It’s been about four years since Venus Optics first released the 7.5mm f/2 MFT (Micro Four Thirds) lens. It was a milestone release because it was the widest rectilinear f/2 lens available for Micro Four Thirds. This week, Venus Optics rereleased the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT, featuring a chip that delivers metadata in EXIF and a new digitally-controlled aperture.
Here are the key updates Venus Optics has made to the new 7.5mm f/2 MFT.
The 7.5mm f/2 MFT has the same optical structure, but fewer blades
Venus Optics hasn’t made any changes to the structure of the lens. It still consists f13 elements in nine groups. However, Venus Optics has removed a few aperture blades — going from seven to five. With fewer blades, the lens can now create and capture 10-point sun stars.
You can expect the 7.5mm f/2 MFT to be slightly lighter
Because there’s a reduction in the number of aperture blades, the 7.5mm f/2 MFT is technically lighter than the original model. However, don’t expect a significant weight difference. With the original lens weighing 170 grams, the aperture blade reduction reduces the total weight by just 20 grams — equaling out to a total of 150 grams.
New CPU chip and motor
The new 7.5mm f/2 MFT includes a CPU chip and motor. Their inclusion allows you to control the lens’s aperture digitally. According to Venus Optics, it’s easier to trigger the focus magnifier when rotating the focus ring because you’ll be able to control all adjustments through the camera body.
“The focus magnifier will be triggered for easier focusing when rotating the focus ring,” Venus Optics noted in a press release. “With the control chip, DJI Inspire owners can benefit by avoiding complicated mounting process. Moreover, the metadata will be stored on EXIF and remote aperture adjustment can be realized.”
Pricing and availability
You can preorder the automatic aperture Laowa 7.5mm f/2 for Micro Four Thirds right now. It comes with a price tag of $549. That’s above the original model’s release price of $499. However, the lens is the same, but with new features, so a rise in price is justifiable.
Featured image: sulantoblog
