Designed to provide a wealth of control over out-of-focus quality and to enhance bokeh, the Laowa 105mm f/2 STF Lens for Nikon Ffrom Laowa 105mm f/2 STF Lens for Nikon Fis a short telephoto prime designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras. The unique optical design incorporates an apodization (APD) element, as well as two separate diaphragms—8- and 14-blade—to provide separate adjustment over the bokeh as well as the exposure and depth of field. This APD element functions as a radially graduated neutral density filter, and as such limits the light transmission to a T-stop value of 3.2, while permitting the depth of field and selective focus qualities of a true f/2 design.

Alongside the unique attributes of the APD element, the lens also incorporates three low dispersion elements and one extra refractive index element to control chromatic aberrations and color fringing, as well as produce a great deal of overall clarity and sharpness. The lens is also characterized by its manual focus, manual aperture design, that provides a wealth of control over focus and exposure to benefit working with the APD element.

Nikon F-Mount Lens/FX Format    Aperture Range: f/2 (T3.2) to f/22    One Apodization Element for Smooth Bokeh    Three Low Dispersion Elements    One Extra Refractive Index Element    Manual Focus and Manual Aperture Ring    Dual Diaphragms: 8- and 14-Blades

Short telephoto prime designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, this lens can also be used on DX models where it provides a 157.5mm equivalent focal length.

Optical design incorporates an apodization element that helps to improve the quality of bokeh. This element, which resembles a radially graduated ND filter that tapers from clear in the center to more dense around the edges, produces more circular out-of-focus highlights for more pleasing selective focus and shallow depth of field effects.

To control the effect of the apodization element, two separate diaphragms are incorporated in the lens' design: a 14-blade diaphragm that works mainly in conjunction with the APD element to control bokeh, as well as a standard 8-blade diaphragm at the rear of the lens design to control the overall light transmission and affect depth of field.

Due to the incorporation of the APD element, the lens offers an effective light transmission value of T3.2, while the f/2 designation relates mainly toward the potential for selective focus and depth of field control.

Beyond the APD element, the lens also features three low dispersion elements and one extra refractive index element, which combine to limit chromatic aberrations throughout the aperture range and contribute to a high degree of sharpness and clarity.

A manual focus design permits fine-tuned control for focusing as closely as 3' away with a maximum magnification of 0.16x.

Two manual aperture rings enable you to adjust both the exposure-affecting diaphragm as well as the APD-affecting aperture.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the STF-8 compatible with the Pen F , will be using the 60mm f2.8 macro?

A: It should be compatible with any Olympus body. The only limitation to be aware of is the lack of in-body focus stacking on the Pen F (only available on the E-M1s), but single-shot and focus bracketing should both work.

Q: 2. Is this compatible with Lumix GH5?

A: Yes, with any 4/3 lens with a 46mm filter thread

Q: 3. Is it possible to buy extra diffusers for the Olympus STF-8 flash?

A: Unfortunately, no, it is not. I contacted Olympus America and they state that the diffusers included in the Olympus STF-8 Twin Flash are not available as a separate replacement accessory.

Q: 4. With this be a good lighting system to uses on a copystand to digitize old photos / drawing / paintings?

A: The Olympus STF-8 Twin Flash is really for macro shots—to be used with a macro lens. If you use this on a copy stand to photograph flat art, you'd need to position the lights further away. Otherwise, you would get glare on the photos.

Q: 5. an this be mounted on the 12-100mm 72filter threads? Would a step down/up ring be needed?

A: The Olympus STF-8 Twin Flash is designed for use with macro lenses; specifically, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30 f/3.5 Macro Lens, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens, and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Lens, and comes with the 46mm Ring Adapter and the 62mm Ring Adapter. It is not designed for use on the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO Lens, which uses the larger 72mm filter thread size. If you choose, you may purchase the Sensei 72-62mm Step-Down Ring, B&H # SESDR7262, along with the 62mm adapter to connect the flash to your lens, but you may experience vignetting when using this setup on your lens.

Q: 6. Does this come with diffusers , if not, where can you buy them ????

A: It comes with two diffusers. Unfortunately you're going to need more diffusion. They're like the ubiquitous Sto-Fen diffusers, if you find that adequate fine, but for softer lighting you'll need some kind of DIY solution to put between the flash heads and the subject.

Q: 7. Can the flash heads be removed from the mounting ring for more lighting choices?

A: The Olympus STF-8 Twin Flash Heads are fixed to the cables connected to the pack but it does have cold-shoe mounts, so that allows you to extend the height of the flash as well as to distance it further away from the subject for better light diffusion.

Q: 8. Is this compatable with the E-M1 Mk 1?

A: Yes, it will work with any olympus camera. You have to use it with either the 30mm f/3.5 macro, 60mm f/2.8 macro, or 12-40 f/2.8 PRO.

Q: 9. Do they have separate hot shoe hook ups, for each light? I would like to use the Really Right stuff bracket.

A: No, they don't have shoes, just the power unit.

Q: 10. Has anybody been able to get this thing to work on a Pen-F? I tried setting via Menu2 to Silent Mode Setting - allow Flash Mode, and still this thing does not work.

A: The flash would not work on Silent Mode Setting