Laowa has announced the debut of its latest cinema and broadcast optics at NAB Show 2026, taking place from 19-22 April in Las Vegas.
The showcase is headlined by the world’s first parfocal zoom super macro lenses, the Axon series, alongside the two Ultima Broadcast Zoom lenses and the newly launched world’s widest Probe Zoom series.
Attendees can experience these innovations firsthand at Booth C7335 in Central Hall.
The Supermacro Revolution
Following “intense global interest” during their initial preview, the Axon 45mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro 1-5x APO and Axon 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO arrive at NAB Show.
“These lenses represent a mechanical breakthrough by maintaining a fixed working distance across the entire zoom range, which is the world’s first parfocal zoom super macro technique,” said Laowa.
“For cinematographers, this eliminates the need to physically reposition the camera when shifting magnification.”
By maintaining a constant gap between the lens and the subject, operators can now reportedly zoom seamlessly from 1x to 5x (or 5x to 10x) without the risk of “lens crashes” or casting shadows on delicate subjects.
This provides a “transformative workflow” for tabletop, medical, and scientific cinematography, Laowa added.
Redefining the broadcast standard
Laowa enters the high-magnification zoom market with two versatile cine-style broadcast lenses designed for demanding live events, sports, and wildlife production:
- Ultima 25-180mm T3.8 FF Broadcast Zoom: A constant-aperture powerhouse featuring suppressed focus breathing and true parfocal performance.
- Ultima 25-600mm T4 S35 Broadcast Zoom: An impressive 24x magnification ratio with low focus breathing and parfocal offering a high-performance, cost-effective solution for long-range acquisition.
World’s widest probe zoom
The 15–24mm T8 and 15–35mm T12 Probe Zoom lenses, first unveiled as prototypes at NAB 2025, represent the widest probe zoom range currently available on the market.
The production-ready versions will debut at NAB 2026 following further refinements, offering an “expansive focal range and the widest angle of view that enable dramatic, fluid zoom effects with precise perspective control”.
Designed with Laowa’s signature long tubular barrel, the lenses can easily access confined and hard-to-reach spaces.
At NAB 2026, Laowa will partner with Motorized Precision to demonstrate the Probe Zoom’s capabilities within advanced motion control workflows for high-end film production.
More information is available on the Laowa website.
