Venus Optics introduced a new lens at CES 2019. The Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D Lens (DL Mount) which is designed for the X7 gimbal on the DJI Inspire 2 drone.
Dedicated to drone cinematography
It’s important to note that the lens is not new. However, now it can be attached to the excellent X7 DJI Inspire 2 gimbal in order to get ultra side shots.
Although wide angles are common in drone cinematography, the challenge is to deliver stunning wide shots (rather than GoPro style shots). The lens seems to produce extremely impressive shots. Check them out by yourself at the pictures below demonstrated by Venus Optics.
The Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D is specially re-designed into DJI DL mount for all the Inspire 2 with X7 gimbal, that makes it the widest lens to use by X7 gimbals.
Minimum distortion
A fast and bright wide-angle prime, the DL mount Laowa 9mm f/2.8 FE Zero-D Lens from Venus Optics is a lightweight, compact lens with a sophisticated optical design to effectively limit distortion. Its DL mount is designed to fit the X7 gimbal on a DJI Inspire 2 drone, and it covers APS-C / Super 35 sensors.
The DL mount Laowa 9mm f/2.8 FE Zero-D Lens from Venus Optics is a lightweight, compact lens with a sophisticated optical design to effectively limit distortion.
Check out the images and video below in order to notice the minimum distortion derived from the lens.
Low light capabilities
The bright f/2.8 maximum aperture makes this lens especially useful for low-light use, and when paired with the 4.7″ minimum focusing distance, shallow depth of field imagery can also be produced. The optical construction includes three extra-low dispersion elements and two aspherical elements to control both chromatic and spherical aberrations for greater sharpness, clarity, and reduced color fringing.
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 highlights
- DL Mount Lens for DJI Inspire 2 Drone – Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Covers APS-C Super 35 Format - 15 Elements in 10 Groups
- Wide-Angle 113° Coverage, Low Distortion
- Compact, Lightweight Design: 210g (0.46 lbs) and is 60mm (2.36 in) long
7-Blade Diaphragm
Price and availability
Price of the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 is $500 and Preorders can be made via B&H website.
Final thoughts
If you are a DJI Inspire 2 owner equipped with the X7, you should consider using this lens. You can check out the videos and images. The quality and minimal distortion are truly speak for themselves.
What is your opinion regarding this ultra-wide lens? Would you use it in drone cinematography? Let’s know your view in the comments section below.
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While the optics on this lens are desirable, both aperture and focus are manual only. You cannot adjust either in flight! As wide as this lens is, the focus is a moot point, however, no aperture control can be a nightmare!! Also, if you use a balancing ring and then an nd you’ll get vignetting unless you use a step up ring to a much larger size…..which o have yet to determine
Anyone?