Laowa launches the Ranger S35 ultra-compact cine zoom series
May 8, 2024
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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Last month, we got to get a sneak preview of the new Laowa Ranger S35 lenses during NAB 2024 in Las Vegas. Now, the company has officially announced the lenses, along with prices.
The Laowa Ranger S35 series is a range of pocket-sized parfocal zooms for when you need to pack as small and light as possible. Venus Optics claims that they’re the smallest Super 35mm PL mount cine zooms in the world.
Laowa Ranger S35 – Smaller than a cellphone
The Laowa Ranger S35 series currently comprises three Super 35mm (APS-C) format lenses. All are parfocal, offering focal length ranges of 11-18mm (buy here), 17-50mm (buy here), and 50-130mm (buy here) with a T2.9 maximum aperture.
The big selling point of these lenses is their small size and weight, which ranges between 745-865g for the regular versions and 660-775g for the “Lite” versions. They also offer close focusing distances and minimal focus breathing throughout their focal range.
Exactly what makes the “Lite” versions weigh less is not specified. I suspect it’s the use of carbon fibre instead of metal in its construction, but DIYP has reached out to Laowa for clarification, and we will update this post when they respond.
Update: DIYP has received a response from Venus Optics to explain what makes the Lite versions lighter. It’s not due to carbon fibre construction, but an aluminium magnesium alloy. The regular versions of the lens use aluminium alone, making them heavier (and less expensive).
By default, they come in PL mount, but interchangeable mounts are available for Canon EF, Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, Leica L and Fuji X mounts. This gives a wide range of options for regular use as well as mounting on drones.
Laowa Ranger S35 Zoom Specs
| 11-18mm T2.9 | 17-50mm T2.9 | 50-130mm T2.9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 11-18mm | 17-50mm | 50-130mm |
| Aperture range | T2.9-22 | T2.9-22 | T2.9-22 |
| Image circle | 31.5mm | 31.5mm | 31.5mm |
| Angle of view | 105.3°-77.4° | 80.6°-32.2° | 32.2°-12.7° |
| Optics | 17 elements 11 groups | 22 elements 18 groups | 17 elements 13 groups |
| Diaphragm blades | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Min focus distance | 36cm | 35cm | 75cm |
| Max magnification | 0.08x | 0.22x | 0.18x |
| Filter thread | 77mm | 77mm | 77mm |
| Front diameter | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm |
| Dimensions | 80 x 108mm | 80 x 117mm | 80 x 135.9mm |
| Weight | ~745g | ~865g | ~760g |
| Mounts | PL (Optional: EF/RF/E/Z/X/L) | PL (Optional: EF/RF/E/Z/X/L) | PL (Optional: EF/RF/E/Z/X/L) |
Price and Availability
The Laowa Ranger S35 Cine Zoom series is available to pre-order now in 11-18mm, 17-50mm, and 50-130mm focal lengths for $1,999 each or as a set of three for $5,700. The Lite versions are $2,499 and $,7200 for the set of three.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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