Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens - Panasonic

The Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe Lens is a revolutionary lens designed for photographers and vid...

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Product Information

Full details

The Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe lens is designed for photographers and videographers seeking unconventional macro perspectives and unique shooting opportunities. Its primary benefit is the 'Bug Eye' wide-angle view combined with 2:1 macro magnification, offering a greater depth of field and environmental context in close-up shots than traditional macro lenses. A key caveat is its manual focus-only operation and the need for an external battery for the integrated LED light.

All features

BrandPanasonic

Extended Product Information

FAQs

What is the main advantage of this macro lens over a standard telephoto macro lens?

The Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Probe lens offers a wide-angle 'Bug Eye' perspective, allowing you to capture more of the subject's environment along with the close-up detail. It also provides a greater depth of field at macro distances compared to longer focal length macro lenses.

Does the LED light require batteries?

Yes, the integrated LED ring light is powered via a USB connection. You will need an external USB power source, such as a power bank or USB adapter (not included), to operate the light.

Can I use this lens for regular photography, not just macro?

Yes, the lens can be used for general wide-angle photography. However, its primary design and unique features are optimized for macro work, and its manual focus requires deliberate use.

Is the entire lens waterproof?

Only the front barrel of the lens is waterproof. The camera body and the rear elements are not waterproof, so care must be taken to avoid water damage to the camera.

What is the minimum focusing distance?

The lens can focus extremely close, with a minimum working distance of approximately 2 cm (0.8 inches) from the front of the lens to the subject when shooting at 2:1 magnification. The closest focusing distance from the sensor plane is 0.47m.

How do I control the brightness of the LED light?

The lens comes with a variable-output USB dimmer cable that allows you to adjust the brightness of the LED ring light.

What camera mount does this lens use?

This specific model (VE2414RF) is for Canon RF mount cameras. Other mount versions may be available from Laowa.

Troubleshooting

LED light not turning on

Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the lens and a functional power source. Verify the power source (e.g., power bank) is charged and operational. Try a different USB cable or power source.

Image is blurry or out of focus

Confirm the lens is set to Manual Focus (MF) on your camera and the lens itself. Slowly rotate the focus ring on the lens to achieve sharpness. Ensure you are within the lens's focus range (from 2:1 macro to infinity).

Difficulty achieving desired depth of field

While the lens offers greater DOF than conventional macros, very close focusing with a wide aperture (like f/14) will still result in a shallow DOF. Experiment with smaller apertures (if available on your model, though f/14 is the minimum) and ensure precise focus. Consider focus stacking techniques for maximum depth.

Lens mount compatibility issues

This lens is designed for Canon RF mount. If using on other camera systems, ensure you are using a compatible adapter. Check adapter specifications for full functionality.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Unique wide-angle macro perspective provides context missing in telephoto macro lenses.
  • Waterproof barrel and slim front allow for shooting in challenging and inaccessible environments.
  • Integrated LED light simplifies lighting setup for close-up subjects.
  • Greater depth of field at macro distances compared to conventional macro lenses.
  • Enables creative 'slide-in' shots into containers or between objects.

Cons

  • Manual focus only, requiring practice for precise focusing.
  • LED ring light requires an external battery (not included).
  • The long, tubular design can be cumbersome for some shooting styles.
  • Not ideal for subjects that require significant working distance from a telephoto perspective.
  • Specific Canon RF mount may limit initial compatibility without adapters.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup:

  1. Attach the Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe lens to your Canon RF mount camera body. Ensure it clicks securely into place.
  2. Connect the USB cable to the LED ring light at the lens tip. Connect the other end to a compatible USB power source (e.g., a power bank or USB adapter - not included) to power the light. Use the included dimmer cable for variable light output.
  3. Set your camera to manual exposure mode (`M`) and manual focus (`MF`).
  4. For macro shooting, carefully adjust the focus ring on the lens until your subject is sharp. The wide-angle nature requires precise focus adjustments.

Compatibility:

  • Camera Mount: Primarily designed for Canon RF mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Image Sensors: Compatible with both full-frame and Super35 image sensors.
  • Focus: Manual focus only.

Care:

  • Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to clean the lens elements. For the waterproof barrel, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by drying. Avoid abrasive materials.
  • Storage: Store the lens in its provided metal case or a protective camera bag when not in use.
  • Waterproofing: While the front barrel is waterproof, avoid submerging the entire lens or camera body. Ensure any water is thoroughly dried from the lens tip after use in wet conditions.

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