The previously rumored Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF full-frame lens from Venus Optics is now officially announced. The new lens is available for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Leica L mount.
Update: the lens is now also available at B&H Photo.
| Name | Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Focal Distance | 28mm |
| Aperture Range | f/1.2-16 |
| Angle of View | 75.4° |
| Lens Structure | 13 elements in 7 groups
(2 ED glass and 2 UHR glass) |
| Aperture Blades | 13 blades |
| Min. Shooting Distance | 50cm |
| Max. Magnification | 0.073X |
| Focusing System | MF |
| Filter Thread | Ø 62mm |
| Dimensions | Ø 68.5*106.31mm |
| Weight | About 562g |
| Mounts | Sony E/ Nikon Z/ Canon RF/ L mount |
Anhui China, 28 March, 2023 – Venus Optics, the innovative camera lens manufacturer is releasing a new Argus (Ultra-fast Aperture Series) – Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF. It has a modern take on the classic and versatile 28mm focal length. Rendering impressive sharpness and optical performance even at wide-open. Work beautifully as an everyday lens in the day and in low-light situations as well. The slightly wider AoV(compare to 35mm and 50mm) can be handy when doing street, landscape, and even environmental portraits. A 62mm filter thread is available for any screw-in filters, giving photographers the option to create shallow DoF images even when the sun is up. The lens itself is only about 562g and 68.5 x 106mm in size. Making it an excellent travel companion.
An Extremely Versatile Focal Length
The 28mm has an AoV of 75.4°. Compared to the trendy 50mm and 35mm, the lens can capture slightly more details from the environment which could help to tell a better story. Pair with the f/1.2 aperture, photographers can now have more control over how much background information is to be included and how isolated the subject is from its surrounding. This also gives more flexibility when framing the scene. Perfect for many uses including street, documentary, landscape, portrait, and even astrophotography.
A Perfect Travel Companion
Despite being so versatile, the lens only weighs 562g(19.82oz), which makes it a perfect travel companion for someone who loves records of every precious moment with a camera.
Ultra-fast f/1.2 Aperture
With its f/1.2 Ultra-Fast Aperture, the lens can easily create a shallow depth of field and allow for easy subject separation. The large aperture is also good for getting lovely bokeh that gives the image a touch of artistic sense.
Lovely and Expressive Bokeh with the 13-blade aperture
With the 13-blade aperture, this 28mm lens can render creamy round bokeh on out-of-focus backgrounds. It is smoother and hence more appealing in the scenes with some light source at the back.
Perfect for low-light shooting
Photographers can shoot with a faster shutter speed in low-light environments without bumping the ISO up, well-suited for night photography.
Remarkable Sharpness at f/1.2
Consists of 2 UHR and 2 ED glasses, the 28mm is able to deliver a sharpness with stunning details and contrast even wide-open at f/1.2.
Video Friendly
The 28mm lens is not only suited for photography. Its design is also optimized for fitting the needs of videographers.
Internal Focusing
The design of internal focusing avoids collision of the lens and other objects. And it can use the accessories designed to be set to a specific position such as polarizers. It also prevents dust from falling into the lens.
The US price for Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF is USD 599 for all mounts (Sony FE / Nikon Z / Canon RF / L mount). Pricing may vary in different countries.
Sample photos:
