Venus Optics macro lens, 85 cm long with 3.5 cm slim front section, designed for navigating tight spaces and obstacles; 2 cm minimum focus distance.
Technical Details
The lens features a minimum focusing distance of 2 cm with an overall length of 85 cm when extended. The tubular front section measures 3.5 cm in diameter, allowing it to penetrate between objects or into tight spaces. A ring-shaped LED illumination at the front end ensures even lighting for extreme close-ups. The lens is available for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, and other mounts, weighs 474g, and has no electronic contacts – all settings are made manually via mechanical rings.
History & Development
Venus Optics introduced the Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens in 2018, after the Chinese company had already gained attention for its unconventional macro and wide-angle lenses. The development was inspired by industrial endoscopes and medical instruments. In 2020, a cine-optimized version followed with geared focus rings and a T-stop scale. The design revolutionized macro photography in film production, as it enabled cinematic movements in miniature worlds with professional equipment for the first time.
Practical Use in Film
The lens allows for shots from perspectives impossible with conventional macro lenses – such as tracking shots through tubes, between objects, or extreme low-angle shots. Typical applications include product photography, insect shots, mechanical details, or tracking shots through miniatures. The lens has established itself in advertising campaigns for watches, jewelry, or technology products. The workflow usually requires additional lighting despite the built-in LEDs, as these are only sufficient for basic illumination. The extreme depth of field makes precise focusing critical.
Comparison & Alternatives
Conventional macro lenses like the Canon MP-E 65mm achieve higher magnifications (5:1) but offer no spatial flexibility. Endoscope cameras provide lower image quality and are not designed for cinematic standards. Tilt-shift lenses also enable unusual perspectives, but without macro capabilities. For pure magnification without spatial limitations, classic macro lenses remain superior. The Probe Lens fills a specific niche between cinematic quality and spatial freedom of movement.