Described as "weird but genius," the Nikon F-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 0.8" 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.

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

Wide-angle prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX 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 waterproof, allowing you to comfortably work just under the surface of water or in dusty environments.

The front of the lens also features 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. Is the aperture automatic? In other words, does it focus wide open and close down to the preset f stop during exposure?

A: The aperture is entirely manual. The camera cannot control it at all.

Q: 3. Whats new in this release?

A: This model has a direct Sony E mount on it.

Q: 4. Where is the lens made?

A: This lens's country of origin is China.

Q: 5. is it compatible with a Canon EOS RP? I have the EF adaptor and it is not working...

A: While the Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens for Canon EF may be used on the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, do note that the Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens for Canon EF is a fully manual lens with no electronic contacts. As such, you would have to use the lens in full Manual [M] Mode or Aperture Value [Av] Mode (though you need to set the aperture using the aperture ring on the lens, not via the Control Dial on the camera body) and you must focus the lens manually. The lens will not autofocus and you cannot use the Auto or Scene modes when using the above lens on a Canon EOS R-series camera.

Q: 6. 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: 7. It is Compatible with Sony a6400?

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

Q: 8. What's the diameter of the lens barrel at the front?

A: The front diameter is 1.5".

Q: 9. Do I need a Slider to use the lens?

A: You don't necessarily need a macro slide but would greatly improve image quality and precise positioning.

Q: 10. Is the iris ring de-clicked or is the Cine mod needed for that?

A: Yes it is