The Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be 'Periscope View' model, with its angled lens mount design, angled front element, as well as 360-degree rotating lens mount, allows cinematographers to place their camera into even more challenging and unique filming situations. The Periscope version is great for getting close, ground-level shots while keeping the camera up at an easy-to-use height.

One of the primary physical design changes with this new 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be lens is that there are actually three different styles. There is a standard straight tubular design, much like the original Probe lens, which Laowa calls the 'Direct View Lens'. However, there are now two other angled versions, a 35-degree View and a Periscope version, which gives creators additional versatility to get unique shots and get the camera into even more difficult shooting angles. In all three versions of the 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be lens, the barrel is also 10cm (3.9 in.) longer than the original version, allowing for even deeper, closer shooting possibilities.The Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be lenses will be sold individually or also as a complete set of all three versions. Venus Optics has also improved the waterproof capabilities of the front barrel of the lens. The distance at which the lens barrel can be submerged in water is now up to 36.6cm (14.4 inches). Get your angle right At around almost a foot and a half long, this lens looks pretty unusual compared to most you’re probably used to seeing. The majority of the barrel is just a few centimetres wide. The first thing that strikes you when you see the Probe lens in person is its sheer length. 40cm is long for any lens, but the Probe's mostly narrow diameter creates the optical illusion that it's longer still: this is a lens like nothing else you've seen attached to a lens mount. But while certainly large, it isn't overly heavy. At 474g the Probe is lighter than most conventional full-frame macro lenses. It's not often a new lens is released that really impresses us. The norm is incremental updates to long-standing designs, and while the vast majority of lenses out there are well engineered, high performing optics, their excellence is measured by traditional metrics like sharpness, distortion, maximum aperture, and autofocusing speed.

I think when the lens was initially released, there was definitely a vibe of it already being a “hyped” release. It offered up cool imagery and frankly looked absolutely crazy. Similar to a GoPro or anything DJI puts out. Venus Optics states that this new 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be lens features an improved optical design with better overall image quality and color rendition. The new lens includes multiple high-refractive-index glass and Extra-Low Dispersion elements, providing sharper image quality across the frame and suppressing chromatic aberrations. The front barrel of the lens is waterproof and it can be used to shoot in any environment. This makes shooting in liquid no longer a limitation. The waterproof design also implies that shooting in super dusty environment or with fine powders are not going to be a problem.The tip of the lens measures just 2cm across and houses a ring of USB-powered LED lights for focus assistance and for lighting the subject. Animals in burrows and underwater can be photographed as the end of the probe lens is water and dust proof, and the LED lights can be used in those conditions. The closest focus-distance is 2cm at which distance the maximum reproduction ratio of 2:1 is achieved. Constructed using 27 elements in 19 groups this is quite a complex optical arrangement For those of you who want to explore this in video, and perhaps haven’t invested in the latest iPhone, it’s time to get friendly with the probe lens. What Is a Probe Lens? In addition to the three barrel design options, the Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be will be offered in seven different lens mount versions: Arri PL, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Sony E and L mount. The bayonet mounts are also user-interchangeable, allowing cinematographers to switch between different camera systems easily. Pricing and Availability