Laowa Probe Zoom Macro lens is a new ultrawide probe lens with a 110.5° angle of view and up to 2.3x zoom range (15-35mm T12 version). The other version offers a faster aperture with a 15-24mm T8 range. Each lens can be equipped with one of the four available front modules – Direct view, Periscope, 35° View, or 90° View. Covering large sensors, the lens comes with an ARRI PL mount and other optional mirrorless lens mounts – Sony E / Canon EF / Canon RF / Nikon Z / Leica L. With shipping starting in Q3 2025, the new Laowa Probe Zoom lens series starts at $3,499.
Nowadays, we have a variety of probe-type macro lenses from different manufacturers from which to choose. Just a few months ago, for instance, DZOFILM announced its version of the probe lens. It was, however, Venus Optics that started the probe lens segment back in 2016 with the first-ever probe lens with a relatively large image circle. With these lenses, a whole new type of shot was made possible, and we see them used extensively on commercial shoots worldwide. Now, Venus Optics announces a new Laowa Probe Zoom lens series – let’s take a quick look at the details.
Laowa Probe Zoom Macro lens series
First off, the new Laowa Probe Zoom lens series shows a decent amount of flexibility – it comes in two versions differentiating in available focal range and maximum aperture:
- Laowa Probe Zoom 15-24mm T8
- Laowa Probe Zoom 15-35mm T12
Additionally, there are four interchangeable front modules:
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- Direct view
- Periscope
- 35° View
- 90° View (designed with a user-friendly 360° rotation mechanism)
The choice of two rear tubes and four front modules results in a total of eight different configurations available.
According to Venus Optics, the new Laowa Probe Zoom lens series is currently the widest and largest range probe lens on the market. It features a 110.5° angle of view and up to a 2.3x zoom range for significant changes in magnification and perspective.
The 40cm-longest waterproof tubular design helps filmmakers to capture hard-to-reach subjects. The minimum focusing distance is 5mm (from the front element).
The default lens mount option is ARRI PL mount. Additionally, there are optional interchangeable mounts available – Sony E / Canon EF / Canon RF / Nikon Z / Leica L.
Price and availability
The new Laowa Probe Zoom Macro lenses will be available to ship by Q3 2025, according to Venus Optics. The price for the Probe Zoom Macro 15-24mm T8 – Direct View lens is $3,499, and the price for the 15-35mm T12 – Direct View version is $3,999.
The lens (among other selected Laowa products) will be on display at Venus Optics booth N2823 during the NAB 2025 show in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Make sure to go check it out if you are attending the show.
Have you used the previous version of the Laowa probe lens for your productions? What do you think about the new Laowa Probe Zoom Macro series lenses? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.
