Described as "weird but genius," the Nikon Z-mount Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe from Venus Optics is a truly unique lens designed for close-up shooting. Distinguished by its long, slender lens barrel, this macro lens provides a 2:1 maximum magnification with a 1.5' minimum focusing distance and a close 0.8" minimum working distance. Even with such a close working distance, the lens measures 1.3' long, placing you at a comfortable distance to photograph nearby subjects. Also, as a wide-angle lens, greater depth of field is afforded when compared to traditional telephoto macro lenses, which allows for greater detail in the background with less subject isolation.

The optical design includes both extra-low dispersion and extra refractive index elements, which help to suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations for a high degree of clarity, color accuracy, and sharpness. Manual focus control permits focusing from 1.5' to infinity, and the front of the lens has a built-in LED ring light to aid in focusing at close distances. The slim 0.2" diameter of the front of the lens barrel also offers greater opportunities for lighting subjects from the front. Additionally, the front portion of the lens is waterproof, and permits working with subjects just beneath the surface of water or in other dusty or trying environments.

Z-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format    Aperture Range: f/14 to f/40    Two Extra-Low Dispersion Elements    One Extra Refractive Index Element    Magnification: 2:1 to Infinity    Min. Focus: 1.5'; Working Distance: 0.8"    Long Lens Barrel, Small Front Diameter    Built-In LED Ring Light, Micro-USB Power    Waterproof Front Lens Barrel    Manual Focus Design

Wide-angle prime is designed for full-frame Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras but can also be used with APS-C models where it will provide a 36mm equivalent focal length.

Unique macro lens design offers a greater-than-life-size 2:1 maximum magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 1.5' and a working distance of just 0.8".

The long, tubular lens barrel contributes to producing a distinct bug-eye perspective and, despite the short working distance, the length of the lens barrel places the camera at a comfortable shooting distance.

Wide-angle 24mm focal length affords greater depth of field and more surrounding detail than traditional telephoto macro designs, which tend to isolate subject matter with shallow depth of field.

Optical design includes two extra-low dispersion elements that control color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to produce greater clarity and color accuracy. One extra refractive index element is also featured, which reduces spherical aberrations and distortion for improved sharpness and accurate rendering.

Slim 0.8" front diameter allows performing unique "slide-in" shots as well as affords a greater range of close-up, inconspicuous shooting opportunities. The smaller front diameter also makes it easier to illuminate close-up subjects from the front.

The front of the lens is also waterproof, allowing you to comfortably work just under the surface of water or in dusty environments.

The front of the lens also has a built-in LED ring light, which is powered via a micro-USB port on the barrel, to provide some illumination on close-up subjects for easier focusing.

Designed for use as a close-up, macro lens, the manual focus operation also lets you focus at infinity.

Seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. can I submerged in a cocktail made with high proof alcohol?

A: Yes you would be able to submerge this into a cocktail made with high proof alcohol. The front part of this lens is waterproof and would hold up to being submerged while shooting and recording.

Q: 2. Does the end of the lens rotate when you turn the focus ring?

A: The front of the Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens will not rotate as you focus it.

Q: 3. Is this "2×MACRO PROBE"?

A: This lens does offer a Maximum Magnification of 2x with a Macro Reproduction Ratio of 2:1.

Q: 4. What's the difference between Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 Sony FE Probe Macro Manual Lens Cine-Mod and the Venus Optics Laowa 24mm F14 2x Macro Probe Lens for Sony E / FE?

A: The “Cine-mod” version, with standard gear focus and aperture rings, is specifically designed for videography purposes--it includes a variable-output Control cable and rugged aluminum carry case.

Q: 5. I have both a Nikon D800 and a Canon Rebel T7I. You sell adapters to convert one to the other, so which lens mount should I get and which adapter so the lens could technically work on either?

A: There are only adapters going from Nikon F to a Canon EOS body such as the FotodioX Pro Lens Mount Adapter for Nikon F Lens to Canon EF-Mount Camera, B&H # FOPCEANF. That being said you can go with the Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens for Nikon F for your D800 and adapt to the T7i when needed. https://bhpho.to/2k1eTpP https://bhpho.to/2lVBp3X

Q: 6. I am curious if anyone has tried this lens on a Fuji X-T3 or X-T4. I imagine the thing to do in that case is get this Canon EF version and an EF-X adapter if the person (like me) does not already have one. Does that sound like it would work?

A: This lens is fully manual and can work with any simple adapter on the Fujifilm camera. If looking at the EF mount version of the lens, the Vello Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Fujifilm X-Mount Camera Lens Adapter linked here would work well. https://bhpho.to/3d0WUZp. Once adapted, this lens will work very well on your camera in Manual mode.

Q: 7. Will this lens work with the F mount adapter for the Nikon Z6?

A: Yes this lens can work on the Nikon FTZ adapter for use on the Nikon Z6.

Q: 8. Is the iris ring de-clicked or is the Cine mod needed for that?

A: Yes it is

Q: 9. It is Compatible with Sony a6400?

A: Yes this lens is compatible with the Sony A6400.

Q: 10. I intend to use this lens on a Canon C100MK2 with a super 35mm sensor, but would like to take advantage of the full 24mm field of view for wide angles. What adaptor do I need to avoid to the crop factor? Is that possible?

A: The C100 Mark II has an EF mount and this is an EF mount lens. There is no EF to EF adapter. When you use this lens on the C100 Mark II it will be subject to the 1.5x crop factor.