Venus Optics’ Laowa brand has unveiled the new Laowa AF 200mm f/2 AF FF, a fast telephoto prime built for full‑frame cameras and aimed squarely at portrait, sports, and event shooters who want big-aperture performance without the traditional price or weight penalty. The Sony E and Nikon Z versions are priced at USD 1,999, while a Canon EF mount option is available for USD 1,799 (and can be used on Canon RF bodies with a third‑party adapter). Check availability at B&HPhoto.
Laowa 200mm F2 AF FF Lens Specifications
| Product | 200mm f/2 AF FF |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Focal Length | 200mm |
| Aperture Range | f/2-f/22 |
| Angle of View | 12° |
| Lens Structure | 11 elements in 9 groups |
| Aperture Blades | 9 blades |
| Min. Focusing Distance | 1.5m |
| Max. Magnification | 0.15x |
| Focus Type | AF |
| Filter | Front: ⌀105mm Rear: ⌀43mm |
| Front Diameter | ⌀118mm |
| Dimensions | Canon EF: ⌀118*148.3mm Sony E: ⌀118mm*174.8mm Nikon Z: ⌀118mm*176.8mm |
| Weight | approximately 1588g |
| Mount Option | Sony E/ Nikon Z/ Canon EF |
Laowa Lenses are sold at Adorama and B&H.
Optical design & performance
- 11 elements in 9 groups with ED and high‑index elements to control chromatic aberration and flare.
- 9‑blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh and strong subject separation from this 200mm telephoto.
- Minimum focus ~1.5 m (4.9 ft); magnification ~0.15–0.19x — useful for tighter closeups than many long primes.
Autofocus, handling & features
- Native autofocus (unlike many prior manual-focus Laowa Lenses) aimed at accurate tracking of moving subjects.
- Relatively lightweight for a 200mm f/2; includes rotating Arca‑Swiss tripod collar, weather sealing, front 105mm filter thread, and rear 43mm filter slots on E/Z mounts.
- Five customizable FN buttons on the barrel for quick control.
Value & use cases
- Positioned as a more affordable option in the 200mm f/2 category — particularly appealing to portrait, concert, indoor sports, and selective wildlife shooters who need a bright telephoto lens without the usual price/weight premium.
- At $1,999 (E/Z) and $1,799 (EF), it broadens choices among fast 200mm primes from both OEM and third‑party makers.
Limitations
- No native Canon RF mount — RF users will require an adapter for the EF version.
- No in‑lens stabilization; rely on camera IBIS where available. Real‑world AF speed and sample consistency will be decisive for pros.
Bottom line
The new Laowa Lenses 200mm f/2 delivers rare combination of large aperture and manageable size in a competitively priced telephoto lens, making it a compelling alternative for photographers seeking dramatic compression and shallow depth of field at 200mm.
