Here is some additional information on the upcoming Venus Optics Laowa AF FF 200mm f/2 C-Dreamer lens (check the Laowa website for future updates):
AF Speed
The video clip is from Laowa. It demonstrates switching between distant and nearby objects; considering practical usage scenarios, this should be faster. According to Laowa, among the AF200 prototypes they are currently manufacturing, the EF version boasts the fastest autofocus speed, followed by the Z mount, while the E-mount version is the slowest. However, they did not disclose the camera bodies used in their testing, so this statement should be treated as indicative only.
Mount Versions
The confirmed versions at present are: EF, E, Z. The GFX version is likely also on the roadmap, though it will follow somewhat later. When asked whether the GFX version would feature autofocus, Laowa did not give a direct answer, but it may well be included. No F-mount. A user inquired whether an L-mount version would be produced. Laowa responded that they ‘have the capability to do so,’ but noted they had enquired about L-mount licensing, with the licensing fees appearing to be quite substantial. However, the EF-mount version can be used on L-mount bodies via an adapter. They are considering releasing a manual focus PL-mount version in the future. The aperture ring on this lens can be switched between stepped and stepless operation. This should be welcome news for users who shoot both stills and moving images.
Filters and Extenders
The E and Z versions retain space for rear filters. The EF does not, presumably due to insufficient space. Laowa has not designed dedicated extenders for it, but they indicate that using genuine Canon extenders may be worth trying.
Colors
There are currently no plans for a white lens barrel, though (third-party manufacturers) may offer protective films or “skins”.
MTF Chart
Additional Information
- Full-frame autofocus lens
- Image quality is as good as the new Sigma 200mm f/2 lens
- Cheaper than the Sigma 200mm f/2 lens
- 43mm drop-in filters, allowing VND/PL/CPL
- TC support without drop-in filters
- Planned release date: October 2025
- Weight: around 1,6 kg
- Smaller than the Nikon 200mm f/2 lens
- For Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon EF first, and later Fuji X + GFX mount
- Weather sealed
- AF/MF switch
- Programmable Fn button
- Focus limiter
- Declicked aperture
Price
The price of the Venus Optics Laowa AF 200mm f/2 lens will be $1,799 (Canon EF) and $1,999 (Sony E + Nikon Z mount).
Sample Photos
Additional Pictures
Related Videos
Hands-on videos by Matt Granger:
