Laowa launches new Ranger 16-30mm cine zoom

Laowa has launched the third lens in its full frame Ranger series of compact cine zooms. The new Laowa Ranger 16-30mm has the same maximum aperture of T2.9 as the 28-75 mm and 75-180 mm lenses in the range.

Compact design

Laowa designed the Ranger compact cine zoom lenses to be smaller and more lightweight than regular cine lenses. All of the lenses are also available in Standard and Lite versions  of the Ranger series lenses. The Standard version of the 16-30mm lens weighs 1.76 pounds (799 g) while the Lite version has a magnesium alloy construction and weighs 1.63 pounds (738 g). In addition, the new lens is the shortest lens in the Ranger series, measuring only 4.22 inches (107.4 mm) in length.

Optical construction

The Ranger 16-30mm zoom lens is designed with 18 lens elements in 12 groups. The lens also has a minimum focus distance of 13 inches (33 cm).  It addition, the geared focus ring has a throw of 270 degrees so you will be able to precisely achieve accurate focus. The focus scale has both imperial and metric distance markings.

Parfocal

As a cine zoom lens, the Ranger 16-30mm zoom lens is parfocal. This means that the focus stays constant when you zoom, unlike with a photography lens. In addition, Laowa says that the lens has minimal focus breathing. Focus breathing causes the image to change size slightly as you pull focus.

T2.9 maximum aperture

The Ranger 16-30mm zoom lens has a maximum aperture of T2.9. This will give good low-light performance and you will be able to achieve a shallow depth of field. The aperture has an 11-bladed iris so it should give a smooth circular bokeh in the out of focus parts of your image. As with the focus ring, the aperture ring also a standard 0.8 gear ring.

Lens mounts

The PL lens mount version of the Ranger 16-30mm zoom lens comes with an EF bayonet adaptor. You can also buy optional lens mount adaptors for Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z or L-Mount mirrorless cameras.

What we think

With the release of the new 16-30 mm zoom, the full Laowa Ranger series now covers focal lengths from 16 mm to 180 mm. This gives a you a total zoom range greater than 11x. All of the lenses have consistent positions for the focus and aperture rings, so you don’t need to adjust your follow focus when switching between lenses. In addition, the parfocal design of the lenses means that you can optically zoom in camera without losing focus. The light weight design of the Ranger lenses also makes them ideal for solo shooters who need a lighter setup. Whether you have the other lenses in the series or not, the Laowa 16-30mm zoom lens is a great option if you want a wide angle cine zoom lens.

Price and availability

The Laowa Ranger 16-30mm T2.9 FF zoom lens is available now. You can choose the Standard version which has a black lens body for $2,999. Alternatively, the Lite version has a space-grey body and costs $3,499.


Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.

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