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.
© GuaGe |
© Sai Kit |
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
© Jonas Rask
© Jonas Rask |
© Jimmy Chan |
Depth of Field under different apertures
f/0.95 |
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 |
© 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.
© Siu Ming © Jimmy Chan
© 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.
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 |
From what I'm seeing, most every camera company is moving fully into full frame.
I wish they'd make some anamorphic lenses, that were affordable in FF like they keep doing for crop sensors.....for example.
I like the really, really fast lenses too...why not do this for FF ?
Of if you're doing it for crop or MFT....why not do a comparable priced FF one too?
Geez, I get excited a lot these days, reading about a new fast or specialty lens....and then I see it is APS-C........yet I rarely see any mentions in the news for APS-C cameras at all, with the exception of Fuji.
[/rant mode off]
The crop lenses are undoubtedly easier and cheeper to make with less glass. A 33mm f/0.95 for full frame would require a lot more glass, perhaps speciality glass, and completely different tooling.
I bet they also make a cinema lens version that will be easier to manually focus.
An f/0.95 lens is that aperture ratio regardless of sensor size...
Even with my bad eyesight, I'm surprising myself on how well I'm able to use manual focus lenses these days with the focus aids.