By technical editor Matt Allard:
Kowa has put up a video that gives a rare insight into how their new PROMINAR 8.5mm F2.8 super wide angle manual lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras is made. The 8.5mm F2.8 has been available for a while now and reatils for a little over $1000US. It is interesting to see the process that actually goes into making a high quality lens. Despite using a lot of complex machinery the Kowa lenses are not mass produced like some other prominent brands. Each lens is hand made and meticulously put together.
Last year at InterBee 2014 I got to check out the lens as well as the new additions to the range- the 12mm F1.8 and 25mm F1.8. The Kowa lenses feature extra-low dispersion glass that is combined with concave lens discretion to greatly reduce any chromatic aberration. They feature a 9 blade aperture that provides circular bokeh at all f stops. Another nice thing for video use is they have a duel link iris system that allows you to choose either silent or click aperture adjustments. The lenses are very well built and feature a aluminium housing. They feel very solid and beautiful well made. If you are an owner of a M4/3 mount camera then they are definitely worth checking out.
