Snorkel Lens / Probe Lens

periscope lens borescope frazier lens macro

Extremely long, thin lens for unique perspectives in tight spaces, through liquids, and close to small objects; essential tool for macro worlds and fantastic perspectives.

What is a Snorkel Lens?

The Snorkel Lens (English: Snorkel Lens, Probe Lens, or Macro Probe) is an extremely long, thin special lens that can reach into tight spaces, liquids, and close to small objects. It enables fantastic perspectives such as flights through miniature worlds or dives into liquids.

Technical Definition

Aspect	Details
Design	Long, thin, tubular
Length	20–60+ cm
Diameter	2–4 cm
Close Focus	To the front element
Waterproof	Often yes

Important Snorkel/Probe Lenses

Model	Manufacturer	Focal Length	Special Feature
Laowa Probe	Venus Optics	24mm f/14	Affordable, popular
Frazier Lens	Panavision	Variable	Industry standard
Innovision Probe	Innovision	Variable	High-end

Effect and Application

Psychological Effects

Effect	Description
Wonder	Impossible perspective
Immersion	Diving into the world
Macro World	Small things made large
Fantastic	Surreal imagery

Typical Applications

Application	Example
Commercials	Product shots, beverages
Music Videos	Stylized visuals
VFX	Integration with miniatures
Documentary	Animal/plant world
Feature Film	Fantasy sequences

The "Laowa Probe" Effect

Characteristics

Feature	Description
Introduction	2019
Impact	Democratization of the look
Price	~€1,500 (vs. €50,000+)
Spread	Viral on YouTube

Signature Shots

Shot	Description
Through Glass	Diving through a drinking glass
Over Table	Gliding between plates
Into Bloom	Into a flower
Water Surface	Half underwater

Technical Properties

Optical Features

Property	Value
Depth of Field	Extremely large (f/14)
Close Focus	0 cm (front element)
Distortion	Low to moderate
Bokeh	Unusual

Practical Aspects

Aspect	Detail
Weight	500g–2kg
Balance	Difficult (long)
Focus	Manual focus required
Light	Requires a lot (f/14)

Challenges

During Shooting

Challenge	Solution
Balance	Special mount
Lighting	Abundant light, LED ring
Focus	Follow focus, rehearsals
Cleaning	Constant (close to objects)

Technical Limitations

Limit	Description
Focal Length	Mostly wide-angle
Aperture	f/8–f/14
Resolution	Sharp center, softer edges

Notable Examples

Production	Application
Panic! At The Disco	Music Video Probe Shots
Apple Commercials	Product intros
BBC Earth	Nature documentaries
Heineken Spots	Beer pouring

Snorkel vs. Other Special Lenses

Type	Characteristics	Application
Snorkel/Probe	Long, thin, macro	Tight spaces
Periscope	90° redirection	Around corners
Borescope	Very thin, flexible	Industrial
Macro	Standard design	Close-up shots

The Legacy

In Film History

1980s: First cinema probes
1990s: Frazier establishes standard
2019: Laowa democratizes
Today: YouTube/TikTok standard

Influence

The Snorkel Lens has created a new visual language – the macro world has become a cinematic playground.

Today

Aspect	Details
Frequency	Very common (commercials)
Equipment	Laowa (budget), Frazier (pro)
Cost	€1,500–€50,000+
Trend	Ubiquitous

Modern Development

With the Laowa Probe, an exclusive look became accessible to everyone – it is now one of the standard tools for modern visualization.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Das Snorkel-Objektiv gibt mir Perspektiven, die kein anderes Objektiv erreicht. Ich kann in Gläser tauchen, durch Löcher spähen, zwischen Objekte gleiten – die Welt wird zur Miniaturlandschaft.

Director

Mit dem Snorkel zeige ich dem Zuschauer eine Welt, die er noch nie gesehen hat. Durch die Iris eines Auges, in eine Blüte, durch eine Maschinerie – unmögliche Blickwinkel werden möglich.

Producer

Snorkel-Objektive sind Spezialmiet-Equipment und brauchen erfahrene Operatoren. Aber für Werbung, Musik-Videos und VFX-Shots sind sie oft unverzichtbar und prägen den Look.