DPReview TV: Laowa 24mm F14 Probe Lens Field Test

This week we take a look at one of the more unique optics we've seen for quite a while. The Laowa 14mm F14 Macro Probe lens may look like something out of a science fiction movie, but as Chris and Jordan discover, it opens the door to some really interesting photo opportunities.

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[philg]

Is that a Laowa 14mm F14 Macro Probe lens in your pocket or are you just happy to see me Chris.

[AhpgZfocs]

Laowa's products never cease to amaze and not in the bad way that so many niche releases do. It's the world turned upside down when Sigma and a boutique Chinese company are where the most interesting lens development is at.

[abigailsockeye]

Lube that baby up and do the review everyone wants to see.

[DarrylUK]

...toilet shot... cut to inserting into Jordan's mouth...

Great review, I can't imagine it's something I'd ever consider. I feel for macro I'd still personally prefer the slight telephoto and large aperture look that you mentioned at the end.

I do like the fact that it's waterproof at the end though, I think that's a bigger differentiation from regular macro lenses. I know someone who takes pictures inside their fish tank (of coral, fishes etc). It's one thing using something like a 80MM macro through glass, but another actually inserting the probe into the tank for wide angle macros. I could see that being very cool.

[AndrewPowerTower]

It would be an interesting challenge to use this for street photography!

[chazcov]

Did you notice the fish in the lower left at 6:30?

[islandlife_HI]

Man, I thought you and Jordan were close, but you named you kid after Kai 😊

[makatron]

With a motorized slider this would be amazing for video production with some trippy movements.

[peteT]

Just don't use in public in the USA (unless you want to be shot by the police).

[musicelect]

I never even thought of anything dirty until Chris brought it up. Thanks Chris.

[robbyatmaja]

When i need an enlightening photographic equipment reviews i go to Chris and Jordan's or Tony's or Chris Winter etc...

But when I'm on silly mode, i go to Kai's...

Great video as usual guys!

[TechLineHD]

Awesome review! Can't wait for the next video, guys! Really engaging content

[SloggerVlogger]

And there was me thinking I'm the only one using an asparagus rubber band lol

[cromfayer]

I'd love to get this for spider photography

[MatthewSaville]

This is why they pay you the big bucks. So hilarious, and yet productive and intelligent! Thanks for this, guys!

[cadmus]

Nice editing to put Jordans' dental check after it went in the bowl!

[paulm]

You’re right on target about the new creative uses for this type of lens — that’s the fun challenge. About availability “soon”, I understand it won’t be generally available until about the first quarter of next year. Until then, when “ordered” on kickstarter, “some” backers “may” start getting the lens in October — kinda iffy for a price tag of more than $1200. I’ll wait, even if it means paying more — bugs may be worked out by then, too.

[samm]

Great video and review! I was debating whether to back this on Kickstarter and I think you just pushed me over the top!

[hermannmaier]

Got an old m42 or m39 repro lens with 3 or more extension tubes: pretty much the same thing. A lot of fun, very unique perspectives, endless opportunities to let your playfulness run amok.

[z_yt_]

There’s a ring of leds around the front lens specifically for low light, that USB port is to plug in the power and controller for it