Another Laowa Ranger full-frame cine zoom is now available - the 16-30mm T2.9 extends the series at the wide-angle end. Last year, a 28-75mm and a 75-180mm were already released, both also with a continuous T2.9 speed. In addition, VenusLens now also offers “Lite” versions, which are made from a magnesium alloy and are around 10% lighter (but also more expensive) than the already comparatively lightweight optics. The new 16-30mm T2.9 regularly weighs 800g.
Laowa Ranger FF 16-30mm T2.9 cine zoom
The Laowa Ranger FF series has a parfocal design and is said to have low focus breathing. The lenses are supplied with a PL mount as standard, but this can also be changed. An EF mount is included, E / L / RF / Z mounts cost an extra 100 dollars each.
The wide-angle zoom shares the external diameter of 80mm and the 77mm filter mount with the two focal lengths previously available, but it is shorter (10.7cm) and the lens rings are in different positions. In addition, unlike the 28-75mm and 75-180mm, back-focus adjustment does not appear to be possible with the newcomer.
The optical design comprises 18 elements in 12 groups, the close focusing distance is 33cm. The angle of rotation for the focus is 270°, for the zoom it is 100°. The aperture consists of 11 blades.
The Laowa Ranger FF 16-30mm T2.9 costs 2,999 dollars in the normal version, the Lite version 3,499 dollars.