Anhui, China—Venus Optics previously launched its Ranger Compact cine zoom series. The all-around lens set now comes in a Lite version. With a new magnesium alloy housing, the Laowa Ranger Lite cine zoom series is more durable. Further, it is also 10% lighter than the standard version. The Ranger Lite gives cinematographers the same image quality from a stylish space-gray professional housing.
The Ranger boasts a long zoom range. Its light weight allows filmmakers to capture shots at both ends of the spectrum. Filmmakers can experience the convenience of the parfocal design as well as focus transition with almost no focus breathing. Crafted with professional cine housings, these lenses also have a built-in back focus adjustment system.
Laowa Ranger Lite Cine Zoom Lenses
The Ranger Lite version shares the same optical design as the standard version. The 28–75mm Lite has a 22-element, 18-group formula with 11 aperture blades. The 75–180mm Lite has a 14-element, 14-group design and also features 11 aperture blades. The entire Ranger series has a T2.9 large aperture. Consequently, these lenses are options for various productions that require different lighting situations.
Moreover, both versions are parfocal. Thus, they provide precise focus control while zooming. The optical design also permits a close focus distance of 1.6 inches for the 28–75mm lens and 2.9 inches for the 75–180mm. Further, the new Lite lenses also come with the same back focus adjustment mechanism as the standard version. This can save time on lens preparation from the shimming process.
What’s more, Ranger Lite lenses feature full-frame coverage, almost no focus breathing and a professional cine housing. Crafted with a magnesium alloy rehousing lens body, the Ranger Lite 28–75mm T2.9 FF lens weighs 2.8 pounds. Furthermore, it is 80mm in diameter (3 inches) and 7 inches in length. The Lite 75–180mm T2.9 FF lens weighs in at 2.7 pounds. It measures 7.5 inches long with the same 80mm diameter.
Additional Lite Features
In addition, the 28–75mm version has a 2.7x zoom ratio, and the 75–180mm offers a 2.4x zoom ratio. Both lenses maintain a constant T2.9 aperture throughout their zoom range. As a result, they eliminate the need for exposure compensation when you zoom in and are a solution for working in dim light. Other shared features include unified gear positioning, enabling quick lens switches; 0.8 Mod gear for both aperture and focus rings; and a dual scale design (imperial/metric). 
Each lens also comes with a native PL mount and an interchangeable EF bayonet. For the mirrorless version, Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z as well as L mounts are available and interchangeable. The extra bayonet mounts retail for $100 each.
Venus Optics’ Laowa Ranger Lite lenses have a suggested retail price of $3,499 each and $6,799 for a two-lens bundle set.
