The Laowa Sword Full-Frame Cine Macro Series has arrived, offering filmmakers and cinematographers a new tool set of lenses designed to deliver close-up shots with fine detail and clarity that will pull audiences into the scene. This six-lens lineup—ranging from 15mm to 180mm—allow the cinematographer creative freedom to focus on the tiny details that make the story come alive on the big screen.
General Overview
The Laowa Sword series consists of six versatile cine macro lenses, each crafted to work in demanding environments. The lineup includes:
These lenses are built to cover full-frame sensors and provide filmmakers with a wide array of focal lengths to capture dynamic and compelling visuals. While most lenses in the series offer a 1:1 magnification ratio, the 60mm and 100mm lenses reach 2:1 magnification, allowing for extraordinary close-up shots. The 180mm lens offers a 1.5:1 ratio, expanding the possibilities even further.
Key Features of the Laowa Sword Macro Series
- Full-Frame Coverage: Designed for full-frame cine cameras, these lenses ensure a sharp, clean image across the entire frame, with no vignetting.
- Superior Optical Performance: Laowa has engineered these lenses to control chromatic aberration (CA) to deliver vivid and crisp images, ensuring that color fringing and distortion are minimized.
- Impressive Magnification Ratios: Offering 1:1, 2:1, and 1.5:1 magnification options, these lenses are ideal for capturing intricate details.
- Interchangeable Mounts: Compatible with a variety of camera systems, including ARRI PL, Canon EF (except the 25mm), Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-mount, these lenses provide flexibility to work with multiple setups.
- Compact & Lightweight: Despite their full-frame coverage and macro capabilities, the Sword series lenses remain remarkably compact, making them highly portable for filmmakers on the go.
Tech Specs
| Lens | 15mm | 25mm | 35mm | 60mm | 100mm | 180 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | FF | FF | FF | FF | FF | FF |
| Aperture | T4.1-32 | T2.9-22 | T2.9-22 | T2.9-22 | T2.9-22 | T4.6-32 |
| Focus Throw | 84° | 100° | 270° | 160° | 220° | 270° |
| Min. Focus Distance | 12cm / 4.72″ | 16.8cm / 6.61″ | 17.8cm / 7.01″ | 21cm / 8.27″ | 24.7cm / 9.72″ | 30.6cm / 12.05″ |
| Min. Working Distance | 0.07cm / 0.028″ | 2.14cm / 0.85″ | 3.2cm / 1.26″ | 5.9cm / 2.32″ | 8cm / 3.15″ | 14.2cm / 5.59″ |
| Mag. Ratio | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 | 2:1 | 2:1 | 1.5:1 |
| Filter Thread | φ95mm | φ77mm | φ77mm | φ77mm | φ77mm | φ77mm |
| Front Diameter | Ø100mm | Ø80mm | Ø80mm | Ø80mm | Ø80mm | Ø80mm |
What is Macro Videography?
Macro videography involves capturing subjects at life-size magnification or greater, allowing for incredible detail to be revealed in the smallest of subjects. Whether it’s the texture of an object, the movement of a small creature, or the intricate parts of a product, macro lenses let cinematographers explore new levels of precision and beauty. The Laowa Sword series enables videographers to take their close-up shots to the next level, delivering cinematic quality for even the most minute details.
Benefits of Using Macro Lenses in Cinematography
- Creative Flexibility: Macro lenses offer a unique perspective that can enhance storytelling. By focusing on tiny elements—whether it’s the folds of fabric, the surface of a product, or the details of a character’s face—macro lenses can add depth and intimacy to a scene.
- Cinematic Close-Ups: With magnification ratios of up to 2:1, the Sword series allows filmmakers to capture close shots that draw the audience into the moment.
Final Thoughts
The Laowa Sword Full-Frame Cine Macro Series is a game-changer for cinematographers and videographers looking to explore the world of macro videography without sacrificing optical performance or portability. With six lenses spanning a versatile focal length range, these lenses offer cinematic precision and extraordinary detail, making them an essential tool for filmmakers who want to push creative boundaries.
Whether you’re capturing detailed close-ups of products, nature, or textures, or using macro shots to enhance storytelling, the Laowa Sword series is designed to deliver stunning visuals with ease and reliability.
Ready to elevate your macro cinematography? The Sword Macro primes are available at $1,499 per lens or $5,699 as a 4-lens kit and $7,999 for the full 6-lens kit. Click the button below to explore the Laowa Sword Macro Series and start creating your next masterpiece.