Venus Optics Announces Laowa 35mm F2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift Macro Lens for Full-Frame and Medium Format

Venus Optics has officially expanded its innovative tilt-shift lineup with the launch of the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5x Macro lens, a versatile new tool designed for photographers who demand precision, creativity, and optical excellence.

Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5x Macro lens priced for $1,249 at B&HPhoto. 

A new addition to the Zero-D family

The new lens joins Venus Optics’ acclaimed Zero-D series, known for delivering images with virtually no distortion. The “Zero-D” designation reflects the company’s commitment to architectural and landscape photographers who require straight lines and accurate perspectives. With the addition of tilt-shift functionality, the 35mm f/2.8 becomes one of the most flexible wide-angle lenses in the lineup, offering both perspective control and macro capabilities.

Tilt-shift versatility

Tilt-shift lenses are prized for their ability to manipulate the image plane. The tilt function allows photographers to extend or restrict depth of field without stopping down excessively, while the shift function corrects perspective distortion—ideal for architectural photography. The Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift offers ±12mm of shift on full-frame cameras, ±8mm on medium format, and ±10° of tilt across formats. This makes it a powerful choice for cityscapes, interiors, and product photography where precision is key.

Macro performance

Unlike most tilt-shift lenses, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 also doubles as a macro lens, offering up to 0.5x magnification and a minimum focusing distance of 22.8cm. This unique combination enables photographers to capture close-up details with perspective control, opening creative possibilities in still life, product, and nature photography.

Optical design and build

The lens features an apochromatic optical design to minimize chromatic aberration and deliver sharpness across the frame. Its construction includes 14 elements in 12 groups, ensuring clarity and contrast even in challenging lighting conditions. A 15-blade aperture diaphragm produces smooth, rounded bokeh, enhancing both macro and portrait applications.

As part of the Zero-D line, distortion is kept to a minimum, making the lens especially appealing for architectural shooters who need straight lines without compromise.

Specifications

Mount compatibility

Venus Optics has ensured broad compatibility by releasing the lens in Z, E, RF, and L mounts, covering major full-frame mirrorless systems. Thanks to its large image circle, the lens also works with Fujifilm GFX and Hasselblad XCD medium-format cameras, though functionality is partially limited on larger sensors.

Price and availability

The Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5x Macro lens is available starting today at a retail price of $1249. This positions it competitively within the tilt-shift market, offering a rare combination of wide-angle, tilt-shift, and macro capabilities at a relatively accessible price point. Check availability at B&HPhoto. 

Who is it for?

This lens is tailored for:

• Architectural photographers needing distortion-free wide angles with perspective control.
• Landscape shooters who want extended depth of field through tilt adjustments.
• Product and macro photographers seeking close-up detail with creative control.
• Creative experimenters who enjoy tilt-shift effects like miniature-style imagery.

Conclusion

With the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5x Macro lens, Venus Optics continues to push boundaries by merging tilt-shift precision with macro versatility. For photographers who want one lens that can handle architecture, landscapes, and close-up detail, this release represents a bold and exciting option.

Laowa Lenses are sold at Adorama and B&H.