Described as "weird but genius," the Canon RF-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.

RF-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 Canon RF-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. The lens description says, "this macro lens provides a 2:1 maximum magnification with a 1.5' minimum focusing distance and a close 0.8" minimum working distance" Is this .8" working distance the working distance at all magnifications or only at the 2:1 magnification? If the working distance varies with the magnification, what is the working distance at a magnification of 1:1? And at 1:4?

A: The 1.5' is measured from the sensor. At 1.3' long that put the lens right up next to the subject your shooting.

Q: 2. What is the hyper focal distance at F14 and F40? I use a Canon 90D.

A: The hyperfocal distance of the Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens for Canon EF at f/14 would be 3.94 feet (1.2 meters). At f/40, the hyperfocal distance would be 17.17 inches (436mm).

Q: 3. Will this integrate well via FS5 or FS7 with a Metabones adapter?

A: Works fine with my Metabones.

Q: 4. I see other mount options of this lens with the cine-mod option. Is there a version of the Nikon F-mount available with cine-mod?

A: so far not available

Q: 5. What is the white cord with a switch used for? One end is micro-usb, the other side I’m not familiar with.

A: The cable for powering the LED's and the other end goes into a battery brick.

Q: 6. 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: 7. Will this work on my Sony FX9?

A: Yes this will work with the Sony Fx9

Q: 8. Is this "2×MACRO PROBE"?

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

Q: 9. 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: 10. does it come with the light LEd cable?

A: Yes, Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens for Canon EF included the USB cable in the box to power the LED ring light.