In the review I will be covering the Venus Optics Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO Lens for the Sony E-mount and will be using my Sony A6400 for the camera body.
In full disclosure Venus Optics did send me this lens as a loaner so I could do the review, but no money was exchanged and I was strongly encouraged by Venus Optics to do an honest review which was nice to hear and I would not have done the review if that was not the case. If you want to check out this Venus Optics Lens on their Website Click Here >>
I have been a fan of Venus Optics since I saw their lens line for the first time at the PhotoPlus Expo many years ago. At that time they were offering very high quality built fully manual lenses and I was very impressed! Since then I have not had the chance to review any of the lenses due to limited time and reviewing just the Sony stuff has kept me very busy. Recently however I have been reviewing more manual lenses like the 7Artisans line for example, and Venus reached out to me so I accepted the offer for a loaner.
With all that being said, WOW this lens is impressive!! Please scroll down for the review, sample photos, and more!
Key Features:
- Sony E-Mount/ APS-C Format
- 49.5mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/0.95 to f/11
- 14 elements in 9 groups
- 1 x ED Element, 1 x Aspherical Element
- 3 x Ultra-High Refraction Elements
- Long Focus Throw with an Internal Focus Design
- Minimal Focus Breathing
- Minimum Focus Distance: 13.8″ or 35cm
- Stepless Aperture Ring (No Lock)
- Filter Size = 62mm
- Aperture Blades = 9
- Weight = 20.8 oz / 590 g
- Price = $500 US
My Venus Optical Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 Lens Review
When watching my video below, please be sure to select the 4k best quality and to view in full screen for the best viewing experience 😉 Thanks, Jay
VIDEO NAVIGATION LINKS:
- Intro: 0:00
- Hands-On: 1:15
- Lab Testing Sample Photos: 6:40
- Real World Sample Photos: 11:53
- Conclusions: 20:46
Real World – Sample Photos
Lab Testing Photos
f/0.95 
f/0.95 
f/0.95 
f/1.4 
f/1.4 
f/1.4 
F/2 
F/2 
F/2 
f/2.8 
f/2.8 
f/2.8 
f/4 
f/4 
f/4 
f/5.6 
f/5.6 
f/5.6 
f/11 
f/11 
f/11
f/0.95 
f/0.95 
f/1.1 
f/1.1 
f/1.4 
f/1.4 
f/2 
f/2 
f/2.8 
f/2.8 
f/4 
f/4 
f/5.6 
f/5.6 
f/11 
f/11
GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO:
- – Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 Lens: https://bhpho.to/33Q6kkW
- – Sony A6400: https://bhpho.to/3lqEfZm
- – Sony A7C: https://bhpho.to/3bWMidE
- – Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens: https://bhpho.to/2QVkP3K
- – Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II Backpack: https://bhpho.to/3pWWq9T
- – 67mm Variable ND Filter: https://bhpho.to/3egicji
- – 52 to 67mm Step-up Ring: https://bhpho.to/2ZFHCD4
- – Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Mic: https://bhpho.to/3wlC6Dw
- – Zoom H5 Audio Recorder: https://bhpho.to/3cZTVxT
- – XLR Cable for Mic and Recorder: https://bhpho.to/3gmQYJP
- – Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable: https://amzn.to/39qkXMp
- – 24″ Smart TV as Monitor: https://amzn.to/2LXKwLd
- – SDXC Memory Cards: https://bhpho.to/30eyfM1
- – GODOX SL150W II Daylight Balanced Led Video Light: https://amzn.to/2YRCR7Z
- – Neewer 36 Inches Octagon Quick Collapsible Softbox: https://amzn.to/3rvREkM
- – Neewer Upgraded 660 LED Light: https://amzn.to/2Lxr5cb
- – GVM 10.6” Round Desk Mount LED Video Light: https://amzn.to/3mhklzX
- – Manfrotto Tripod: https://bhpho.to/2WFWC2k
- – Leofoto MT-03 Mini Table Tripod: https://amzn.to/2ZH5B3z
- – MacBook Pro: https://bhpho.to/2UCChrY
- – Samsung 970 EVO SSD 1TB: https://amzn.to/37g7uHP
- – SSK Aluminum NVME SSD Enclosure: https://amzn.to/39oXYoA
RECOMMENDED LENS ACCESSORIES:
- – 62mm ND Filters: https://bhpho.to/2SpzxRg
- – 62mm Polarizing Filters: https://bhpho.to/3h7t2wK
Conclusions
So at the end of the day I can absolutely say the Venus Optics Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO Lens is an awesome optic and I highly recommend it for those looking for a manual focus lens that produces top quality images. Sharpness, color, and clarity are all top notch in my opinion and the build quality is also fantastic. I really appreciated the long focus throw this lens offers and when combined with the butter smooth dampening, it’s very easy to dial in your focus with accurate ease.
The lens flare you can get with this lens is magical!
The lens is a bit heavy which is worth noting and the aperture ring does not lock, so you will need to keep tabs on the f-stop when using.
That is about it for thistles review and I’m really looking forward to testing out more Laowa lenses in the near future! Please let me know what you think and if you have any questions at all please just ask away.
All the best, Jay
