)
- Fast T2.9 aperture for low light and depth of field
- Exceptional sharpness and clarity
- Robust cine mechanics with geared rings
- Ideal for architectural videography, expansive landscapes, and VFX
- Full-frame coverage
- Unique rectilinear wide perspective
| Focal Length | Aperture | Close focus | Front Diameter | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12mm | T2.9 | 18cm | 7″ | 114mm | 0.7 Kg |
Utilising Revolutionary Zero Distortion
Its defining feature is the almost complete absence of optical distortion, meaning straight lines appear perfectly straight even at the extreme edges of the ultra-wide frame. This is crucial for architecture, interior, and VFX work, where perfectly rectilinear images are paramount, eliminating tedious distortion correction in post.
Capturing Full-Frame Ultra-Wide Perspectives
This lens provides an incredibly wide 122-degree field of view on full-frame sensors, allowing for dramatic establishing shots, immersive wide shots that capture expansive environments, and unique perspectives where extreme width is desired.
Strong Low-Light Performance
The fast T2.9 aperture allows for strong low-light performance, enabling you to shoot in challenging lighting conditions. Even with such a wide lens, it offers some creative control over depth of field, allowing for subtle subject separation.
Exceptional Image Quality
Expect high sharpness and contrast across the frame, which is particularly impressive given its ultra-wide, distortion-free nature. This lens delivers clean, crisp images even at its widest point.
Seamless Cine Integration with Dedicated Mechanics
It features industry-standard 0.8 Mod geared focus and aperture rings, providing precise and smooth manual control for video production. This ensures full compatibility with professional follow focus systems and lens motors.
Specialised Tool for Specific Needs
While not an everyday lens, it’s an indispensable tool for cinematographers who require perfectly rectilinear wide shots without the need for extensive distortion correction in post-production. Keep it in mind for architectural visualisation, confined spaces, or large-scale VFX plates.