Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 CF APO Lens - Nikon Z

Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 CF APO – Ultra-fast f/0.95 for low-light APS-C Nikon Z shooting

The Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 CF APO is a high-performance ultra-fast prime lens made for APS-C mirrorless cameras with a Nikon Z mount. With its bright f/0.95 maximum aperture, the lens excels in low-light situations and gives strong control over depth of field. It suits portraiture, street photography and cinematic video production on APS-C systems, where the 25mm focal length provides a natural field of view (about 37.5mm full-frame equivalent).

Optical design and image quality

Laowa builds the Argus 25mm with an Apochromatic (APO) optical design that suppresses chromatic aberrations and color fringing. As a result, you get improved sharpness and more accurate colors across the frame. The optical formula uses 14 elements in 9 groups and includes extra-low dispersion (ED) and aspherical elements to maintain resolution even at wide-open apertures.

Furthermore, the lens features a rounded 9-blade diaphragm that produces smooth, cinematic bokeh. This rounded aperture helps create pleasing background blur and improved subject separation, particularly when shooting wide open at f/0.95.

Handling, focus and close-up capability

The Argus is a fully manual-focus lens, giving you precise control over focus for artistic and cinematic results. It also offers a minimum focusing distance of 34 cm, which allows for creative close-ups while still producing soft, blurred backgrounds. The lens’s robust all-metal construction ensures durability and reliable handling for both professional and everyday use.

Key features

• Ultra-fast f/0.95 aperture: Delivers exceptional low-light performance and strong depth-of-field control for selective focus.
• Apochromatic (APO) optical design: Minimizes chromatic aberration and color fringing for improved sharpness and truer colors.
• 25mm APS-C focal length (37.5mm full-frame equivalent): Offers a natural field of view for portraits, street photography and video.
• Advanced optical construction: 14 elements in 9 groups, including extra-low dispersion (ED) and aspherical elements for high image quality.
• Minimum focusing distance (34 cm): Enables close-up compositions with pleasing background blur.
• Manual focus precision: Provides full control over focus for creative and cinematic work.
• Smooth, natural bokeh: 9-blade rounded diaphragm produces soft and visually pleasing background blur.
• Robust all-metal construction: Durable design built to withstand professional and everyday use.

Technical specifications

What's in the box

• Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 CF APO Lens
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Lens Hood
• Lens Pouch

FAQ

Question: Is this lens compatible with Nikon Z cameras?
Answer: Yes. This version of the Argus 25mm is supplied for the Nikon Z mount and is designed for APS-C mirrorless bodies.

Question: Can I use the Argus 25mm for low-light and cinematic video work?
Answer: Yes. Its ultra-fast f/0.95 aperture gives you more light-gathering capability and stronger depth-of-field control, which is beneficial for low-light shooting and for achieving cinematic shallow-focus looks.

Question: Does the lens have autofocus?
Answer: No. The Argus 25mm is a manual-focus lens, which allows you to make precise focus adjustments for artistic and cinematic results.

Question: How does the APO design affect image quality?
Answer: The Apochromatic (APO) optical design reduces chromatic aberrations and color fringing, helping to deliver clearer images and more accurate colors, especially useful at wide apertures.

Question: Will this lens work for close-up shots?
Answer: Yes. With a minimum focusing distance of 34 cm, the lens lets you get closer to your subject for creative close-ups while maintaining smooth background blur.