Venus Optics reveals Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO

Chinese lens maker Venus Optics has been incredibly creative of the past few years, mostly specialising in ultra-wideangle and super-macro lenses under its Laowa brand. Now it’s introduced the first in a new line of ultra-fast f/0.95 optics. The Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO for APS-C mirrorless cameras promises minimal chromatic aberration and will cost £499. As with most of the firm’s lenses, it employs entirely manual operation with no electronics.

Optically the lens comprises 14 elements in 9 groups, including one made from Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, three from Ultra High Refraction Glass and one aspherical element. The stated aim is to eliminate unwanted colour fringing due to longitudinal chromatic aberration – hence the APO designation in the lens name.

With an angle of view equivalent to a classic 50mm standard lens, the lens is designed with both stills and video in mind. It employs an internal focus design, with a long throw to the focus ring and 35cm minimum focus distance. Its 9-bladed aperture employs rounded blades for attractive bokeh, and is controlled by a ring on the lens barrel that operates without any click-stops. The lens accepts 62mm filters and is supplied with a rectangular hood. Physically, it measures 71.5 x 83mm and weighs in at 590g.

Fujifilm X and Sony E mount versions of the lens are available to pre-order now, while Nikon Z and Canon RF mount versions are due in the middle of the month.