Described as "weird but genius," the Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe from Venus Optics is a truly unique lens designed for close-up shooting. Distinguished by its long, slender lens barrel, this macro lens provides a 2:1 maximum magnification with a 1.5' minimum focusing distance and a close 0.8" minimum working distance. Even with such a close working distance, the lens measures 1.3' long, placing you at a comfortable distance to photograph nearby subjects. Also, as a wide-angle lens, greater depth of field is afforded when compared to traditional telephoto macro lenses, which allows for greater detail in the background with less subject isolation. The optical design includes both extra-low dispersion and extra refractive index elements, which help to suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations for a high degree of clarity, color accuracy, and sharpness. Manual focus control permits focusing from 1.5' to infinity, and the front of the lens has a built-in LED ring light to aid in focusing at close distances. The slim 0.2" diameter of the front of the lens barrel also offers greater opportunities for lighting subjects from the front. Additionally, the front portion of the lens is waterproof, and permits working with subjects just beneath the surface of water or in other dusty or trying environments.
Described as "weird but genius," the Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe from Venus Optics is a truly unique lens designed for close-up shooting. Distinguished by its long, slender lens barrel, this macro lens provides a 2:1 maximum magnification with a 1.5' minimum focusing distance and a close 0.8" minimum working distance. Even with such a close working distance, the lens measures 1.3' long, placing you at a comfortable distance to photograph nearby subjects. Also, as a wide-angle lens, greater depth of field is afforded when compared to traditional telephoto macro lenses, which allows for greater detail in the background with less subject isolation. The optical design includes both extra-low dispersion and extra refractive index elements, which help to suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations for a high degree of clarity, color accuracy, and sharpness. Manual focus control permits focusing from 1.5' to infinity, and the front of the lens has a built-in LED ring light to aid in focusing at close distances. The slim 0.2" diameter of the front of the lens barrel also offers greater opportunities for lighting subjects from the front. Additionally, the front portion of the lens is waterproof, and permits working with subjects just beneath the surface of water or in other dusty or trying environments.
Described as "weird but genius," the Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe from Venus Optics is a truly unique lens designed for close-up shooting. Distinguished by its long, slender lens barrel, this macro lens provides a 2:1 maximum magnification with a 1.5' minimum focusing distance and a close 0.8" minimum working distance. Even with such a close working distance, the lens measures 1.3' long, placing you at a comfortable distance to photograph nearby subjects. Also, as a wide-angle lens, greater depth of field is afforded when compared to traditional telephoto macro lenses, which allows for greater detail in the background with less subject isolation. The optical design includes both extra-low dispersion and extra refractive index elements, which help to suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations for a high degree of clarity, color accuracy, and sharpness. Manual focus control permits focusing from 1.5' to infinity, and the front of the lens has a built-in LED ring light to aid in focusing at close distances. The slim 0.2" diameter of the front of the lens barrel also offers greater opportunities for lighting subjects from the front. Additionally, the front portion of the lens is waterproof, and permits working with subjects just beneath the surface of water or in other dusty or trying environments.
Described as "weird but genius," the Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe from Venus Optics is a truly unique lens designed for close-up shooting. Distinguished by its long, slender lens barrel, this macro lens provides a 2:1 maximum magnification with a 1.5' minimum focusing distance and a close 0.8" minimum working distance. Even with such a close working distance, the lens measures 1.3' long, placing you at a comfortable distance to photograph nearby subjects. Also, as a wide-angle lens, greater depth of field is afforded when compared to traditional telephoto macro lenses, which allows for greater detail in the background with less subject isolation. The optical design includes both extra-low dispersion and extra refractive index elements, which help to suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations for a high degree of clarity, color accuracy, and sharpness. Manual focus control permits focusing from 1.5' to infinity, and the front of the lens has a built-in LED ring light to aid in focusing at close distances. The slim 0.2" diameter of the front of the lens barrel also offers greater opportunities for lighting subjects from the front. Additionally, the front portion of the lens is waterproof, and permits working with subjects just beneath the surface of water or in other dusty or trying environments.
Last updated at 06/06/2026 23:21:09
Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe Lens Canon EF
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Laowa Ve2414c Camera Lens 24 Mm Silver
Delivery $24.99
24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe (Standard) for Canon EF
Free delivery between 16–19 June
Venus Optics Laowa 24mm F/14 Probe Lens For Canon Ef
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Venus Optics Laowa 24mm F/14 Probe Lens For Sony E
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Laowa 24mm F/14 2x Macro Probe Lens - Sony E Mount
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LAOWA 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe Canon EF (standard)
Delivery $32.90
Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe (Canon EF)
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Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe Lens - Sony E Mount
Delivery between 12–16 June $8.95
Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens (Standard) - Canon EF
Delivery between 10–18 June $15
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Honestly, I think the medium where this lens shines its brightest is macro videography. You simply can’t produce the types of video shots with traditional lenses that you can with this unique gear.To Illustrate this point, I have included a link to sample footage that I shot with this lens. https://youtu.be/PV8Jua640jM or visit www.robertkstudios.comI wish we could upload video footage with reviews in addition to posting photos.Moving along, the photos that I’ve included within this review doesn’t do the lens any justice. Again, is strength being macro video work. With that said, I’ll let the footage do all of the talking.However, there is one thing to be mindful of. This lens requires a great deal of light. Consequently, you need to invest in a powerful ... MoreHonestly, I think the medium where this lens shines its brightest is macro videography. You simply can’t produce the types of video shots with traditional lenses that you can with this unique gear.To Illustrate this point, I have included a link to sample footage that I shot with this lens. https://youtu.be/PV8Jua640jM or visit www.robertkstudios.comI wish we could upload video footage with reviews in addition to posting photos.Moving along, the photos that I’ve included within this review doesn’t do the lens any justice. Again, is strength being macro video work. With that said, I’ll let the footage do all of the talking.However, there is one thing to be mindful of. This lens requires a great deal of light. Consequently, you need to invest in a powerful lighting system.Presently, I use the Nikon Z6 which is amazing in low light, thus allowing me to get by with a makeshift lighting system. I can shoot up to an IOS of 5,000 without any noticeable grain in footage. Currently I’m saving up for The Aputure Light Storm C300d Mark II LED Light Kit.Also, the LED lights at the tip of the lens appear to have a warmer color temperature. Ideally I prefer a cooler temperature. Even so, depending on your content you can make it work.In sum, I must say that Laowa’s probe lens is a special tool that allows for endless creativity. I encourage creatives, filmmakers and photographers to try this lens. Is it worth the price? YEP!
originally posted on adorama.com
Nicely packaged. Very durable lens, quite heavy and sturdy.Requires A LOT of light and not meant to used as a handheld, definitely needs a stabilizer or tracking system. Great quality.I am able to use with my iPhone via adapter and my RED Komodo.Perfect for those extreme close and smooth shots.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I was really optimistic about receiving and using this lens after I've watched and read a lot about it. It's already such a specialized lens that only few would use on a regular base. however, I wanted to use it for some special project; I had some special shot that required going into tight spaces with no extra lighting options. I plugged it into an external battery for my first time, and it was hard but worked. But when I assembled everything for my second shot, the dimmer cable provided with it would not go in... in fact, it actually broke the whole mechanism loose inside. this is unacceptable for such a pricey lens. I'm completely disappointed in how easily this broke from such an ordinary usage. the shots I got with my own lighting and no tight spaces are ... MoreI was really optimistic about receiving and using this lens after I've watched and read a lot about it. It's already such a specialized lens that only few would use on a regular base. however, I wanted to use it for some special project; I had some special shot that required going into tight spaces with no extra lighting options. I plugged it into an external battery for my first time, and it was hard but worked. But when I assembled everything for my second shot, the dimmer cable provided with it would not go in... in fact, it actually broke the whole mechanism loose inside. this is unacceptable for such a pricey lens. I'm completely disappointed in how easily this broke from such an ordinary usage. the shots I got with my own lighting and no tight spaces are decent, however, that's no excuse for sending such an expensive lens with a cheap charging port.
| Focal Length | 24mm |
| Aperture Maximum | f/14 |
| Minimum | f/40 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony E |
| Format Compatibility | 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor |
Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe Lens Canon EF
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Laowa Ve2414c Camera Lens 24 Mm Silver
Delivery $24.99
24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe (Standard) for Canon EF
Free delivery between 16–19 June
Venus Optics Laowa 24mm F/14 Probe Lens For Canon Ef
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Venus Optics Laowa 24mm F/14 Probe Lens For Sony E
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Honestly, I think the medium where this lens shines its brightest is macro videography. You simply can’t produce the types of video shots with traditional lenses that you can with this unique gear.To Illustrate this point, I have included a link to sample footage that I shot with this lens. https://youtu.be/PV8Jua640jM or visit www.robertkstudios.comI wish we could upload video footage with reviews in addition to posting photos.Moving along, the photos that I’ve included within this review doesn’t do the lens any justice. Again, is strength being macro video work. With that said, I’ll let the footage do all of the talking.However, there is one thing to be mindful of. This lens requires a great deal of light. Consequently, you need to invest in a powerful ... MoreHonestly, I think the medium where this lens shines its brightest is macro videography. You simply can’t produce the types of video shots with traditional lenses that you can with this unique gear.To Illustrate this point, I have included a link to sample footage that I shot with this lens. https://youtu.be/PV8Jua640jM or visit www.robertkstudios.comI wish we could upload video footage with reviews in addition to posting photos.Moving along, the photos that I’ve included within this review doesn’t do the lens any justice. Again, is strength being macro video work. With that said, I’ll let the footage do all of the talking.However, there is one thing to be mindful of. This lens requires a great deal of light. Consequently, you need to invest in a powerful lighting system.Presently, I use the Nikon Z6 which is amazing in low light, thus allowing me to get by with a makeshift lighting system. I can shoot up to an IOS of 5,000 without any noticeable grain in footage. Currently I’m saving up for The Aputure Light Storm C300d Mark II LED Light Kit.Also, the LED lights at the tip of the lens appear to have a warmer color temperature. Ideally I prefer a cooler temperature. Even so, depending on your content you can make it work.In sum, I must say that Laowa’s probe lens is a special tool that allows for endless creativity. I encourage creatives, filmmakers and photographers to try this lens. Is it worth the price? YEP!
Nicely packaged. Very durable lens, quite heavy and sturdy.Requires A LOT of light and not meant to used as a handheld, definitely needs a stabilizer or tracking system. Great quality.I am able to use with my iPhone via adapter and my RED Komodo.Perfect for those extreme close and smooth shots.
I was really optimistic about receiving and using this lens after I've watched and read a lot about it. It's already such a specialized lens that only few would use on a regular base. however, I wanted to use it for some special project; I had some special shot that required going into tight spaces with no extra lighting options. I plugged it into an external battery for my first time, and it was hard but worked. But when I assembled everything for my second shot, the dimmer cable provided with it would not go in... in fact, it actually broke the whole mechanism loose inside. this is unacceptable for such a pricey lens. I'm completely disappointed in how easily this broke from such an ordinary usage. the shots I got with my own lighting and no tight spaces are ... MoreI was really optimistic about receiving and using this lens after I've watched and read a lot about it. It's already such a specialized lens that only few would use on a regular base. however, I wanted to use it for some special project; I had some special shot that required going into tight spaces with no extra lighting options. I plugged it into an external battery for my first time, and it was hard but worked. But when I assembled everything for my second shot, the dimmer cable provided with it would not go in... in fact, it actually broke the whole mechanism loose inside. this is unacceptable for such a pricey lens. I'm completely disappointed in how easily this broke from such an ordinary usage. the shots I got with my own lighting and no tight spaces are decent, however, that's no excuse for sending such an expensive lens with a cheap charging port.
You can find the specs elsewhere, so I'll stick to notes on experience. It's great for video. Using it for macro photography is harder. It has such a wide field of view that focus stacking has to be done inside the lens, rather than by shifting the lens. There is heavy pincushion distortion, but it is correctable. All told, it's quirky, but the limitations are far outweighed by the usefulness of the lens.
If you are looking for ways to add another dimension to your videos this lens is a great addition to your kit. I shoot mostly food and drink and am always looking for ways to make it more interesting in motion. The combo of ultra macro and wide angle makes this a really great perspective. One thing I don't like is that the f-stop ring rotates smoothly without clicks so it is easy to change it accidentally while focusing. Also you will need to make sure you control vibration since the lens is super macro and has such a long barrel. Lastly, it works best when combined with a slider or jib -- but make sure the motor can work smoothly because any small jerking motion will ruin the video.
I have various macro lenses including the Laowa 15mm macro which also allows very close focus, along with more normal macros like the Sony. I shoot primarily insects and flowers. The 24mm probe allows a very unique in the flower perspective that cant be achieved with other lenses. If you are new to macro, this in NOT the lens to start with. If you already have a macro and are willing to spend $1500 to get certain special macro shots, this might work for you.It is a difficult lens to use since it is all manual and has a significant learning curve. For flowers and other stationary subjects, it can be used on a tripod with a focus rail. It is best to focus full open and then close down to get a better depth of field. I use an off-camera wireless flash with a snoot to ... MoreI have various macro lenses including the Laowa 15mm macro which also allows very close focus, along with more normal macros like the Sony. I shoot primarily insects and flowers. The 24mm probe allows a very unique in the flower perspective that cant be achieved with other lenses. If you are new to macro, this in NOT the lens to start with. If you already have a macro and are willing to spend $1500 to get certain special macro shots, this might work for you.It is a difficult lens to use since it is all manual and has a significant learning curve. For flowers and other stationary subjects, it can be used on a tripod with a focus rail. It is best to focus full open and then close down to get a better depth of field. I use an off-camera wireless flash with a snoot to control illumination of the subject. It takes a lot of light. There is a built in LED light on tip and it is bright enough to shoot stills with. However, it gives a very flat light and I prefer the look from an off camera strobe. The LED is good for video work and delivers plenty of light.The lens is adequately sharp, but a little soft, especially when fully closed down to F40. Even at it is sharpest, it is not as sharp as a normal macro lens. Running the images through a sharpener like Topaz generally fixes any softness. It does seem more than adequately sharp for the lower resolution of video.The strong point of the lens for me is in being able to get inside flowers or places where any other macro lens would not fit. If you have enough room to shoot with a normal macro, that, in my opinion, will give a better, sharper photo. The Laowa 15mm macro also allows very close focus wide angle, is sharper and is another option worth considering for closeup wide angle. However, for serious macro shooters, this probe lens will produce images that no other lens can. It is far less expensive than probe (relay) lenses of the past, but is still costs more than most other macro lenses. It is the best option only for certain special situations, but if those are the shots you want, its a great lens to have. Personally, Im very glad I bought it and it opens up macro shots that would not have been possible before. Now that I have a lens that can get inside flowers etc., I am looking for places to use it and expect to use it fairly often.
I was very doubtful about this, but after looking at all the places I could use it for clients I took the chance. The build quality is far beyond what I expected. It's adjustments are all tight and smooth. The first images are very good. You can get surreal pictures inside tiny spaces in a machine. The iris is manual, so you have to close it down manually before shooting, but that makes the mechanism simpler and hopefully more durable. It works very well with my Nikon flashes in TTL remote auto mode, so that convenience is still there. The built-in LEDs are bright enough for accurate focusing even at f14. They are bright enough for handheld shots if you're very careful, and push up the ISO. I'll post more info after I visit a client's plant with it.
As reference, Im a professional videographer whose footage is featured in TV documentary, science and nature shows as well as in museum large-screen displays worldwide. I specialize in micro and extreme macro footage. My principal camera is the Sony A7R III with which I use a variety of Canon L-series macro lenses by way of a Metabones adapter.Ive been waiting to find a reasonably-priced lens like this at a for a long time, and while it is not perfect, I have to give the Laowa high marks for what it has achieved.Far and away, the biggest advantage to a lens like this is the astonishing depth of field that is possible. Im attaching frame grabs that show the difference between images captured with my go-to macro lens, the Canon 180, which I feel is one of the ... MoreAs reference, Im a professional videographer whose footage is featured in TV documentary, science and nature shows as well as in museum large-screen displays worldwide. I specialize in micro and extreme macro footage. My principal camera is the Sony A7R III with which I use a variety of Canon L-series macro lenses by way of a Metabones adapter.Ive been waiting to find a reasonably-priced lens like this at a for a long time, and while it is not perfect, I have to give the Laowa high marks for what it has achieved.Far and away, the biggest advantage to a lens like this is the astonishing depth of field that is possible. Im attaching frame grabs that show the difference between images captured with my go-to macro lens, the Canon 180, which I feel is one of the finest macro lenses ever made, and the Laowa. The Canon 180 is on the left in both examples. The Canon loses a lot of depth in comparison and this can really hurt macro shots. The Laowa also enables me to shoot macro subjects from more of an angle, which makes things a lot easier and opens up more possibilities in the macro world. I cant tell you how many macro shots Ive lost due to insufficient DOF. BTW, all shots were shot under identical lighting with fairly large apertures.At its closest focus (about a half-inch), the Laowa achieves a similar horizontal field of view as the Canon 180 at its closest focus (about a foot), which is about an inch across. The big difference with the Canon 180 is that I can add diopters, extenders and extension to achieve a much more narrow field of view, like 1/4 inch across. You cant really add any of that to the Laowa, so youre pretty much stuck with the 1 HFOV. However, since I own a Sony A7R III, I can use its internal cropping to achieve close to 1/4 HFOV (the realm of extreme macro), and with no apparent loss of quality since the Sony sensor is 42 MP and has plenty of pixel density to offer. Since the Sony shoots UHD, I can then crop that video in post production bringing it down to HD with an effective HFOV of just over 1/8, if HD is acceptable, and for many applications, it is, still today.The Laowa is relatively easy to use for a macro lens, especially compared to another close-focus lens like the Canon MP-65, which is real beast -- more of a microscope on a tripod -- and almost impossible to use in the field. While the Laowa front lens element still needs to be close to a subject -- about a half-inch away for maximum macro effect -- this is easier to achieve with a lightweight probe lens, where you and the camera can still be a comfortable foot and half away. That said, some insects and spiders, etc., have a circle of fear far greater than a half-inch, so the Laowa wont do you much good with those critters. As far as inanimate objects, like flowers, etc., you still have to contend with the wind which will knock things like leaves and petals into the front element.When combined with a slider, the Laowa can also be used as a poor mans snorkel rig like the Kenworthy to shoot table-top shots, especially with a motorized slider. It lacks the 90 degree angle of a snorkel, but it is still has potential in this respect.As far as using the Laowa as a probe to stick it into things, I cant think of too many applications for that, but I am looking forward to sticking it into a jar filled with pond specimens to see what that looks like.Another plus for the Laowa is its relative light weight which makes it easier to move your rig around and which does not require external lens support, although I still use one.Laowa is not an ultra-sharp lens, but it isnt that bad, and the color rendition does not measure up to the Canon 180 or any Canon glass I own.While were on the subject of color, I should point out that images obtained with the Laowa, with no artificial lighting at all, are much warmer than with any other of my lenses. Each time I use the Laowa, I have to turn off daylight balance on my camera and set it to automatic instead so this will make it a bit more difficult to match shots from other lenses. All doable in After Effects, but still.A big concern with the Laowa is the amount of dust and debris that will end up in your shots if you are not fastidious with your cleaning. You not only need to frequently clean the front and rear lens elements, but the camera sensor as well, the latter using sensor cleaning swabs, which Ive never had to use before. Ever.I havent shot much with the on-board LED lighting array, but it was disappointing to hear that it is balanced for tungsten rather than daylight. This doesnt make much sense to me since most macro shooters, for the most part, will be wanting to shoot outside. I also dont like the idea that you have to provide an external power source source for the light and it has to be TAPED to the lens. Why couldnt the light run off the camera? I will probably be using my Frezzi hand-held HMI sun gun more with this lens.Another concern is the amount of barrel distortion in the shots, but this is to be expected since this is actually a wide-angle lens. I find this is not all that noticeable, though, since most people viewing macro shots will have no frame of reference to know something is distorted. I mean who is to say a beetles head looks too big for its body, or that a flowers stamens are too big for its petals, etc. Shoot something you know, like your own picture on your drivers license, and the Laowa makes it look like a reflection from a funhouse mirror. The distortion can have a positive effect in video when panning across specimens providing a dramatic fly-over sensation.Balance it all out, I give the Laowa 4 stars, but at $1,400, its pricey if you dont shoot a lot of macro where a lens like this can be utilized. As much as I shoot macro, Im not sure a lens like this will even pay off for me, but Ill have a lot of fun trying.
Efficient LensRentals service as always. The lens is f16 max ap so we used in conjunction with Sony FX6 and A7 cameras with high ISO which was indispensable. I was worried about exposure but we got away with it. Very sharp and opens up entirely new composition options and ways of seeing people, objects, and details. We were a little restricted because of the lens' 18" length in some tighter locations so consider non-snorkel macros if you don't need the lens to move between objects. Very easy to knock the lens against things because they are closer than they appear so you have to keep 1 eye on the lens tip, not just the monitor.Wish you guys carried the Cine modified EF mount version.
This Probe lens was the exact tool we needed to capture coral spawn. We were able to pre-rinse in fresh water, insert it into a salt tank for its job and then post-rinse in fresh water again. The lens was flawless for the job. The largest aperture is only 14 and that was a bit scary. But the subject was lit and we actually shot about f/22. Focus was smooth and precise. We didn't need the led lights at the tip of the lens as it was tungsten balanced and flattened the image. Overall, we were thrilled with the results.
| Focal Length | 24mm |
| Aperture Maximum | f/14 |
| Minimum | f/40 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony E |
| Format Compatibility | 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor |
