Venus Optics announces the Laowa RF 33mm f/0.95 (but it’s APS-C)

Craig
6 Min Read

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Anhui China, May 03 , 2021 – Venus Optics, the manufacturer specialized in making unique camera lenses, is proud to introduce the Laowa ‘Argus’ 33mm f/0.95 CF APO, a magnificent f/0.95 prime lens for APS-C cameras.

The ‘Argus’ name was originally from Greek mythology and was the name of a vigilant guardian with a hundred eyes and an “all-seeing” sight. The name represents the ultra-bright f/0.95 aperture of the lenses and the exceptional image quality they deliver.

The 35mm f/0.95 is the first released lens of the much anticipated Argus line. Featuring the ultra-fast f/0.95 aperture with APO design, the lens offers photographers and videographers a classic focal length for everyday shooting and the versatility to shoot at difficult lighting conditions. The lens delivers exception image quality at wide-open and suppresses the chromatic aberration to the minimal. Couple with the 35mm (1.15 feet) minimum focus distance, a buttery smooth and exquisite bokeh rendering can easily be created. It also equips with multiple touches of videographer-friendly features for narrative filmmaking.

Key Features of Laowa ‘Argus’ 33mm f/0.95 CF APO

  • f/0.95 Ultra-fast aperture
  • APO (Apochromatic Optical Design)
  • 35cm closest focusing distance
  • Exquisite bokeh
  • Long focus throw
  • Internal focus
  • Low focus breathing
  • Stepless aperture ring

APO (Apochromatic Optical Design)

The new Argus 33mm f/0.95 was designed to deliver impressive performance at a wide-open aperture. It incorporates one Extra-low Dispersion Glass, one Aspherical Lens, and three Ultra High Refraction Glass to suppress both lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberration (CA) to the minimum at all apertures in its class. It also delivers an exceptional image sharpness across the frame.

A picture containing flower, plant, close Description automatically generated

© GuaGe

一張含有 植物, 花 的圖片 自動產生的描述

© Sai Kit

一張含有 文字, 差異, 數個 的圖片 自動產生的描述

All images were shot at f/0.95.

Ultra-fast f/0.95 Aperture

The ultra-fast f/0.95 aperture adds a dreamy atmosphere to your image that no other lenses can compare. The shallow depth of field offers great versatility for selective focus and isolates the subject for better storytelling. The fast aperture also makes handheld shooting at low light situations much easier. You can now tell your story in any condition without compromising your image with higher ISO. It is perfect for everything from prestigious portraits, low light photography & videography to every day & astrophotography.

© Meng Hao

© WenTai DaShu

© Alex Cheng

© WenTai DaShu

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© Jonas Rask

© Jonas Rask

一張含有 貓, 家貓, 哺乳類 的圖片 自動產生的描述

© Jimmy Chan

Depth of Field under different apertures

一張含有 花, 植物 的圖片 自動產生的描述

f/0.95

一張含有 花, 植物, 萬壽菊 的圖片 自動產生的描述

f/1.4

f/2.8

f/4

f/5.6

f/11

35cm closest focusing distance

The 35cm (1.15 feet) closest focusing distance (from subject to the sensor) allows you to create buttery smooth bokeh with breathtaking close-up details.

© Chen Canming

© Siu Ming

© Jonas Rask

一張含有 植物, 花, 菊花 的圖片 自動產生的描述

© Jimmy Chan

Exquisite Bokeh

9 circular aperture blades produce smooth, round bokeh with no hard edges. Coupled with the 35cm close focusing distance, the new Argus lens allows photographers to create visually and aesthetically appealing images.

一張含有 模糊 的圖片 自動產生的描述 一張含有 貓, 家貓, 哺乳類, 凝視 的圖片 自動產生的描述

© Siu Ming © Jimmy Chan

一張含有 花, 植物 的圖片 自動產生的描述

© Jonas Rask

Low Focus Breathing

Venus Optics also attempted to compress the focus breathing of this new Argus lens to the minimum in its class. This is perfect for narrative filming where the distraction of the framing changes is no more.

MAH01835.MP4

Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO- Low Focus Breathing Demo Video

Extended focus throw with 62mm filter thread

Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO has a long focus throw (300°) and allows photographers and videographers to have precise control of the focus over the shallow depth of field for isolating the subject better. A 62mm filter thread is designed to fit with screw-in filters.

Internal Focus Design with a small form factor

An internal focus optics design has been adopted so that the lens will not extend in length during focusing, it offers additional stability and prevents dust from getting into the lens. It is particularly useful for videographers where add-on accessories like matte-box are often used. Venus Optics still managed to keep the lens compact (3.26” / 83mm long) and lightweight (590 g/1.3 lbs) despite the internal focus design.

Stepless Aperture

The stepless aperture ring allows the videographer to adjust and control the exposure smoothly.

Specification

Laowa Argus 33m f/0.95 CF APO
Focal Length 33mm
Aperture f/0.95 – 11
Angle of View 46.2°
Format Compatibility APS-C
Lens Structure 14 elements in 9 groups
Aperture Blades 9
Min. Focusing Distance 35cm

(1.1’)

Dimensions 71.5mm*83mm

(2.81 x 3.26”)

Filter Thread 62mm
Focus Manual Focus
Weight 1.31 lbs (590g)
Mounts Fuji X, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon R

Pricing & Availability

Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/) and authorized resellers. The US price (ex-VAT) for Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is $499. Pricing varies in different countries.

Shipping starts from Early May for Fuji X and Sony E mount. The Nikon Z and Canon RF will be shipped from Mid May.

©Jhon Nathan

©Alex Cheng

©Coni Leung

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Craig is the founder and editorial director for Canon Rumors. He has been writing about all things Canon for more than 17 years. When he's not writing, you can find him shooting professional basketball and travelling the world looking for the next wildlife adventure. The Canon EOS R1 is his camera of choice.
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