Laowa Probe Zoom 15-35mm T12 – T40

12/8/25 | by Jon Fauer
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Laowa’s latest Full Frame Probe Zoom turns the tables on tabletop work.

There are two versions: Laowa Probe Zoom Macro Lens: 15-35mm T12-T40 and 15-24mm T8-T32. They have interchangeable mounts: PL, E, L, Z, RF and EF. And there are four configurations: Direct View (straight tube); 35-Degree View; 90-Degree View; and Periscope.

Laowa’s Direct View Probe Zoom just landed here at Food and Digital Times :)

 

How can I forget famous food director Mathew Brady and agency art directors asking “Can you get any closer?” Crew and AC maestro of focus Jonny Ercole looked patiently to the heavens as dolly track, jib arm, lights, cables, stands, cutters and cards moved to get us a few inches closer. Yes we had great Angénieux zooms with close-up achromatic diopters. Laowa’s new Probe Zoom Macro Lens get us even closer, up to 2x.

By the way: you calculate the Macro ratio by dividing the width of your image sensor the width of what you’re actually seeing in the eyepiece. So if your camera is shooting the full 36mm width of the Full Frame sensor, and the Ikura that you see in the eyepiece measures 18 mm left to right in real life, then you are at 2x Macro.

With the simple turn of the M0.8 geared zoom barrel, we zoom in on the Ikura, going from 15mm (110.5° angle of view in the framegrab at the top of this story) to 35mm. For reference, each briny salmon roe egg is about 5mm in diameter. The lens is parfocal — it maintains focus as you zoom in.

The same 2.3x zoom ratio is at work for the Sushi of Gari Omakase Special, below.

 

The tube is waterproof for 40 cm from the front element. There’s a red line and helpful warning “Caution: Waterproof ends here.” For those splattering pour shots, nature documentaries and top chef shows—the Laowa Probe Zoom will play a starring role.

 

Specs

Laowa Probe Zoom 15-35mm T12 – T40

  • Angle of View in Full Frame: 63.4°-110.5°
  • Iris: 9 aperture blades
  • Zoom Ratio: 2.3X
  • Focus, Iris and Zoom gears: Industry standard 0.8 MOD
  • Min. Working Distance: 5 mm
  • Max. Magnification: 1X -2.3X
  • Front Diameter: Ø32mm
  • Dimensions, Direct View model:  545.1 mm long x 68.8 Ø
  • Weight: ~1400g
  • Comes with PL Mount.
  • Interchangeable mounts: EF, E, L,  Z,RF

 

 

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