The affordable cine zoom market is exploding right now, but are these tools worth the investment?
At one point in the cinematographer world, creatives would always reach for a prime lens. Zoom lenses just didn’t have the quality and speed that most filmmakers craved. If they did, you’d be paying out the nose for one.
But that has changed recently as more and more affordable zoom lenses are hitting the market.
Venus Optics has been a company that hasn’t shied away from making unique and niche lenses. Its zero distortion wide lenses are a popular choice, while the Laowa Probe Lens has been a hit with product videographers.
Now the company tackles more traditional ground with the new Laowa Ranger Compact Cine Zoom Series. Designed specifically for the full-frame market, the FF Ranger 28-75mm T2.9 and FF Ranger 75-180mm T2.9 lenses seem to offer features and performance that cater to the needs of both independent filmmakers and production houses.
Laowa Ranger Compact Cine Zooms
So are these lenses the Walker Texas Ranger of cine zooms? Unfortunately, they have some fierce competition to battle before the Laowa Rangers get any sort of title, specifically from the DZOFIlm Catta line.
However, the standout feature of the Ranger series is its zoom-range-to-weight ratio. At just over 3 lbs for each lens, they’re a hair lighter than the competitor from DZOFilm. Zooms are all about versatility, so having something lightweight that you can keep mobile while also having the zoom range, is a great asset.
The focal range is also pretty nice, especially for full-frame coverage, and while T2.9 isn’t the brightest lens you can get, that’s pretty standard for zoom lenses these days. However, we’d love to see a wider lens option for this series as well to match what DZOFilm has on offer.
Venus Optics claims the Laowa Ranger lenses will be parfocal, which means they’ll maintain consistent focus throughout the zoom range. Noticeable focus breathing is also said to be minimized. For zooms, especially those used in video and film work, that’s also pretty standard.
The lenses also excel in close-up shots, with a close focus distance of 1 ft and 6 in for the 28-75mm and 2 ft and 9 in for the 75-180mm. It won’t be the perfect choice for macro work, but that’s still super close to zoom lenses.
But the one thing that’s really piqued our interest with the Ranger line is the built-in back focus adjustment system and the interchangeable mirrorless mounts. While both lenses come in PL mount with an included interchangeable EF mount, users can purchase additional mounts in Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, and even L Mount.
In the day and age of mirrorless cinema cameras, this is a nice addition to have for creatives that often swap camera bodies.
Up to Snuff?
Currently, the Ranger series includes the 28-75mm and 75-180mm lenses, offering a constant T2.9 aperture throughout the zoom range. At $2,999 for each lens and $5,799 for the pair, you’re in the same price territory as its competitors.
However, the Laowa Ranger Compact Cine Zoom Series offers a powerful tool for filmmakers in the form of interchangeable lens mounts and built-in back focus adjustment. For something that’s this affordable and versatile, it definitely deserves to be on your shortlist when you’re choosing your glass.
If you’d like to get a pair for your next shoot, visit the Laowa Cine site.
Currently, the lens isn’t available on B&H, but we’re sure they’ll be there soon.
But what do you think? Is this something you want in your kit? Let us know in the comments!
