Venus Launches Incredible Periprobe Super-Macro Lens

2022.05.30

Venus Optics just introduced one of the most unique lenses on the market. There are a considerable number of lens makers and offerings tend to greatly overlap and resemble but Venus Optics has been pushing boundaries for a while now and their latest super-macro lens takes things further... or should we say closer?!

The new Laowa 24mm T/14 Periprobe 2X is a Super-Macro lens that delivers 2X maximum magnification, very similarly to the already unique Laowa 24mm F/14 2X Macro Probe. A change from F/14 to T/14 is nothing major. The real innovation is a completely new interchangeable waterproof barrel that switches the optical path from a standard direct-view to a 90° folded-optics path. The switchable front of the lens can be submerged and is much more sealed than a weatherproof lens.

Its periprobe allows the Laowa 24mm T/14 to capture miniature subjects from new angles. The tip of the lens can also rotate 360° around the barrel to change perspective some completely downwards to directly up and angles in between. A lock mechanism secures the rotation in place, when required. With its closed front surface, Laowa took advantage of the added surface to provide an extra mount-point for accessories. The 24mm F/14 Periprobe 2X also features builtin LED light to illuminate subjects that can captured 2cm from the lens element.

This highly-specialized lens measures 40cm long and weighs 770g with an additional 257g for the second barrel required to capture subjects directly ahead. Internally it features a 7-blade aperture. There is no threads for a screw-on filter or bayonet mount for a hood, given a 2cm working distance would not make it possible. The iris can be controlled from F/14-40 with full light transmission which is why the lens is labelled T/14.

One oddity of this lens is that it is powered via USB since it has no electronic link to the camera. As other Laowa lenses, this one is fully manual with a direct aperture-dial and mechanical focus ring. To use its front LEDs, the Venus Optics Laowa 24mm T/14 Periprobe 2X must be externally powered.

Venus Optics is producing this lens is 6 Full-Frame camera mounts: Sony E, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Canon EF, Canon RF and Leica L. They have also created a dedicated 0.7X focal-reducer adapter with compatibility for an 5 APS-C mounts: Canon RF, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Micro Four-Thirds and Leica L. This makes a total of 7 mounts directly supported by the manufacturer.

• Lens