Laowa develops revolutionary f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye lens

Laowa announces the latest evolution in creative optics — the Laowa 4.5 -10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye. Specifically engineered for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) systems, this compact “muffin-lens” brings the most playful focal lengths into a single, palm-sized powerhouse. 

By delivering a dual fisheye effect — shifting from a dramatic 180° circular image at 4.5mm to a frame-filling diagonal perspective at 10mm — this lens offers unparalleled versatility in a portable form factor. Featuring a constant f/2.8 fast aperture, the lens ensures that creators are always ready to capture unexpected moments with consistent exposure, regardless of the lighting or occasion.

The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye redefines creative flexibility by offering two iconic fisheye perspectives within a single, compact barrel. With a 4.5mm -10mm zoom range, it allows creators to transition seamlessly between distinct visual styles with a simple turn of the zoom ring, eliminating the need for lens swaps in the field.

The lens delivers a sweeping 180° angle of view at its widest 4.5mm setting, producing a dramatic circular effect with iconic, pronounced curvature. This immersive perspective allows creators to condense vast scenes into a single frame, making it a tool for artistic “crystal ball” visuals, expansive astrophotography, and seamless 360° panoramas.

By capturing imagery at 10mm and de-fishing it in post-production, a wider, more expansive field of view can be achieved than with a standard 10mm wide-angle prime lens.

The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye features a constant f/2.8 aperture across its entire zoom range, providing creators with consistent exposure and depth-of-field control. This fast aperture is specifically designed to excel in low-light conditions, making it a reliable choice for night-time landscapes or dimly lit shoots.

By maintaining a bright setting, the lens offers greater flexibility with shutter speeds and ISO settings, ensuring high-quality, immersive visuals regardless of the focal length.

The Laowa 4.5mm -10mm features a true par-focal design that maintains critical focus across the entire zoom range. This enables filmmakers to execute smooth, seamless zoom transitions mid-shot without losing sharpness, drastically improving shooting efficiency and unlocking dynamic new storytelling options for video production.

The Laowa lens is made by a new Chinese camera lens maker, Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Co Ltd, known the world over as Venus Optics. The company designs and manufactures its lenses in Hefei, and operates sales and marketing offices in Hong Kong and the USA.