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Laowa 9mm Zero-D

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Laowa 9mm T5.8 Zero-D

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Laowa 9mm Zero-D

Prime - Spherical - Full Frame

product details

The Laowa 9mm T5.8 Zero-D is an ultra-wide rectilinear cine prime designed for Super 35 and APS-C sensors, offering one of the widest rectilinear perspectives available without fisheye distortion. True to its “Zero-D” name, it minimizes distortion, rendering architecture and straight lines cleanly, even at extreme angles. Sharpness is high across the frame, though contrast is moderate, with some flare when facing strong light. With its fixed 9mm focal length, it has become a favorite tool for capturing immersive wide shots, tight interior spaces, and dynamic drone footage. Available for rental or sub-rental at Cine Visuals.

Focal Length
T-Stop
Type
Format
Front Diameter
Lens Mount
Metadata
Iris Blades
Image Circle

Era / Generation
Contrast & Tonal Character
Sharpness & Resolution
Focus Fall‑Off / Transition
Iris & Bokeh Quality
Flare & Highlight Behavior
Handling & Ergonomics
Build & Modifications
Cinematic Heritage & Credits

*Refer to Technical Specifications table. Not the same for all focal lengths.

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Technical Specs Table

T-Stop

Type

Format

Front Diameter

Lens Mount

Metadata

Close Focus (ft)

Close Focus (m)

Weight (lbs)

Weight (kg)

Length (in)

Length (mm)

Iris Blades

Image Circle

Front Filter

Rear Filter

Horizontal Angle of View (Full Frame)

Horizontal Angle of View (S35)

Focus Rotation

T5.8

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

80 mm

–

4.7"

0.12 m

–

43.2 mm

–

90°

Laowa 9mm Zero-D

Image Fidelity & Focus

“Zero Distortion” design minimizes the barrel distortion typically associated with ultra-wide lenses. Straight lines appear natural, an essential feature for architectural and interior cinematography. Despite extreme field of view, sharpness is excellent across the frame, particularly when stopped down. Contrast is strong but not overly clinical, with neutral color rendition. Focus falloff is subtle due to the wide focal length, but subject separation can still be achieved at close distances. Chromatic aberrations are controlled impressively well for a lens this wide.

Handling & Adaptability

Compact and lightweight, the 9mm Zero-D weighs under a pound, making it ideal for drones, gimbals, and handheld rigs. Laowa’s cinema housing includes standardized gears, a T-stop scale, and durable mechanics, elevating it from its photographic origins. Adaptability to EF, PL, E, and other mounts. It’s favored for architectural shots where expansive perspective and control over distortion are paramount.

Flare & Bokeh

Flares are expressive, often producing sunbursts and veiling glow under strong backlight. Bokeh is minimal due to the deep depth of field, though close-focus shots reveal smooth backgrounds.

Image Circle

The Laowa 9mm T5.8 Zero-D covers Super 35 sensors.

Cinematic Heritage

Venus Optics (Laowa) developed the Zero-D line to address the challenge of distortion-free ultra-wide imaging. Released in the late 2010s, the 9mm quickly gained attention from cinematographers working in tight environments or seeking unique visual perspectives. Its affordability also made it accessible to indie filmmakers. Drone cinematographers especially value its rectilinear look, which avoids the fisheye distortion common in ultra-wide aerial imagery.