DPReview just reported that Kowa has announced pricing for it’s three Micro Four Thirds lenses. Ideal for video enthusiasts, Kowa lenses are marketed as full manual lenses with ultra low distortion, and a click-less aperture perfect for video enthusiasts. They’re well built, made with metal, and as such are fairly big. The m43 Lens Blogspot reviews the 8.5mm/2.8 and shows that the lens is a little bigger than the Olympus 75mm/1.8. The author concluded the lens as “average” but had “excellent” marks for distortion.

Angela over at Whimsical also reviewed the Kowa Prominar 8.5mm/2.8, she has plenty of fantastic images showcasing the lens. Overall she said “the focal length is awesome. Everything feels more epic” and “Until I develop a taste for astrophotography, though, I think I’m good with my lovely Kowa Prominar 8.5mm.”

Kowa Announces Pricing for it’s Micro Four Thirds Lenses

Kowa’s lenses are now available, and are available in black, silver or green.

Kowa Prominar 8.5mm f/2.8 –£1049, about $1600 USD.

Kowa Prominar 12mm f/1.8 – £829, about $1250 USD.

Kowa Prominar 25mm f/1.8 – £749, about $1150 USD.

Final Thoughts

I don’t shoot much video, so for me the most interesting lens of the bunch is the 8.5mm/2.8. But for $1600, keep in mind that the Voigtlaender 10.5mm F0.95 lens that was announced out Photokina 2014 should be released soon. Around the time of CES 2015 (January), they commented on Facebook that the lens should be available Q1/Q2 of this year. Though pricing has yet to be announced. Another ultra-wide option is the Rokinon/Samyang 7.5mm F3.5, a budget option offering the traditional fisheye perspective.