Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye: one lens, dual perspectives

Specifically engineered for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) systems, this compact “muffin-lens” brings our most playful focal lengths into a single, palm-sized powerhouse.

Laowa continues to develop unique lenses and the new Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye is a good example as it represents the latest evolution in creative optics. The lens redefines creative flexibility by offering two iconic fisheye perspectives within a single, compact barrel. By delivering a dual fisheye effect — shifting from a dramatic 180° circular image at 4.5mm to a frame-filling diagonal perspective at 10mm — this lens offers unparalleled versatility in a portable form factor. Featuring a constant f/2.8 fast aperture, the lens, Laowa claims, “ensures creators are always ready to capture unexpected moments with consistent exposure, regardless of the lighting or occasion.”

Specifically engineered for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) systems, this compact “muffin-lens” brings our most playful focal lengths into a single, palm-sized powerhouse. With a 4.5mm-10mm zoom range, it allows creators to transition seamlessly between distinct visual styles with a simple turn of the zoom ring, eliminating the need for lens swaps in the field.

The lens delivers a sweeping 180° angle of view at its widest 4.5mm setting, producing a dramatic circular effect with iconic, pronounced curvature. This immersive perspective allows creators to condense vast scenes into a single frame, making it a tool for artistic “crystal ball” visuals, expansive astrophotography, and seamless 360° panoramas.

As you zoom toward 10mm, the perspective shifts into a frame-filling diagonal fisheye, capturing expansive landscapes and high-energy action sports with characteristic distortion. In contrast, you can also create de-fisheying images in post-production. By capturing imagery at 10mm and de-fishing it in post-production, you can achieve a wider, more expansive field of view than with a standard 10mm wide-angle prime lens.

The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye features a constant f/2.8 aperture across its entire zoom range, providing creators with consistent exposure and depth-of-field control. This fast aperture is specifically designed to excel in low-light conditions, making it a reliable choice for nighttime landscapes or dimly lit shoots. By maintaining a bright setting, the lens offers greater flexibility with shutter speeds and ISO settings, ensuring high-quality, immersive visuals regardless of the focal length.

With an ultra-close 10cm minimum focusing distance, this lens allows creators to shoot right up against their subject to maximize foreground emphasis and amplify the iconic “bug-eye” distortion. This capability offers immense creative freedom, unlocking larger-than-life details in action sports, unique close-ups, and stylized environmental portraits while keeping the vast surrounding scene beautifully in view.

The Laowa 4.5-10mm features a true parfocal design that maintains critical focus across the entire zoom range. This enables filmmakers to execute smooth, seamless zoom transitions mid-shot without losing sharpness, drastically improving shooting efficiency and unlocking dynamic new storytelling options for video production.

Engineered for mobility, the Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye is a “muffin-lens,” weighing in at only 338g and measuring just Ø 68.9 x 59.3 mm. It is an effortless companion for daily travel, handheld street photography, FPV setups, or long-duration gimbal setups. Despite its professional capabilities, the lens is perfectly balanced for APS-C and MFT systems, ensuring portability without sacrificing optical performance.

The lens is available for E / Z / RF / L / X / EF-M / MFT mounts. The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye lens is now available for purchase via the Venus Optics official website and authorized resellers. 2026. The suggested retail price is USD $399, with pricing varying by country.