Anhui, China—Venus Optics introduced the Laowa Argus 35mm F0.95 FF. It is touted as the “world’s fastest 35mm lens and widest f/0.95 lens ever designed for full–frame cameras.”
With a wide 63.4° angle of view and a shallow depth of field, the lens is an option for both photography and videography. Key aspects also include an ultrafast f/0.95 aperture for low-light shooting and sharp imagery; an internal focus design; and beautiful bokeh created in part by a 15-blade aperture. In addition, for video applications it offers low focus breathing with an extended focus throw.
Laowa Argus 35mm F0.95 FF
The optical performance of the Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF is maximized by incorporating one ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element; one aspherical lens element; as well as four high-refractive-index glass materials.
What’s more, the shallow depth of field and “dreamy” bokeh created by f/0.95 aperture are perfect for portraits. In addition, the lens’s performance in low–light conditions results in sharp images. The wide FoV also allows more background captured in the image while, thanks to the f/0.95 aperture, still achieving a shallow depth of field.
Furthermore, an aperture ring click switch mechanism offers options for photographers and videographers to choose either a clicked or de-clicked aperture ring.
The Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF also inherits an internal focusing characteristics from the Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO. As a result, it maximizes optical performance in both infinity focus and minimum focusing distance by enhancing the stability. It also prevents dust from falling into the lens. This feature is a benefit to videographers, as accessories like matte boxes will not move while pulling focus.
Additionally, the lens’s low focus breathing and long focus throw are geared for narrative filming and selective focus control. They eliminate the distraction of changes in the angle of view when moving focus from one object to another. Add to this the accurate focusing obtained by the 300° focus thread and the lens is ideal for videography.
Venus Optics’ Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF comes in the Nikon Z mount, the Canon RF mount as well as the Sony E mount. It is available for a suggested retail price of $899.
