Zoom versatility in a probe: Laowa shares more details on its Zoom Probe lens

Image: Laowa Venus Optics released a teaser of sorts in January for its first zoom probe lens, with a promised release date of sometime in Q2 this year. Details were slim at the time, but now, in conjunction with NAB, the company has revealed more information on the unique Probe Zoom macro lens. The new full-frame probe lens from Laowa uses a modular design with four interchangeable front modules and two rear tubes. The rear tubes offer slightly different focal ranges, coming in at 15-24mm T8 and 15-35mm T12. Laowa says it is the "widest and largest range probe lens" available, with a 110.5° angle of view and a 2.3x zoom range. Images: Laowa The four front modules allow users to switch between a direct view, periscope, 35° view, and a new 90° view. Each module can rotate 360° independent of the focus and zoom ring with Laowa's patent-pending rotation design. Combined with the two rear tubes, this set enables eight combinations, making it a versatile option for macro content. The probe is 40cm (15.7") long, helping it reach subjects in tricky locations. Plus, the barrels are waterproof, opening up even more possibilities. The January announcement promised a Q2 release, but things appear to be slightly delayed. The company now says that it will be available to ship in Q3 of this year, so macro enthusiasts have to wait a bit longer. Laowa did provide some details on pricing now, however. The Probe Zoom Macro 15-24mm T8 Direct View lens will be $3,499, and the 15-35mm T12 Direct View lens will be $3,999. Laowa says more details on the lens and pricing will be announced soon. In addition to the new lens, Laowa also announced it is offering 10% off select products from April 3 to 13 on the Laowa Cine website and to selected resellers, including B&H. Press release: Laowa Debuts Its First-Ever Probe Zoom Macro Lens at NAB Show 2025 & Adds Its New 90-Degree Module to the Set Las Vegas, US – April 3, 2025 – Laowa, renowned for its legendary probe lenses over the past decade, is proud to announce the debut of its highly anticipated Probe Zoom Macro Lens at NAB Show 2025 in Las Vegas. The new Probe Zoom features two focal lengths – 15-24mm T8 and 15-35mm T12 with 4 interchangeable front modules including the Direct View, Periscope, 35° View and 90° view. The 90-degree module is designed with a user-friendly 360° rotation mechanism while maintaining precise focus and zoom control. Visitors can try on the show at North Hall Booth N2823. Alongside this groundbreaking innovation, Laowa will also unveil its first-ever broadcast lens and showcase a selection of its newly launched lenses and popular series. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience Laowa’s latest optical advancements firsthand and have a chance to win the popular 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF lens on site. In celebration of Laowa’s continued innovation in the realm of optics, customers around the world can enjoy an exclusive, limited-time 10% online discount on selected products across NAB period, available only on the official laowacine.com website and selected US resellers. Laowa Probe Zoom Macro Lens: A Revolutionary Addition The Laowa Probe Zoom Macro Lens set is an innovative addition to Laowa’s industry-renowned Full Frame probe lens lineup, featuring the 15-35mm T12 and 15-24mm T8. Being the widest and largest range probe lens on the market, it boasts a 110.5° angle of view and a 2.3x zoom range for significant changes in magnification and perspective. The 40cm-longest waterproof tubular design empowers filmmakers to capture deep, hard-to-reach subjects with unparalleled flexibility and top-notch image quality. Key Features: 15mm Ultra-Wide Perspective 2.3x Zoom Range with Parfocal Design 4 Versatile Modules: Direct, Periscope, 35° View and the additional 90° View Up to 2.3x Magnification for extreme close-ups Unrivaled Sharpness & Superior Image Quality Waterproof, Long Tubular Barrel for versatile shooting conditions 360° rotation for front modules The lens set features a modular design with 4 interchangeable front modules and 2 main barrels, allowing users to switch between Direct View, Periscope, 35° View, with one more 90° perspective announced. The rear tubes come in two focal ranges: 15-24mm T8 and 15-35mm T12, offering 8 unique combinations. With a maximum T8 aperture, 15mm ultra-wide perspective, up to 2.3x magnification, and a waterproof barrel, this lens excels in extreme close-ups (as close as 5mm), low-light conditions, and underwater filming. It’s a versatile tool for advertising, wildlife documentaries, and cinema production, delivering unmatched storytelling potential. A unique 360° rotational ring is installed in front of the lens body, this patent-pending front rotation design allows the tube to rotate independently from the focus and zoom ring, and users can produce sweeping and dynamic shots while being able to control the focus and zoom ring. The Laowa Probe Zoom Macro Lens will debut at NAB Show 2025—visit us

Apr 4, 2025 - 17:37

Zoom versatility in a probe: Laowa shares more details on its Zoom Probe lens

Image: Laowa

Venus Optics released a teaser of sorts in January for its first zoom probe lens, with a promised release date of sometime in Q2 this year. Details were slim at the time, but now, in conjunction with NAB, the company has revealed more information on the unique Probe Zoom macro lens.

The new full-frame probe lens from Laowa uses a modular design with four interchangeable front modules and two rear tubes. The rear tubes offer slightly different focal ranges, coming in at 15-24mm T8 and 15-35mm T12. Laowa says it is the "widest and largest range probe lens" available, with a 110.5° angle of view and a 2.3x zoom range.

Images: Laowa

The four front modules allow users to switch between a direct view, periscope, 35° view, and a new 90° view. Each module can rotate 360° independent of the focus and zoom ring with Laowa's patent-pending rotation design. Combined with the two rear tubes, this set enables eight combinations, making it a versatile option for macro content. The probe is 40cm (15.7") long, helping it reach subjects in tricky locations. Plus, the barrels are waterproof, opening up even more possibilities.

The January announcement promised a Q2 release, but things appear to be slightly delayed. The company now says that it will be available to ship in Q3 of this year, so macro enthusiasts have to wait a bit longer. Laowa did provide some details on pricing now, however. The Probe Zoom Macro 15-24mm T8 Direct View lens will be $3,499, and the 15-35mm T12 Direct View lens will be $3,999. Laowa says more details on the lens and pricing will be announced soon.

In addition to the new lens, Laowa also announced it is offering 10% off select products from April 3 to 13 on the Laowa Cine website and to selected resellers, including B&H.

Press release:

Laowa Debuts Its First-Ever Probe Zoom Macro Lens at NAB Show 2025 & Adds Its New 90-Degree Module to the Set

Las Vegas, US – April 3, 2025 – Laowa, renowned for its legendary probe lenses over the past decade, is proud to announce the debut of its highly anticipated Probe Zoom Macro Lens at NAB Show 2025 in Las Vegas. The new Probe Zoom features two focal lengths – 15-24mm T8 and 15-35mm T12 with 4 interchangeable front modules including the Direct View, Periscope, 35° View and 90° view. The 90-degree module is designed with a user-friendly 360° rotation mechanism while maintaining precise focus and zoom control. Visitors can try on the show at North Hall Booth N2823.

Alongside this groundbreaking innovation, Laowa will also unveil its first-ever broadcast lens and showcase a selection of its newly launched lenses and popular series. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience Laowa’s latest optical advancements firsthand and have a chance to win the popular 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF lens on site.

In celebration of Laowa’s continued innovation in the realm of optics, customers around the world can enjoy an exclusive, limited-time 10% online discount on selected products across NAB period, available only on the official laowacine.com website and selected US resellers.

Laowa Probe Zoom Macro Lens: A Revolutionary Addition

The Laowa Probe Zoom Macro Lens set is an innovative addition to Laowa’s industry-renowned Full Frame probe lens lineup, featuring the 15-35mm T12 and 15-24mm T8. Being the widest and largest range probe lens on the market, it boasts a 110.5° angle of view and a 2.3x zoom range for significant changes in magnification and perspective. The 40cm-longest waterproof tubular design empowers filmmakers to capture deep, hard-to-reach subjects with unparalleled flexibility and top-notch image quality.

Key Features:

15mm Ultra-Wide Perspective
2.3x Zoom Range with Parfocal Design
4 Versatile Modules: Direct, Periscope, 35° View and the additional 90° View
Up to 2.3x Magnification for extreme close-ups
Unrivaled Sharpness & Superior Image Quality
Waterproof, Long Tubular Barrel for versatile shooting conditions
360° rotation for front modules

The lens set features a modular design with 4 interchangeable front modules and 2 main barrels, allowing users to switch between Direct View, Periscope, 35° View, with one more 90° perspective announced. The rear tubes come in two focal ranges: 15-24mm T8 and 15-35mm T12, offering 8 unique combinations.

With a maximum T8 aperture, 15mm ultra-wide perspective, up to 2.3x magnification, and a waterproof barrel, this lens excels in extreme close-ups (as close as 5mm), low-light conditions, and underwater filming. It’s a versatile tool for advertising, wildlife documentaries, and cinema production, delivering unmatched storytelling potential.

A unique 360° rotational ring is installed in front of the lens body, this patent-pending front rotation design allows the tube to rotate independently from the focus and zoom ring, and users can produce sweeping and dynamic shots while being able to control the focus and zoom ring.

The Laowa Probe Zoom Macro Lens will debut at NAB Show 2025—visit us for a hands-on experience!

Pricing and Availability

Laowa Probe Zoom Macro Series will be available to ship by 2025 Q3. The US Price for the Probe Zoom Macro 15-24mm T8 – Direct View lens is $3,499 and 15-35mm T12 – Direct View lens is 3,999. Pricing varies in different countries. More details on the price and updates will be announced soon.