Venus Optics introduces Laowa 15mm f/4 1:1 macro lens

Venus Optics has officially unveiled the widest 1:1 macro lens in the world, called Laowa 15mm f/4, which has been designed for full-frame cameras.

The world’s first 2:1 macro lens was introduced during fall 2014 by Venus Optics, a Chinese brand operated by Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Company Limited.

The Chinese manufacturer has decided to continue with its habit of launching world firsts, courtesy of the new Laowa 15mm f/4 lens, an optic which has become world’s widest 1:1 macro lens.

Venus Optics has also confirmed that the product is already available for pre-order for cameras with full-frame image sensors at an affordable price tag.

Venus Optics’ Laowa 15mm f/4 1:1 macro lens is world’s widest optic to offer 1:1 macro capabilities.

Reveal how your macro subjects live using the new Laowa 15mm f/4 1:1 macro lens

The press release is stating that the Laowa 15mm f/4 1:1 macro lens is world’s first ultra wide-angle optic to provide 1:1 macro capabilities. Thanks to its photographic ability, users will be able to enter the “undeveloped field of wide angle macro photography”, Venus Optics said.

The manufacturer bemoans the current state of macro photography which is dominated by telephoto lenses. This means that the surroundings cannot be seen when taking photos of small subjects, such as flowers, insects, and animals. However, this new product will allow users to tell different, more compelling stories of their tiny subjects that include their habitat.

Venus Optics is putting a lot of emphasis on the fact that photographers will take their skills to the next level in terms of creativity. Although you can get really close to a subject, you can now reveal its environment and how it lives, which will help viewers become more attracted to your photos.

Designed for full-frame cameras, will work with APS-C-sized sensors

The new Laowa 15mm f/4 1:1 macro lens has a minimum focusing distance of 12 centimeters from the front lens element. It is made out of 12 elements split into nine groups with a 14-blade aperture.

It measures about 83.8mm / 3.3 inches x 64.7mm / 2.5 inches, while featuring a 77mm filter and totaling a weight of 410 grams / 0.9 lbs. The lens has been designed to cover full-frame sensors and it will be compatible with Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Sony FE, and Pentax K-mount cameras.

Venus Optics says that a “shift” tool can be used when the lens is mounted on cameras with APS-C sensors. This function enables a +6mm or -6mm shift for capturing architecture photos.

Laowa 15mm f/4 1:1 macro lens is a manual focus-only optic and it can be pre-ordered for $479 from the company’s official website, with shipping expected to begin in July 2015.