Laowa (Venus Optics) took advantage of CP+ 2026 in Yokohama to unveil a truly audacious prototype: the Laowa 14-60mm T3.6 FF, a full-frame stereoscopic zoom for Arri PL mount designed for 3D filmmaking and 180° virtual reality.
A single lens to replace a full stereo rig
Stereoscopic video capture traditionally requires two cameras mounted on a dedicated rig, each fitted with its own lens.
This setup demands rigorous optical alignment between both axes, precise calibration, and adds significant bulk and weight on set. A handful of monobloc 3D cameras do exist, but they remain ultra-specialized.
The Laowa 14-60mm T3.6 takes a radically different approach: it integrates the entire stereo system into a single optical unit, mounted on a single camera.
The lens projects a rectangular image split into two halves, left and right, each corresponding to a slightly offset viewpoint, thereby replicating binocular vision.
Unlike Canon’s solutions, which produce a fisheye-type image, the Laowa offers a zoom range from 14 to 60mm, making it far more versatile for narrative use.
The benefits for cinema and VR productions are obvious: paired with an 8K camera, each “eye” can achieve an effective 4K resolution, which has become the standard threshold for immersive content delivery.
PL mount for optimal adaptability
The prototype shown at CP+ features specifications geared towards professional cinema use.
The PL mount makes it directly compatible with cinema cameras (Arri, RED, Sony Venice, etc.), and Laowa says it can also be adapted to mirrorless mounts including E, Z, and L.
The lens features manual, geared zoom, focus, and aperture rings on each side, compatible with the follow focus systems used on film sets. For synchronization purposes, these rings are mechanically linked, allowing both optical paths to be controlled simultaneously.
Focus throw is 284°, zoom throw is 170°, and aperture throw is 36° — values that allow for fine, progressive control.
Visually, the lens looks like a pair of oversized radar binoculars, studded with mounting threads on both the top and bottom of the barrel for attaching a matte box, monitor, or other accessories — and most importantly, for securing the lens to a cinema rig or tripod.
The expected weight for this optic is 4.1 kg with dimensions of 251 x 170 x 92mm — a substantial form factor, but very reasonable compared to a full dual-camera rig.
On the optical side, while the manufacturer has yet to reveal the element arrangement or count, we already know that the minimum focusing distance is 56cm with a maximum magnification of 0.14x.
This 4.2x zoom also offers a maximum transmission of T3.6.
Laowa FF 14-60mm T3.6 Stereo Zoom specifications:
- type: stereo zoom (cinema)
- focal length: 14-60mm
- full-frame lens
- maximum aperture: T3.6
- minimum aperture: T22
- optical construction: TBC
- aperture blades: TBC
- minimum focusing distance: 0.56m
- maximum magnification: 0.14x
- filter diameter: TBC
- weather sealing: TBC
- autofocus: no (manual focus)
- weight: approx. 4.1 kg
- dimensions: 251 x 170 x 92mm (L x W x H)
- mount: Arri PL (adaptable to E, Z, L mounts)
- launch price: TBC
- availability: prototype
An appealing prototype for filmmakers?
Laowa states that the specifications shown are subject to change and that the release date remains unknown. This lens may never make it past the prototype stage.
That said, this initiative highlights the growing interest among lens manufacturers in immersive formats such as 180° VR and volumetric video, as distribution platforms (Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest) continue to expand their spatial content libraries.
If Laowa manages to bring this stereo zoom to production at a competitive price, it could significantly democratize professional stereoscopic filmmaking.
