Ultra-long macro probe lens by Venus Optics (24mm f/14, 2:1 magnification) with waterproof tip and integrated LED ring light for extreme close-up insect photography.
The Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe is a specialized macro lens from the Chinese manufacturer Venus Optics (brand Laowa). It is considered the first mass-produced so-called probe lens: an unusually long, thin tube that can be inserted deep into tight spaces, into or behind objects, or onto the water's surface without the camera or operator disturbing the subject. It is a manual lens (focus and aperture are set by hand) for full-frame sensors.
Its characteristic feature is the combination of a wide-angle focal length and 2:1 macro capability: unlike a classic telephoto macro lens, the short focal length creates a highly exaggerated, wide-angle close-up perspective (marketed by Venus Optics as "Bug Eye" or insect perspective) and delivers a significantly greater depth of field with a visible background in close-up shots. It is primarily used in advertising, food, nature, and insect filmmaking, as well as for unusual narrative perspectives in feature films and music videos.
Optical and Mechanical Key Data (according to manufacturer and dealer information):
The front tip of the tube is waterproof, allowing the lens to be partially submerged in water. An integrated LED ring light is located at the tip to illuminate the immediate close-up area, powered via Micro-USB.
The lens is available in several mount variants, including Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, and as a PL-mount version for cine cameras. In addition to the standard photo version, Venus Optics offers a "Cine Mod" version with a de-clicked aperture and standardized gears on the focus and aperture rings, facilitating focus and aperture pulls with a follow focus on set.
Due to its working distance and tube shape, the lens allows for camera movements close to or through subjects, such as over food, through miniature sets, inside machinery, or just above or below the water's surface. The fixed aperture starting at f/14 means it is a comparatively slow lens; in combination with the short working distance, additional lighting is usually necessary in practice – the integrated LED ring light only covers the immediate front area. Stabilization via rig, slider, or motion control is common with the long, slender tube to avoid shake in macro shots.
Als Kameramann schätze ich dieses Objektiv für völlig neue Bildperspektiven, die sonst unmöglich wären - ich kann buchstäblich in Ameisenhaufen oder Blüten hineinfilmen. Die manuelle Fokussierung erfordert zwar Geduld und Präzision, aber die Ergebnisse sind visuell spektakulär und schaffen eine völlig neue Bildsprache für Makroaufnahmen.
Dieses Objektiv eröffnet mir narrative Möglichkeiten, die Zuschauer in Mikrowelten zu entführen und dabei eine fast surreale Intimität zu schaffen. Besonders für Naturfilme oder experimentelle Sequenzen kann ich damit Geschichten aus Perspektiven erzählen, die das Publikum noch nie gesehen hat. Die Herausforderung liegt darin, diese extremen Einstellungen sinnvoll in die Dramaturgie zu integrieren.
Die Anschaffungskosten sind überschaubar, aber der Zeitaufwand für Makroaufnahmen ist erheblich - oft braucht man Stunden für wenige Sekunden verwendbares Material. Ich plane für solche Drehtage deutlich mehr Zeit ein und sorge für geduldige, spezialisierte Kamerateams. Der Wow-Effekt rechtfertigt aber meist den Mehraufwand, da solche Aufnahmen hohen Produktionswert vermitteln.
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