• The Laowa VE1229PL (VE1229-PL) 12mm T/2.9 Zero-D Wide-Angle Cine Lens is a highly versatile and high-quality lens designed for professional cinematographers and photographers. Available in both imperial and metric measurements, this lens offers a wide range of features that make it a must-have for any large format cinema camera.

One of the key features of this lens is its full frame and vista vision coverage, making it the widest t/2.9 lens currently available on the market. This means it can cover sensors up to both full frame and vista vision size, making it an ideal option for both professional cinema cameras and mirrorless cameras. 

In addition, the lens is suitable for both large format and Super35 cameras, making it a versatile choice for cinematographers. Its image circle allows for use on full frame sensors, as well as filling the vista vision sensors on cameras such as the RED Monstro and Arri Alexa LF.

Despite its extreme specifications, the Laowa 12mm lens is surprisingly compact and lightweight, measuring just 3.4” (87mm) in length and weighing less than 1.5 lb (675g). This makes it easy to use with a variety of stabilization systems, including handheld gimbals.

Another standout feature of this lens is its close-to-zero distortion. While most ultra-wide angle lenses have a distortion rate of 2-4%, Venus Optics has managed to compress the distortion to a close-to-zero level. This has been validated by existing Laowa lens owners from all over the world.

The lens also boasts an extremely close focusing distance, allowing for focusing from just 7” away from the sensor all the way to infinity. This eliminates the need for a diopter and allows for unique wide and shallow depth of field looks with pleasing bokeh.

In terms of its design, the Laowa 12mm lens features a robust and professional cinema housing. It has standard 0.8 mod gears on both the aperture and focusing rings, making it easy to install a follow-focus system. The extended 270° smooth focus throw ensures accurate focus pulling, while the entire enclosure is made of durable aluminum alloy.

The lens also comes with a 114mm step-ring to expand the front diameter and fit industry-sized matte boxes. Venus Optics has tested the lens with a number of matte boxes and it remains free of vignetting on vista vision sensors. The lens is available in three different variants – PL, EF, and E mount – with shims included for flange calibration.  

• Full Frame / Vista Vision coverage
• Close to zero distortion
• 122 degrees FoV
• Focus super close (18cm from subject to sensor)
• Super Compact
• EF or PL or E mount available
• Step-up to 114mm for matte box installation
• Perfect for any Large Format Cinema Cameras (RED Monstro, Alexa LF, Sony Venice, etc)