Laowa has released two new wide-angle lenses with integrated shift functionality: the 15mm T4.8 Zero-D Shift Cine and the 20mm T4.1 Zero-D Shift Cine. These are the company’s first dedicated shift lenses designed for cinema use, aimed at professionals working in architecture, VFX, and large-format cinematography.
Laowa 15mm T4.8 Zero-D Shift Cine Lens (ARRI PL)
all prices excluding sales tax/VAT
After expanding their wide-angle Vista Vision line, which you can read about here, Laowa has now released Shift Cine lenses for full-frame and Vista Vision cameras. Both lenses combine wide-angle coverage, perspective correction, and a large image circle in fully manual, geared cine housings.
What shift lenses do
Shift lenses allow the front optical block to move off-axis while keeping the camera stationary. This lets users correct converging vertical lines without tilting the camera body. It is particularly helpful when shooting tall buildings or tight interior spaces.
They’re also used in VFX workflows, where keeping the sensor parallel to the subject helps with match moves, composites, and clean geometry for post-production.
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Laowa has published a video walkthrough highlighting the shift functionality and field of view expansion when used on large-format cameras:
Laowa 15mm and 20mm Zero-D Shift Cine – key features
- ±11mm shift range on full-frame sensors (±9mm for Vista Vision)
- Large Ø65.2mm image circle
- 130.4° shifted field of view (15mm) / 117° (20mm)
- Close focus: 20cm (15mm) / 25cm (20mm)
- Zero-D (Zero Distortion) optical design
- 14-blade aperture for smooth bokeh
- 0.8 mod geared rings for focus, aperture, and shift
- Fully manual operation
- Dual-scale focus markings
- Interchangeable PL mount with EF, RF, E, Z, and L-mount support
- Approx. weight: 1150g (15mm) / 1170g (20mm)
These lenses are designed for professionals who need full mechanical control, wide-angle performance, and perspective correction in high-resolution workflows.
Image circle and sensor compatibility
Each lens covers a Ø65.2mm image circle, providing more than enough coverage for full-frame and large-format cinema sensors. Supported formats include RED V-Raptor 8K VV (Ø46.31mm), ARRI Alexa 65 (Ø59.86mm), and Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65 (Ø65mm).
This makes the lenses a fit for productions using Open Gate, Vista Vision, and other wide-format digital cinema systems.
The optical formula in both lenses falls under Laowa’s “Zero-D” designation. That means the lenses are engineered to minimize distortion, delivering clean architectural lines straight out of the camera—even before shifting.
Close-focusing capabilities are also notable. The 15mm focuses down to 20cm, while the 20mm reaches 25cm, enabling detailed close-up work with a wide field of view. This adds flexibility for establishing shots, inserts, or tabletop setups where distortion control is still needed.
Shift Cine build and mount options
Focus, aperture, and shift rings are all equipped with standard 0.8 mod cine gears, ensuring compatibility with professional follow focus units and remote systems. The lenses are fully mechanical, with no electronics or autofocus components.
Both models ship in PL mount, but Laowa includes support for EF, RF, E, Z, and L via interchangeable mounts. This makes them adaptable to a range of camera systems, from cinema rigs to hybrid mirrorless setups.
Laowa’s Still photography shift lenses
Just as with most Laowa lenses, there are Stills versions of these lenses that (according to the specs) are nearly identical to the Cine versions.
These Stills lenses share a similar optical design but are housed in more compact bodies, designed for SLR and mirrorless use. They are available in Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Sony E, Pentax K, and Leica L mounts.
Unlike the cine versions, they do not include geared rings or T-stop markings. Pricing is lower as well—approximately $1,199 for the 15mm and $1,399 for the 20mm—positioning them more for architectural photography or hybrid shooting.
Pricing and availability
The Laowa 15mm T4.8 Zero-D Shift Cine and Laowa 20mm T4.1 Zero-D Shift Cine lenses are available now for $1,999 each.
For more information about the Laowa 15mm and 20mm Zero-D Shift Cine lenses, please visit Laowa’s website.
Have experience with shift lenses or planning to try one on your next shoot? Let us know in the comments below.
