Laowa FF 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Ultra Wide-Angle Cine Lens

The Laowa FF 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Ultra Wide-Angle Cine Lens delivers exceptional optical performance in an impressively compact design. This professional cine lens combines an expansive 122° field of view with superior distortion control, while covering both Full Frame and Vista Vision sensors. Its bright T2.9 aperture and robust construction make it ideal for demanding production environments.

Key Specifications

• Lens Mount(s): Arri PL, Sony E, Canon RF, Canon EF or L mount
  
• Sensor Coverage: Full Frame & Vista Vision
  
• Image Circle Ø: 44.7mm / 1.76"
  
• Focal Length (FoV): 12mm (122°)
  
• Maximum Aperture: T2.9
  
• Minimum Focus Distance: 18cm / 7" (from sensor)
  
• Geared Focus & Aperture: 0.8mm pitch
  
• Focus Throw: 270°
  
• Front Diameter: 95mm (Step-up to 114mm included)
  
• Weight: 675g / 1.5 lbs
  
• Length: 87mm / 3.4"
• Imperial Focus Scale Markings

** Metric focus scale option only available via special import request **

This ultra-wide cine lens achieves remarkable optical performance through Laowa's Zero-D design, virtually eliminating distortion while maintaining high levels of sharpness. The lens's generous image circle accommodates both Full Frame and larger Vista Vision sensors, ensuring compatibility with premium cinema cameras like the RED Monstro and ARRI Alexa LF in open gate mode.

Defying expectations for a lens of this specification, the compact form factor measures just 87mm in length while weighing only 675g. The precision-engineered aluminium housing provides robust durability and smooth control through geared focus and aperture rings. An extended 270° focus throw enables precise adjustments, while the extremely close focusing capability creates unique wide-angle perspectives. The included 114mm step-up ring ensures compatibility with professional matte box systems without vignetting, even on Vista Vision sensors.

Notable features include

• Expansive 122° field of view with near-zero distortion
  
• Full Frame and Vista Vision sensor coverage
  
• Extremely compact and lightweight design
  
• Professional-grade aluminium construction
  
• Extended 270° focus throw for precise control
  
• Industry-standard matte box compatibility
  
• Close focusing capability for unique perspectives

This versatile ultra-wide cine lens excels across diverse production environments. Its combination of exceptional optical performance, professional features, and compact design makes it particularly valuable for both studio and location work. From architectural cinematography to dynamic action sequences, documentary work to expansive landscape shots, the 12mm T2.9 enables cinematographers to capture immersive perspectives while maintaining consistent image quality across the entire frame.

Suitable for both Large format & Super35 cameras

© Shao Wei

The image circle allows cinematographers to use not only on full frame sensors (Size = 43.14mm), but also able to fill the Vista Vision sensors on RED Monstro and the sensor on Arri Alexa LF (Size @ open-gate = 44.7mm) fully. The lens is also ideal for Super35-sized camera owners with the ultra-wide 17mm equivalent field of view and its future-proof decision when cinematographers need to upgrade to large format cameras.

Screengrabs © Alan Caudillo

Super compact & lightweight

This 12mm lens is extremely compact and lightweight despite of the extreme specifications. It measures 87mm (3.4") long and weighs less than 675g(1.5lb). It can be easily fitted onto any sorts of stabilizations system including handheld gimbals.

© Film Jams

Close-to-zero distortion

The optical distortion of ultra-wide angle lens will never be a nightmare for DoP. The distortion rate of good wide angle lenses in the market ranges from 2-4%. Venus Optics, however, are able to compress the distortion to a close-to-zero level. In fact, the 'Zero-D' claim had been validated by many existing Laowa lenses owners from all around the world.

Extremely close focusing distance

The lens able to focus at an extremely close focusing distance. It can focus anywhere from 7" away from sensor (<4" from front element) all the way to infinity. No diopter will be needed in this case. Wide angle lenses usually create a 'flat' image with very deep DOF but with this close focusing ability and a fast t-stop, Laowa 12mm is able to create some unique wide & shallow DOF look with pleasing bokeh.

Robust and professional cinema housing

Designed with standard 0.8 mod gears on both aperture and focusing rings for easy installation of follow-focus system. An extended 270° smooth focus throw is designed for accruate focus pulling. The entire enclosure of the lens is made up of aluminum alloy.

A 114mm step-ring is included in the package to expand the front diameter to fit with industry sized matte box. Venus Optics have tested with a number of matte boxes in the market and it is still free of vignetting on VV sensor with the matte box installed.

© DSI Pictures

Supplied items

The complimentary watertight and crushproof hard case protects the lenses from damage during travel. Shims with different thickness is also included for users to do flange calibration.

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