Laowa (Venus Optics)

Laowa (a brand of Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Co., Ltd., operating globally as Venus Optics) is a Chinese optical manufacturer that has disrupted the lens market by focusing strictly on "impossible" specifications. Unlike other third party manufacturers that replicate vintage Leica formulas (like Light Lens Lab) or aim for budget general purpose primes (like 7Artisans), Laowa specializes in extreme capabilities: the widest rectilinear angles, the closest focusing distances, and "Zero-D" (Zero Distortion) technology [[1]].

For the Leica M-mount community, Laowa fills critical gaps in the rangefinder system. They produce ultra wide lenses (wider than anything Leitz ever manufactured) and unique macro solutions that allow rangefinder users to achieve perspectives previously limited to SLR or mirrorless systems.

History

Laowa represents the "new wave" of Chinese optical engineering, prioritizing innovation over imitation.

Foundations and "Old Frog" (2013 to Present)

The company was founded in 2013 in Hefei, China, by a team of optical experts formerly from Japanese and German firms. The name "Laowa" translates roughly to "Old Frog" in Chinese. This refers to the Chinese proverb "a frog in the well," but with a twist: this is an old frog that has jumped out of the well and seen the wide world, symbolizing the company's ambition to break traditional limitations [[1]].

Entry into M-Mount

While Laowa initially gained fame for SLR and Mirrorless macro lenses (like the 60mm 2:1), they recognized that the Leica M system lacked modern, distortion free ultra wide options. They adapted their "Zero-D" designs for the M-bayonet, creating lenses that are significantly smaller than their SLR counterparts due to the shorter flange distance, making them a perfect physical match for compact rangefinder bodies.

Product Lines (M-Mount Native)

Laowa lenses for Leica M are unique because they often feature dual use focusing: they are rangefinder coupled for standard distances (0.7m to infinity) but can focus much closer (uncoupled) for use with Live View on digital bodies (M240, M10, M11).

The Ultra-Wide "Zero-D" & "RL" Series

These lenses are the brand's primary claim to fame in the M ecosystem.

• Laowa 9mm f/5.6 FF RL: The world's widest rectilinear lens for full frame cameras.
  • Capability: It offers a massive 135° angle of view without the fisheye distortion usually associated with such widths [[2]].
  • Coupling: Rangefinder coupled from 0.7m to infinity. It can focus down to 12cm, but users must use the rear screen/Visoflex for accurate framing at that distance.
• Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL: A slightly tighter but more compact option, offering a 126° angle of view. It accepts standard 62mm screw in filters, which is rare for such a wide lens [[3]].
• Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D: A direct competitor to the Leica Super-Elmar-M 18mm and Voigtländer 15mm, offering near zero distortion for architectural work.

The Argus Series (Ultra-Fast Primes)

Named after the hundred eyed giant of Greek mythology, the Argus line focuses on extreme aperture speed.

• Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF: A massive high speed standard lens.
  • Comparison: While larger than the Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2, it offers a distinct "dreamy" look wide open with smoother transitions than many vintage f/0.95 lenses. It is fully rangefinder coupled [[4]].
• Argus 45mm f/0.95 FF: A unique focal length that sits between the standard 35mm and 50mm, offering a slightly more compressed portrait perspective.

Specialty Optics

• 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO: A bizarre and brilliant lens.
  • Design: It is an incredibly tiny telephoto lens (weighing only ~250g) because it sacrifices maximum aperture (f/5.6) for compactness and macro capability.
  • Usage: It offers 2:1 magnification. On M cameras, it is rangefinder coupled for general use (portraits/infinity) but is intended to be used with Live View for macro work [[5]].

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification Details
Native Mount	Leica M-Bayonet
Focus Coupling	Hybrid: Coupled (0.7m to Infinity) + Uncoupled (Close Focus). Note: A distinct "click" on the focus ring usually indicates the transition.
Distortion Control	"Zero-D": Proprietary design minimizing optical distortion to near zero.
Build Materials	Anodized Aluminum (Black and Silver finishes available).
Filter Thread	62mm (11mm), 52mm (14mm), 46mm (85mm). Note: The 9mm f/5.6 requires a proprietary magnetic holder.
6-Bit Coding	No factory coding (mount is flat; no pits).

Why Photographers Choose Laowa

• The "Widest" Capability: For architectural and landscape photographers using Leica, the 9mm f/5.6 is a tool with no equal. It allows for shots inside tight interiors that even a 15mm or 12mm lens cannot capture.
• Live View Synergy: Laowa lenses are arguably designed for the "Digital M" era. They unlock their full potential (macro, extreme close up wide angle) only when paired with an M10 or M11 using Live View or a Visoflex, expanding the M system beyond its traditional "street photography" boundaries.
• Modern Correction: Unlike the "character" lenses of 7Artisans or TTArtisan, Laowa lenses are modern technical instruments. They prioritize edge to edge sharpness and distortion control over vintage "glow" or swirl.

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Sources

• [1] Venus Optics (About Us): https://www.venuslens.net/story/
• [2] Laowa 9mm f/5.6 Product Page: https://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-9mm-f-5-6-ff-rl/
• [3] Phillip Reeve (Laowa 11mm Review): https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-laowa-11mm-4-5-ff-rl/
• [4] Red Dot Forum (Argus 35mm f/0.95 Discussion): https://www.reddotforum.com
• [5] MacFilos (Laowa 85mm Macro on Leica M): https://www.macfilos.com/2022/03/21/laowa-85mm-f-5-6-macro-lens-review/