Laowa has just announced a new line of high-speed T1 cine lenses: the Argus series. The Argus line consists of eight lenses: three for full-frame, three for Super35 and two for MFT cameras. All lenses have 0.8 mod gears on the focus rings and an aperture and outer diameter of 80mm. There are many lens mounts available such as Sony E, FUJIFILM X, Nikon Z, Canon RF and MFT. Let’s take a look at them!
After unveiling three compact Super35 zoom lenses during NAB 2024 less than two months ago, namely the Laowa Ranger 11-18mm, 17-50mm and 50-130mm with a T2.9 maximum aperture, Chinese lens maker Venus Optics is back with eight new prime lenses in a new line: the Argus T1 cine series.
Laowa Argus T1 film series – features
According to the company, the Laowa Argus T1 Cine series is “the first cine series with T1 aperture available in full-frame in 28mm and 35mm.” ZY Optics released a 50mm full-frame Mitakon T1 lens a few years ago, but they have yet to complete the lens set with broader options.
Returning to our topic, the Argus T1 line consists of eight lenses:
- Full-frame: 28mm, 35mm and 45mm. Available in Canon RF, Sony E and Nikon Z mount.
- Super35: 18mm, 25mm and 33mm. Available in Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z and FUJIFILM X mount.
- MFT: 18mm and 25mm.
Laowa mentions that color reproduction and lens performance will be consistent across the set, with low chromatic aberration and maintaining contrast and sharpness even at maximum aperture.
All lens housings are made entirely of metal. They have 0.8 mod gears on the aperture and focus rings, and a long focusing range ranging from 210 to 270°.
All Laowa Argus T1 lenses have a 77mm filter thread and an 80mm front diameter for matte boxes. Technical specifications for each lens are below.
Price and availability
The Laowa Argus T1 Cine full-frame lenses sell for $1,499/€1,527 per unit and $3,999/€4,081 for the set of three lenses. The Super35s sell for $899/€916 each or $2,399/€2,444 for the set of three lenses. Lastly, the MFT version costs $699/€708 per lens and $1,259/€1,280 for the two-pack.
For more information, visit the Laowa website here.
What do you think of these new Argus T1 cine series lenses? Do you think its T1 aperture would be useful for the type of projects you do? Have you already worked with Laowa lenses? Feel free to tell us in the comments below!
