Venus Optics has officially unveiled the third lens in its full-frame Laowa Ranger cinema lens range, the Laowa Ranger 16-30mm T2.9 FF Compact Cine Zoom. This new ultrawide lens, priced at $2,999, weighs only 799g in its standard version. There’s also a lighter “Lite” version that costs $3,499 and weighs in at just 738g. The addition of this lens expands the focal length options in the Ranger lineup, making the set cover a range from 16mm to 180mm with a zoom capability of over 11x.
Like the other lenses in the Ranger lineup, the Laowa 16-30mm T2.9 is available in two versions: the standard black and the Lite version. The difference between the two models lies in the material. The Lite version uses a magnesium alloy design that reduces the weight without sacrificing performance. Both versions offer the same optical performance, ensuring consistency across the focal length range, making it easier for filmmakers to maintain a cohesive look when swapping between lenses.
The Laowa 16-30mm T2.9 offers a wide field of view at 107° on full-frame bodies, maintaining a constant maximum aperture of T2.9 throughout the zoom range. This consistency is highly practical for filmmakers, allowing them to zoom or swap lenses within the Ranger series without having to constantly adjust exposure settings. The lens’s parfocal designis another feature that adds to its versatility. With this feature, you can zoom in for precise focusing, then zoom back out, all while keeping the focus intact, which is particularly useful in fast-paced shooting environments.
One standout feature of this lens is its minimum focusing distance of 33cm, allowing users to get incredibly close to their subjects while still achieving a shallow depth of field, perfect for creating stunning bokeh effects. Additionally, Venus Optics has designed the lens to minimize focus breathing, ensuring that shifts in focus appear smooth and natural. Even at the widest focal length, straight lines remain straight, which is crucial for architectural and interior shots.
For filmmakers seeking a lightweight yet versatile cine zoom lens, the Laowa 16-30mm T2.9 offers an ideal solution. Although the total weight of the full Ranger set might reach 3.6kg for the standard versions or 3.2kg for the Lite versions, this is still relatively light considering the flexibility and zoom range these lenses provide.
Specs for the Laowa Ranger 16-30mm T2.9 FF Cine Zoom:
| Focal length | 16-30mm | 28-75mm | 75-180mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Full-Frame | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Mounts | PL, Canon EF (Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E w/adapters) | PL, Canon EF (Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E w/adapters) | PL, Canon EF (Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E w/adapters) |
| Angle of view | 107°-71.6° | 75.4-32.2° | 32.2-13.7° |
| T-Stop | T2.9-22 | T2.9-22 | T2.9-22 |
| Optics | 18 elements in 12 groups | 22 elements in 18 groups | 14 elements in 14 groups |
| Aperture blades | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Min focus distance | 33cm | 49cm | 89cm |
| Max magnification | 0.145x | 0.23x | 0.217x |
| Filter diameter | 77mm | 77mm | 77mm |
| Outer diameter | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm |
| Dimensions | 80 x 107.4mm | 80 x 179.3mm | 80 x 189.5mm |
| Weight | ~0.8kg | ~1.4kg | ~1.4kg |
| Focus Throw | 100° | 270° | 270° |
| Zoom Throw | 100° | 270° | 100° |
| Aperture Throw | 42° | 42° | 42° |
The Laowa 16-30mm T2.9 not only delivers nearly zero distortion but also offers consistent image quality and color rendering throughout the Ranger lineup. This makes it a perfect companion for filmmakers who need lenses that perform uniformly at different focal lengths. With its constant T2.9 aperture, users can easily switch between zooms without the need for readjusting exposure settings, saving time and effort on set.
Another benefit of this lens is its parfocal design, which allows users to maintain focus even when zooming in and out. This is especially useful in dynamic shooting environments where refocusing after zooming could disrupt the flow of a scene. Moreover, the 33cm minimum focusing distance means filmmakers can capture close-ups with a wide-angle view, adding a unique perspective to their shots while still keeping the background out of focus for a striking visual effect.
The Laowa Ranger 16-30mm T2.9 also excels in minimizing focus breathing, a common issue in many cine lenses. Focus breathing can cause a visible shift in the frame when changing focus, which can be distracting in professional film production. Venus Optics has ensured that this lens provides a smooth transition between focus points, giving filmmakers greater creative control over their shots.
With its solid build and magnesium alloy construction in the Lite version, this lens is designed to be both durable and lightweight, making it a great option for handheld and gimbal use. Despite its lightweight design, the Laowa 16-30mm T2.9 is robust enough to handle the demands of professional filmmaking.
Price and Availability
The Laowa Ranger 16-30mm T2.9 FF Compact Cine Zoom is available now for pre-order at $2,999 for the standard black version and $3,499 for the Lite version. In addition, a 3-lens kit that includes the full set of Ranger lenses (16-30mm, 28-75mm, and 75-180mm) is available for pre-order for $8,699 in the standard black versions and $10,199 for the Lite versions.