Laowa Unveils the New 24mm T8 2x Pro2be Macro Tube Lens
Venus Optics has released the Laowa 24mm T8 2x Pro2be lens combination, which is intended for various cinematic and photographic applications. It takes the odd appearance of tube lenses and pushes it even further.
The 24mm Pro2be lens comprises three lenses with identical specs but differing shooting perspectives. The direct perspective lens functions similarly to a standard lens, albeit oddly. It is an improved version of Laowa’s widely used Probe lens. The other two lenses, however, the 35-degree and 90-degree vision lenses, are quite different. The 35-degree field of vision allows for cinematic high- and low-angle images without tilting the camera. A periscope lens, the 90-degree view, provides views of the topic from a different height than the camera.
The Laowa Pro2be lenses are all approximately 500 millimeters (19.7 inches) long, except the 90-degree version, which is 507 mm (20 inches) long. The lenses weigh between 1,024 and 1,068 grams (2.3 and 2.4 pounds). Despite their length, the lenses are extremely thin. Most of the tubular barrel is around 30mm (1.2 inches) in diameter.
The narrowest part of the barrels, around 366 mm (14.4 inches) of the lens length, is waterproof. A bold red ring and warning letters designate the limit of this waterproof area. The lens can be unlocked using the provided hardware between this red ring and the lens mount, allowing the user to rotate the lens and gain a wider range of perspectives when utilizing the 35-degree and 90-degree lenses.
Each lens has the same control configuration, which includes manual aperture and focus rings. The aperture of the Laowa 24mm T8 Pro2be ranges from T8 to T40, and the aperture ring is exceptionally smooth with hard stops at either end. The throw of the aperture is 50 degrees.
The throw of the focus ring is substantially wider, at 150 degrees. The magnification ratios and metric distance values are included on the focus ring. The focal length is adjustable from 0.004 meters to infinity. The lens’ maximum magnification ratio of 2:1 at 4mm is reduced to 1:1 at 15mm and 0.5:1 at around 40mm. Markings include 1.75:1, 1.5:1, 1.25:1, 1:1, 0.75:1, 0.5:1, 0.3:1, and 0.1:1, as well as infinite. The focus ring, like the aperture ring, has hard stops at both ends.
The Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be lens has 33 elements in 24 groups in its direct view module (0 degrees) and 35-degree module. The 90-degree (periscope) module adds an element and a group, bringing the total number of elements in the lens to 34 in 25 groups.
In terms of macro capabilities, the Laowa 24mm T8 Macro 2x Pro2be lens is well suited to product photography and video, particularly of very small objects such as jewelry and watches, thanks to its 2x magnification and 4mm near focusing distance.
Each of the new Laowa Pro2be lenses, with a waterproof length of 36.6cm, is also a versatile choice for users photographing underwater, such as within an aquarium.
All three modules are exceedingly thin across their whole length in each case, allowing users to fit the lenses through some very tight locations. Users can also shoot from a comfortable, practical position thanks to the many shooting angles available.
The Arri PL, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Sony FE, and L mount versions of the Laowa 24mm T8 Macro 2x Pro2be are now available. The direct view module costs $2,849, while the periscope and 35-degree view modules cost $3,149 and $3,349, respectively. The overall set, including the great case, costs $8,499, offering a $850 savings over purchasing each lens separately.
