The Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be '35-degree View' version features a straight barrel design but with an angled front lens element.

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. 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. Many Laowa macro lenses offer a high 2:1 magnification (double life-size), through to 5:1 larger than life size magnification, for unparalleled close-up results. You can also discover the novel Laowa 24 probe lens, capable of rendering extremely fine details, which you would rarely, if ever see with the naked eye. This second-generation version of the Laowa Probe lens is heavily aimed at the cinema market and features several design changes and optical improvements over the previous model. The focal length remains the same, at 24mm, but the new 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be features a brighter aperture than the original, optical improvements and better weather-sealing. The latest version also includes interchangeable lens mounts and, in fact, comes in three distinct physical designs for different shooting applications.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. Though capable of capturing compelling close-ups, the niche nature of this slender beast and its very narrow aperture mean it's unlikely to replace a traditional macro lens. Factor the not insignificant price tag in, and this is therefore one serious novelty lens, but one that is far from just a toy. 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. With the recent release of the iPhone 13 Pro, and Apple‘s Shot on iPhone Challenge, it’s all about macro right now. The allure of seeing the weft and warp of a piece of cloth, or every pigment in a cat’s eye, has taken hold of many creators.

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. The Laowa Macro Probe Lens from Venus Optics seems to be the popular choice for capturing these magical, super detailed shots. As shown in the video above, let’s take a look at just how you use this specific lens. If you’re not shooting this product-focused content, then you’ll definitely not get your money’s worth, and it might end up sitting on your shelf for months on end. For architecture, interiors and landscape photography, we also offer ZERO distortion Shift lenses, available for several camera brands including Laowa Sony FE lenses. Whichever style of photography or videography you enjoy, this brand has a unique option to push your creativity to the limit. As the name suggests, the Periscope version has an angled design on both ends of the lens barrel. This design is helpful for a variety of shooting situations, especially when shooting at high and low angles, such as getting ground-level shots while keeping the camera at a higher position. The Periscope version also features the same 360-degree rotating mechanism as the 35-degree lens.If you’re regularly shooting product shots and commercials focused on small products, or wildlife photography —yes. If you’re not doing those things —no.