The Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D lens for GFX medium format cameras is now officially announced. Pre-orders are open at Adorama and Venus Optics. Additional information (specifications, sample photos, MTF charts, lens design diagram and press release):
Specifications:
| Focal Length | 17mm |
| Max. Aperture | f/4 |
| Min. Aperture | f/32 |
| Angle of View | 113∞ |
| Format Compatibility | Medium Format |
| Lens Structure | 21 elements in 14 groups |
| Aperture Blades | 5 |
| Min. Focusing Distance | 20cm |
| Max. Magnification | 0.27x |
| Filter solutions |
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| Dimensions | Φ 88×124.5mm |
| Weight | 829 g |
| Mounts | Fujifilm G |
Sample photos (via FujiAddict):
Additional photos of the lens:
Lens design diagram:
MTF chart:
Press release:
Venus Optics announce pricing and availability of the World’s Widest native lens for Fujifilm GFX cameras
Anhui China, Aug 1, 2019 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer specializes in making unique camera lenses, unveil the pricing and availability of the world’s widest rectilinear lens for Fujifilm GFX camera system, Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D GFX lens.
Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D GFX is a 13.5mm equivalent ultra-wide angle prime specially designed for Fujifilm GFX camera system. The 113°ultra-wide perspective makes it an ideal lens for landscape and architecture photography. Houses with 21 elements in 14 groups, the new 17mm lens is the † 4th member of the Laowa “Zero-D” product line-up, which claims to exhibit a close-to-zero optical distortion rate. This particular feature is extremely useful for architecture and interior photographers as all the straight lines can now be retained. Similar to other Laowa wide angle lenses, the new 17mm f/4 has a very good close-focus capability and it can focus up to 7.9” / 20cm from the object to the sensor. It allows photographers to get much closer to the subject but still are able to include the background information into the frame.
Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics have managed to compress the size of the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D to the smallest in its class, measuring approximately 4.9 inches (~12.5cm) long and weighing only 1.8 lbs (~800g) with diameter of 88mm. The lens also features a 5-blade aperture system to create a pleasing 10-point sunstar rendering.
Filter is an essential part of landscape photography but most ultra-wide angle lenses in the market has a bulgy front element, making it impossible to install screw-on filters. The new 17mm f/4 lens is designed to include an 86mm filter thread where quick attachment of filters is no longer a problem. Photographers can also choose to purchase the optional magnetic filter holder for using with 100mm-wide slot-in filters (No vignetting is seen when used with 2pcs of 100mm-wide filters).
Pricing & Availability
The lens is currently available to pre-order in authorized resellers and in Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/).
The ex-VAT retail price in US is USD 1,199/pc. Pricing may vary in different countries.
First shipment is expected to start in mid Aug 2019.
