Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine (PL Mount)

£
75
/day

The Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine is an ultra-wide cinema lens delivering exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness with virtually zero distortion. With PL mount, fast T2.9 aperture, and rectilinear design, it's the ideal ultra-wide for narrative work, interiors, and establishing shots.

Kit includes

1 x Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine (PL Mount)

1 x 114mm Step-Up Ring

1 x Hard Case

Key features

  • Ultra-wide 12mm focal length provides dramatic perspective and expansive field of view for cinematic storytelling
  • Zero-D (Zero Distortion) optical design maintains straight lines even at frame edges with minimal barrel distortion
  • Fast T2.9 aperture provides excellent low-light capability and shallow depth of field control for ultra-wide cinematography
  • Rectilinear design preserves natural perspective without fisheye distortion typical of ultra-wide lenses
  • Professional cinema construction with 0.8 mod gears on focus and aperture rings for follow focus systems
  • PL mount compatible with professional cinema cameras including ARRI, RED, Sony VENICE, and other PL-mount systems
  • Robust metal construction with precise mechanical design ensures reliable professional operation
  • Includes 114mm step-up ring allowing use of larger filter systems for ND and polarising filters

Description

The Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine represents exceptional value in ultra-wide cinema lenses, delivering professional optical performance at the 12mm focal length with virtually zero distortion. Ultra-wide lenses typically suffer from significant barrel distortion that bends straight lines at frame edges, but the Zero-D design maintains rectilinear perspective - straight lines remain straight even at frame edges, making it practical for architectural interiors, dramatic wide shots, and any application where distortion would be problematic. We've supplied this lens extensively for narrative work requiring dramatic ultra-wide establishing shots, interior shooting where the wide coverage captures entire rooms, music videos needing expansive perspective, and commercial work where the ultra-wide creates visual impact.

What sets the Laowa 12mm apart is the combination of extreme width, minimal distortion, and professional cinema features. The 12mm focal length provides exceptionally wide coverage - significantly wider than standard wide-angle lenses whilst maintaining natural rectilinear perspective rather than fisheye distortion. The fast T2.9 aperture is remarkable for an ultra-wide lens, providing excellent low-light capability and allowing shallow depth of field even at this wide focal length. The professional cinema construction features 0.8 mod gears on both focus and aperture rings, making it compatible with wireless follow focus systems and cinema lens control accessories.

The PL mount ensures compatibility with professional cinema cameras including ARRI, RED, Sony VENICE, and other cinema camera systems. The robust metal construction with precise mechanical design provides reliable professional operation without the focus breathing or play typical of photo lenses adapted for cinema use. The 12mm focal length works brilliantly for dramatic establishing shots showing full environment, interior architecture where you need to capture entire spaces, environmental portraits showing subjects in expansive context, music videos requiring dramatic perspective, and any narrative work where ultra-wide perspective creates visual storytelling impact. We include the 114mm step-up ring allowing use of larger filter systems, and protective hard case for safe transport.

FAQs

What does Zero-D mean in practical terms? Zero-D (Zero Distortion) means the lens maintains straight lines even at frame edges with minimal barrel distortion. Most ultra-wide lenses bend straight lines at frame edges creating barrel distortion, but the Zero-D design keeps architectural elements, horizons, and straight lines appearing natural - essential for interior work, architecture, and any application where distortion would be problematic.

How wide is 12mm compared to standard lenses? The 12mm focal length is exceptionally wide - providing roughly double the field of view of a standard 24mm wide-angle lens. It captures expansive scenes, entire rooms in interiors, and dramatic perspective that emphasises foreground elements whilst showing extensive background context. It's significantly wider than typical cinema wide lenses whilst maintaining rectilinear perspective.

Is T2.9 fast enough for ultra-wide work? Yes, T2.9 is remarkably fast for an ultra-wide lens - many ultra-wides are T4 or slower. The fast aperture provides excellent low-light capability and allows shallow depth of field even at this wide focal length, though the depth of field will naturally be deeper than telephoto lenses due to the wide focal length and typical subject distances.

What cameras is this lens compatible with? The PL mount makes it compatible with professional cinema cameras including ARRI ALEXA, RED cameras, Sony VENICE, and other cinema cameras with PL mount. For cameras with different mounts, PL adapters are available, though native PL compatibility ensures optimal performance without adapters.

Does it work with follow focus systems? Yes, both the focus and aperture rings feature professional 0.8 mod cinema gears, making the lens fully compatible with wireless follow focus systems, lens motors, and cinema lens control accessories. The gears are precisely machined for smooth, accurate control during shooting.

What's the 114mm step-up ring for? The step-up ring allows you to use 114mm filter systems with the lens. Ultra-wide lenses typically require larger filter diameters to avoid vignetting, and the step-up ring ensures you can use professional filter systems for ND filters, polarisers, or other filtration without darkening frame corners.

Is it suitable for interior shooting? Absolutely. The combination of 12mm ultra-wide coverage and Zero-D distortion correction makes it ideal for interior architecture, real estate, music videos shot in confined spaces, and any situation where you need to capture entire rooms or tight spaces whilst maintaining natural perspective without distortion.

How far in advance should I book? The Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine is popular for narrative and commercial productions requiring ultra-wide cinematography, so we recommend booking as early as possible. Request a quote with your dates and we'll confirm availability.

Please note: all prices are excluding VAT

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