LAOWA STF 105mm F2.0 (T3.2)

Class A · 07-20-2016, 07:43 PM

According to Venus Optics, the Pentax version of the STF 105/2 has a PK-A mount. ~~That should mean an "A" setting!~~

Available at B&H for $699 but also from Venus Optics directly (free shipping).

UPDATE: The previous "PK-A mount" information was a mistake.

In their own words:

"Sorry that I made a mistake on the previous reply. The PKA mount will be implemented in our next launching product instead of the 105mm in this moment. The current 105mm PK mount has an aperture lever for automatic aperture. Sorry for the confusion.“

Last edited by Class A; 07-22-2016 at 06:26 PM.

**jeffshaddix** · 07-21-2016, 05:45 PM

Originally posted by Class A

According to Venus Optics, the Pentax version of the STF 105/2 has a PK-A mount. That should mean an "A" setting!

EDIT: Available at B&H for $699 but also from Venus Optics directly (free shipping).

Nice find Class A, that's exciting indeed. Now I have to answer the question of whether this lens would provide enough utility when I already own the excellent DFA100/2.8. Of course it's a lens suited for an entirely different purpose... tempting!

Not a Number · 07-22-2016, 12:07 AM

I'll believe it when I see it. It would be awesome if true.

CarlG · 07-22-2016, 10:44 AM

They´ve corrected it, this lens will be PK only. That´s too bad.

Not a Number · 07-22-2016, 03:43 PM

Laowa is now saying it has an aperture lever but no contacts. Their next lens project will have contacts and a lever.

Class A · 07-22-2016, 06:35 PM

Originally posted by CarlG

They´ve corrected it, this lens will be PK only. That´s too bad.

Yes, too bad indeed.

I just saw their reply as well and have updated my post.

On the one hand it is excellent that they are going to extend their line up and will support Pentax with PK-A in the future.

On the other hand, I don't understand why the 105/2 STF cannot be released with PK-A straight away. The main complication should be the aperture lever. Adding a couple of contacts and a trivial amount of electronics should not make much difference at all.

Not a Number · 07-23-2016, 02:06 AM

What's the big deal? Tthe Canon mount doesn't offer aperture automation. Pentax shooters must just be lazy. If it has only the lever than the Pentax mount has something over the Canon mount.

Canon mount - go to 2:45 in the video "It's a fully manual lens. Manual focus and manual aperture control.".. The reviewer shows the mount and you can see there are no contacts at all - even for focus confirmation.

You Tube

On the Laowa site:

Quote:

Chuck
March 14, 2016 at 5:40 pm Reply

Does the 105mm lens have auto-aperture for DSLRs?

admin
March 15, 2016 at 4:11 am Reply

Yes for Nikon / Sony A / Pentax K mounts.

Andreas
March 22, 2016 at 12:05 am Reply

Do the Canon or the native FE mount versions have electronic contacts to indicate the focal length to the camera? I understand that all other functions are manual.

admin
March 22, 2016 at 5:32 am Reply

The Canon mount will have focus confirmation chip which will have notification sound where its in focus.

Like I said before, I'll believe it when I see it. For now, I wouldn't believe what Laowa says.

Update: It seems the Nikon mount has no electronic contacts or aperture coupling either. It does have a lever on the mount but that's it. It's basically a Nikon F mount.

Warning this video is rather painful to watch (IMHO): @ ~5:53 you can briefly see the rear mount. Lever but no contacts. @16:00 the reviewers shows the lack of aperture coupling and a detailed comparison of the mount with a couple Nikon lenses.

You Tube

Update 2: This video shows a focus confirmation chip on the Canon mount. The first review may have gotten a pre-production sample or maybe some have the chip and some don't. See the screen cap below or the first 10 seconds of the video.

You Tube

Attached Images

Last edited by Not a Number; 07-23-2016 at 03:11 AM.

Class A · 09-12-2016, 09:29 AM

Has anyone obtained the lens in the meantime?

Class A · 09-12-2016, 03:38 PM - **1 Like**

I'd be happy to pay full price for a PK-A lens.

Given that they announced a follow up lens with PK-A mount quite a while ago, they should be able to offer an Mk II version of the STF 105mm with a PK-A mount, right?

@dcshooter: I take it, it would exceed your abilities to convert the current STF 105mm version into one supporting an "A setting"? I think the biggest challenge would be to get the electronics that deliver focal length, etc.

angerdan · 03-20-2023, 05:15 PM

Actually here's a second thread here about the Venus Optics Laowa STF 105mm F2.0 (T3.2):
Laowa 105mm f2 - PentaxForums.com

And more recent user reviews:
Venus Optics Laowa STF 105mm F2.0 (T3.2) Lens Reviews - Venus Laowa Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Jonathan Mac · 03-21-2023, 07:50 AM

f/2.0 but T/3.2??

I assume that some of the smooth bokeh is achieved by adding some kind of filter internally in the same way as Fujifilm did with their 56mm f/1.2, otherwise that's a hell of a lot of light to lose internally.

angerdan · 03-21-2023, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

I assume that some of the smooth bokeh is achieved by adding some kind of filter internally in the same way as Fujifilm did with their 56mm f/1.2, otherwise that's a hell of a lot of light to lose internally.

Yes, the Laowa 105mm f/2 STF uses apodization filter element like other Smooth Trans Focus-Lenses as Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R APD.

07-20-2016, 07:43 PM	#61
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	According to Venus Optics, the Pentax version of the STF 105/2 has a PK-A mount. ~~That should mean an "A" setting!~~ Available at B&H for $699 but also from Venus Optics directly (free shipping). UPDATE: The previous "PK-A mount" information was a mistake. In their own words: "Sorry that I made a mistake on the previous reply. The PKA mount will be implemented in our next launching product instead of the 105mm in this moment. The current 105mm PK mount has an aperture lever for automatic aperture. Sorry for the confusion.“ Last edited by Class A; 07-22-2016 at 06:26 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
photos from Laowa / Venus 15mm f4.0 1:1 macro	micl161	Lens Sample Photo Archive	7	08-16-2015 04:38 AM
For Sale - Sold: Super Takumar 35mm f2.0 (yep 2.0) with hood & cases (cosmetic issue bargain!)	cheekygeek	Sold Items	4	09-17-2013 08:47 AM
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax FA 35mm F2.0 AL (FA35/2.0) (Worldwide)	deejjjaaaa	Sold Items	8	07-20-2011 06:54 AM

07-21-2016, 05:45 PM	#62
jeffshaddix Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,473	Originally posted by Class A According to Venus Optics, the Pentax version of the STF 105/2 has a PK-A mount. That should mean an "A" setting! EDIT: Available at B&H for $699 but also from Venus Optics directly (free shipping). Nice find Class A, that's exciting indeed. Now I have to answer the question of whether this lens would provide enough utility when I already own the excellent DFA100/2.8. Of course it's a lens suited for an entirely different purpose... tempting!

07-22-2016, 12:07 AM	#63
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	I'll believe it when I see it. It would be awesome if true.

07-22-2016, 10:44 AM	#64
CarlG Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 417	They´ve corrected it, this lens will be PK only. That´s too bad.

07-22-2016, 03:43 PM	#65
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Laowa is now saying it has an aperture lever but no contacts. Their next lens project will have contacts and a lever.

07-22-2016, 06:35 PM	#66
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by CarlG They´ve corrected it, this lens will be PK only. That´s too bad. Yes, too bad indeed. I just saw their reply as well and have updated my post. On the one hand it is excellent that they are going to extend their line up and will support Pentax with PK-A in the future. On the other hand, I don't understand why the 105/2 STF cannot be released with PK-A straight away. The main complication should be the aperture lever. Adding a couple of contacts and a trivial amount of electronics should not make much difference at all.

09-12-2016, 09:29 AM	#68
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Has anyone obtained the lens in the meantime?

09-12-2016, 03:38 PM - 1 Like	#69
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	I'd be happy to pay full price for a PK-A lens. Given that they announced a follow up lens with PK-A mount quite a while ago, they should be able to offer an Mk II version of the STF 105mm with a PK-A mount, right? @dcshooter: I take it, it would exceed your abilities to convert the current STF 105mm version into one supporting an "A setting"? I think the biggest challenge would be to get the electronics that deliver focal length, etc.

03-20-2023, 05:15 PM	#70
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Actually here's a second thread here about the Venus Optics Laowa STF 105mm F2.0 (T3.2): Laowa 105mm f2 - PentaxForums.com And more recent user reviews: Venus Optics Laowa STF 105mm F2.0 (T3.2) Lens Reviews - Venus Laowa Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

03-21-2023, 07:50 AM	#71
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894	f/2.0 but T/3.2?? I assume that some of the smooth bokeh is achieved by adding some kind of filter internally in the same way as Fujifilm did with their 56mm f/1.2, otherwise that's a hell of a lot of light to lose internally.

03-21-2023, 11:04 AM	#72
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac I assume that some of the smooth bokeh is achieved by adding some kind of filter internally in the same way as Fujifilm did with their 56mm f/1.2, otherwise that's a hell of a lot of light to lose internally. Yes, the Laowa 105mm f/2 STF uses apodization filter element like other Smooth Trans Focus-Lenses as Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R APD.