- Stock: In Stock
- Brand: Laowa
- Model: T4 Zoom
- SKU: VE1212040PL
- UPC: 694048670980
Venus Optics Laowa Ultima S35 12-120mm T4 Zoom Lens
Super 35 | ARRI PL | 10x Zoom | Constant T4 | 8K-Ready Optics
Why Choose the Laowa Ultima S35 12-120mm T4?
The Venus Optics Laowa Ultima S35 12-120mm T4 Zoom Lens combines an impressive 10x zoom range with a constant T4 maximum aperture and professional cinema functionality. Designed for Super 35 cameras and high-resolution production up to 8K, this ARRI PL-mount lens covers everything from wide establishing shots to tightly framed telephoto compositions. Its parfocal optical design, cine-standard 0.8 MOD gearing, 180° focus rotation, and dual distance scales support precise operation. Compatibility with an optional Movcam servo drive makes it particularly useful for ENG, live broadcasting, documentary production, and other demanding fast-paced workflows.
12-120mm 10x Zoom Constant T4 S35 / 8KOverview
The Laowa Ultima S35 12-120mm T4 is a professional cinema and broadcast zoom lens designed for productions requiring considerable framing flexibility and reliable manual control.
Its extensive 12-120mm focal range allows camera operators to move between wide-angle shots and telephoto close-ups without changing lenses.
The 10x zoom ratio is particularly valuable in news gathering, documentaries, live events, and reality television, where subjects and compositions can change rapidly.
The lens covers a 29.5mm image circle suitable for Super 35 capture and features optics developed for the demands of 8K video production.
Separate geared focus, zoom, and iris rings provide compatibility with industry-standard follow-focus equipment and suitable external lens control systems.
Key Features
Super 35 Coverage
Covers a 29.5mm image circle throughout the zoom range.
12-120mm Focal Range
Wide-angle establishing shots to telephoto framing.
10x Optical Zoom
Flexible composition changes without replacing the lens.
Constant T4 Aperture
Consistent maximum transmission aperture across the zoom range.
8K-Ready Optical Design
Built for demanding high-resolution video production.
Parfocal Zoom
Designed to retain focus when changing focal length.
0.8 MOD Gearing
Cine-standard focus, iris, and zoom gears.
180° Focus Rotation
Precise and repeatable manual focus control.
Optional Servo System
Compatible Movcam servo drive sold separately.
110mm Front Filter Thread
Accepts compatible 110mm threaded photographic filters.
Dual Focus Markings
Metric and imperial distance markings.
Included Support Foot
Supports integration with professional camera rigs.
Versatile 12-120mm Zoom Range with 10x Magnification
The Laowa Ultima S35 covers focal lengths from 12mm at the wide end to 120mm at the telephoto end.
This substantial 10x zoom range enables camera operators to change framing quickly and efficiently without interrupting the production to swap lenses.
The wide setting is useful for establishing shots, interiors, and large venues, while the longer focal lengths provide tightly framed images of distant subjects and important details.
This versatility is especially valuable for live broadcasting, documentary work, and event coverage.
Super 35 Coverage and 8K-Ready Optics
Designed for High-Resolution Cinema Production
The lens is engineered for the Super 35 sensor format and covers an image circle measuring 29.5mm in diameter.
The optical design is intended to support professional video acquisition at resolutions up to 8K with compatible camera systems.
Its ARRI PL mount allows integration with suitable cinema and broadcast cameras using this mount standard.
As a dedicated Super 35 lens, it is not intended to cover a full-frame sensor in its entirety without a suitable sensor crop.
Constant T4 Cine Aperture Across the Zoom Range
The Laowa Ultima maintains a constant T4 maximum transmission aperture throughout its entire 12-120mm zoom range.
This helps maintain consistent exposure when zooming from wide to telephoto with the iris setting unchanged.
The iris range extends from T4 to T22, with a fully closed position supported by the iris mechanism.
A 9-blade diaphragm contributes to smooth, natural-looking out-of-focus rendering.
Parfocal Zoom Design with Low Focus Breathing
The Ultima incorporates a parfocal zoom design engineered to maintain the selected focus plane as the focal length changes.
This is especially useful for live broadcasting and documentary filming, where camera operators frequently zoom between different shot sizes while following the same subject.
The lens is also designed for low focus breathing, helping minimize unwanted changes in field of view when focus is adjusted.
Correct installation and calibration are important for maintaining optimal parfocal behavior throughout the zoom range.
Advanced Optical Design with 28 Elements
The Laowa Ultima features an advanced optical construction of 28 elements arranged in 20 groups.
This design supports the wide 10x zoom range while meeting the image detail requirements of high-resolution broadcast and cinematic production.
It is designed to deliver detailed results for demanding production environments, including documentary, news, and television workflows.
Maximum close-up magnification is approximately 0.16x, equivalent to a reproduction ratio close to 1:6. The lens is a broadcast zoom rather than a true 1:1 macro lens.
Cine-Standard 0.8 MOD Focus, Zoom and Iris Gearing
The lens provides individually geared focus, zoom, and iris rings using the professional 0.8 MOD cine gear standard.
These interfaces allow compatible follow-focus units and external lens control motors to operate the lens during production.
The focus rotation is 180°, the zoom rotation is 125°, and the primary iris rotation is 35.5°.
These mechanical controls enable deliberate, repeatable adjustments for professional camera crews.
Manual Focus with Dual Distance Scales
The lens employs a manual focusing system, allowing camera operators and focus pullers to control focus precisely.
Its minimum focusing distance is 1m, measured from the camera's sensor plane.
The focus markings provide metric and imperial distance scales, accommodating different production workflows and crew preferences.
The standard 0.8 MOD gearing also enables integration with compatible remote focus control systems.
Optional Movcam Servo Drive Compatibility
The Laowa Ultima can be integrated with a compatible Movcam servo drive available as an optional accessory.
A suitable servo system adds controlled zoom operation for ENG-style and broadcast production.
The lens can also be operated through its manual cine control rings without the servo accessory.
The servo system is sold separately and is not included in the standard lens package.
110mm Filter Thread and 114mm Front Diameter
The lens features a 110mm threaded front filter mount, allowing compatible screw-in filters to be attached.
Its 114mm front outside diameter is a separate physical measurement from the filter thread size.
The outside diameter is relevant when selecting suitable clamp-on matte boxes and front-mounted cinema accessories.
Always verify compatibility with the specific accessory interface before installation.
Professional Build with Included Support Foot
The standard Laowa Ultima 12-120mm measures approximately 282mm in length with a 114mm front outside diameter.
Its listed weight is approximately 3.2kg, making a suitable lens support system important for professional rig configurations.
A dedicated support foot is included, along with a 3/8"-16 support mounting interface for compatible mounting equipment.
Supporting the lens properly helps distribute weight and reduce stress on the camera's lens mount.
Ideal Applications
Technical Specifications
What's in the Box
Included Lens & Accessories
The package includes the Laowa Ultima S35 12-120mm T4 lens, front lens cap, rear lens cap, and lens support foot. The optional servo drive, follow-focus equipment, camera body, tripod, and photographic filters are not included.

