Overview
The Venus Optics Laowa Ultima FF 25-180mm T3.8 Zoom Lens for ARRI PL is a professional full-frame cine zoom designed for high-end broadcast, documentary, live production, and fast-paced narrative filmmaking. Covering a substantial 25-180mm focal range with a constant T3.8 aperture, the lens delivers a versatile 7.2x zoom ratio that allows cinematographers and operators to move efficiently between wide-angle framing and long telephoto coverage without changing lenses. Engineered for full-frame image capture, the lens supports up to 8K acquisition while maintaining consistent optical performance throughout the zoom range.
Built with a production-ready cine housing, the Ultima FF incorporates cine-standard 0.8 MOD gearing across the focus, iris, and zoom rings for compatibility with professional follow focus systems and wireless lens motors. Its parfocal optical design helps maintain focus throughout zoom adjustments, while minimized focus breathing improves framing consistency during focus pulls. Dual metric and imperial focus scales support international production workflows, and the included support foot enhances stability when mounted on studio rigs, broadcast systems, and shoulder-mounted configurations.
Core Features
- The expansive 25-180mm focal length range provides versatile framing flexibility for broadcast, documentary, ENG, and live production workflows.
- A constant T3.8 aperture maintains consistent exposure throughout the entire zoom range.
- The lens supports up to 8K image capture while maintaining full-frame sensor coverage across the zoom range.
- Its parfocal optical design helps maintain focus accuracy during zoom adjustments for professional cine operation.
- Minimal focus breathing helps preserve framing consistency during critical focus pulls.
- Industry-standard 0.8 MOD gearing enables compatibility with professional follow focus systems and wireless lens motors.
- Dual metric and imperial focus markings improve usability for international production crews.
- Optional compatibility with a separately available servo drive enables ENG-style powered zoom operation.
25-180mm T3.8 Constant-Aperture Zoom for Full-Frame Production
The broad 7.2x zoom ratio provides the flexibility required for productions where rapid reframing and minimal lens changes are essential. Operators can transition efficiently from wide establishing shots to compressed telephoto coverage while maintaining a constant T3.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. This makes the lens especially practical for documentaries, sports, live events, reality television, and fast-moving broadcast environments.
Full-Frame Image Circle Coverage with 8K-Ready Optical Performance
The Ultima FF maintains full-frame sensor coverage across its entire focal range, enabling compatibility with a wide variety of professional ARRI PL-mount cinema cameras. Designed for modern high-resolution workflows, the optical system supports up to 8K image acquisition while delivering the sharpness, contrast, and consistency required for professional cinema and broadcast production.
Parfocal Optical Design with Minimal Focus Breathing
The parfocal construction helps maintain focus throughout zoom adjustments, allowing operators to zoom in, establish focus, and reframe without losing sharpness. Minimal focus breathing further improves cinematic consistency by reducing visible framing shifts during focus pulls, making the lens particularly effective for dramatic work, interviews, and controlled camera movements.
0.8 MOD Cine Gearing with 180° Focus Rotation
Cine-standard gearing across the focus, iris, and zoom rings enables seamless integration with professional follow focus systems, wireless lens motors, and remote lens control setups. The 180° focus throw provides refined manual focus precision, while dual metric and imperial focus scales support a wide range of production crews and operating styles.
118.4mm Front Diameter and Optional ENG Servo Compatibility
The 118.4mm front diameter supports compatibility with professional cinema matte boxes and production accessories, while the integrated 110mm filter thread accommodates screw-in filters when required. For broadcast and live production workflows, the lens can also be paired with a separately available Movcam servo drive to enable ENG-style powered zoom control and faster focal length adjustments during active shooting environments.
Optical
| Focal Length | 25 to 180mm |
| Maximum Aperture | T3.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | T22 |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | Horizontal: 81.7 to 13.7° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | From Camera Sensor: 1.2 m |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.2x |
| Macro Reproduction Ratio | 5:1 |
| Aperture/Iris Blades | 11 |
General
| Lens Mount | ARRI PL |
| Focus Scales | Metric, Imperial |
| Gear Standard | Focus, Iris, Zoom: 0.8 MOD |
| Gear Rotation | Focus: 180° Iris: 36° Zoom: 110° |
| Electronic Communication | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Physical
| Filter Thread | 110 mm |
| Front Diameter | 118.4 mm |
| Tripod Mounting | 1x 3/8"-16 (via Included Support Foot) |
| Dimensions | Length: 30 cm |
| Weight | 4.04 kg |
What's Included
- Venus Optics Laowa Ultima FF 25-180mm T3.8 Zoom Lens (ARRI PL)
- Front Cap
- Rear Cap
- Support Foot
- Barcode: 91160
- UPC Barcode: 6940486798401
- Supplier Code: VE2518038PL