Anhui China, 15 August 2023 – Venus Optics is once again pushing the boundaries of probe lens innovation. With the exciting teaser released early this month, Laowa is now proudly announcing the official launch of the 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be.
The Pro2be represents an impressive evolution from the renowned Probe lens. The cine-ready new design is much longer than previous versions and improves significantly in image quality. The Pro2be exceptional kit comprises 3 distinct lenses – a direct-view Probe lens, a 35-degree view lens, and a periscope view lens. Allowing filmmakers to capture creative scenes that never able to do before. All 3 lenses feature a maximum T8 aperture, which is almost 2 stops larger than the previous versions. This upgrade increases the capabilities of the lenses on high-speed cameras and saves tremendous effort from setting up the light. It also lets filmmakers have more control over the DoF.
Pricing and Availability
- LAOWA Direct View Pro2be 24mm T8 2x $2849
- LAOWA 35° Pro2be 24mm T8 2x $3149
- LAOWA Periscope Pro2be 24mm T8 2x. $3340
- LAOWA Pro2be 3-Lens Set $8499
The Pro2be Family
Direct View Lens
35° View Lens
Periscope Lens
Versatile Aperture Range from T8 to T40
The new Pro2be has a maximum T8 aperture. The faster aperture makes it more favorable for outdoor shooting with limited light or for high-speed shooting. You can also have more control on DoF from the T8 to T40 according to the lighting and setup.
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Longer tubular and Adjustable Lens Barrels (for 35° View and Periscope Lenses)
These lenses are designed with long and adjustable lens barrels for filmmakers to get the right angle for a shot. The lens barrels are almost 10cm longer than the previous versions, allowing the lens to go further or deeper. Moreover, with the 360° rotating mechanism, these lenses can provide more flexibility and versatility to capture the subject at different positions and elevations. You can simply adjust the angle of the lens on the setup with the lens mounted on the camera.
Waterproof to 36.6cm
The Pro2be extended the waterproof distance up to 36.6cm, which provides much more room for filmmakers to look for underwater creatures and the possibility to scale up the water scenes. The extra angle also provides more flexibility for setup and manoeuvring.
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Excellent Image Quality and Color Rendition
The Pro2be improved the optical design to better render the color and details of the image. All 3 lenses are equipped with multiple High refractive index glass and Extra-Low Dispersion Elements, providing much better sharpness and image quality.
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All Pro2be can deliver the image in 2:1 magnification of the object, filmmakers can also capture the finest intricate details with a working distance of up to 4mm. It is useful to shoot product b-rolls for watches and jewelry, intricate details can be revealed.
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7 Interchangeable Mounts
Laowa is offering 7 interchangeable mount bayonets for the Pro2be. All 3 lenses can share the same bayonet and the conversion between mounts can be completed by few simple steps. Filmmakers can use them on different cine and high-speed cameras without adapters, elevating the shooting experience with extra stabilities.
Available mounts: Arri PL, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Sony E, L mount
The Periscope lens can stay close to the ground while maintaining the camera at a high level. Filmmakers can capture interesting ground-level angles with a handy setup.
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FPV-Like Shots
With the long and periscopic tube, the Pro2be can “travel through” different objects without limit. It is a perfect tool to pair with robot arms to create crispy and dynamic footage for commercials, movies, or other creative works through precise motion control.
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Cinematic Low and High-Angle Shots
Epic commercial shots, for example, giant-liked product shots can be done with the built-in 35° tilt of the lens. It is more convenient for filmmakers to shoot when the camera is leveled, and the degree of the tilted angle can also be maintained easily for every shot.
Top-angle shots can be achieved effortlessly without bringing the camera sky-high. The Pro2be extends the angle and can capture overhead shots with the camera installed in a comfortable position, bringing the next level of shooting experience to the filmmakers.
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Extreme Close-Up Shots from multiple position
With the periscope and 35° View, cinematographers can now get extreme close-up shots from various positions. Much easier to position light and other objects.
Specification
| Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be | |||
| Lens Type | Direct View | 35° View | Periscope View |
| Format Compatibility | Full-frame | ||
| Focal Length | 24mm | ||
| Aperture Range | T8 – 40 | ||
| Diagonal Angle of View | 85° | ||
| Lens Structure | 33 elements in 24 groups | 33 elements in 24 groups | 34 elements in 25 groups |
| Aperture Blades | 10 blades | ||
| Min. Working Distance | 4mm | ||
| Max. Magnification | 2X | ||
| Focus Throw | 150° | ||
| Aperture Throw | 50° | ||
| Focus Mode | Manual (MF) | ||
| Dimensions | 30.4x507mm | 30.4x500mm | 30.4x500mm |
| Weight (PL) | 1038g | 1024g | 1068g |
| Mounts | Arri PL, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Sony E, L mount | ||
| Price | 3-lens set: $8,499 | ||
| $2,849 | $3,149 | $3,349 | |
Pricing & Availability
- LAOWA Direct View Pro2be 24mm T8 2x $2849
- LAOWA 35° Pro2be 24mm T8 2x $3149
- LAOWA Periscope Pro2be 24mm T8 2x. $3340
- LAOWA Pro2be 3-Lens Set $8499
Looking forward to a comparison with the (also) new AstrHori 18mm f/8 2x Macro Probe which is said to be much sharper than previous probe lenses from both Venus and AstrHori, but very far from the specced 18mm wide at shorter distances.
That being said, it needs extra stabilization in terms of a dedicated lens support which needs to be purchased from China, and at F14 it gobbles up light. They also have a nasty yellow-green cast and aren’t exactly pin-sharp.
I’m really tempted with the box set, if I can find it at a reasonable price outside Japan. I can see use cases for all three lenses and the enhanced optics make them an attractive investment. Will wait for some longer term reviews, however, rather than taking at face value any YouTube buzz from the usual idiots looking to score extra views by featuring and raving about such an optical oddity.