Laowa Announces the AF 200mm f/2 C-Dreamer

Venus Optics has launched the Laowa AF 200mm f/2 C-Dreamer, a full-frame autofocus telephoto prime lens, announcing it on October 15, 2025. It is well suited for the Canon EF, Nikon Z, and Sony E mounts. EF users looking for an alternative to either the $3,299 Sigma 200mm f/2 DG DN Sports or Canon’s EF 200mm f/2L IS USM will find this option to be quite reasonable at $1,799 and $1,999 for the Sony / Nikon mounts. This lens may appeal to those looking for a reasonably priced small telephoto lens for portraits, sports, wildlife, or event photography, offering good portability, build quality, and overall solid optical performance.

It is also compatible with either Canon’s EF-RF drop-in filter holder or an adapter for those who like filters. At 148mm long and 1,588g, it is shorter and lighter than Canon’s EF 200mm f/2L, which weighs 208mm and 2,520g. Since there is no built-in stabilization, steady handheld shooting relies on the camera’s IBIS (e.g., EOS R5 or R6 II).

The lens demonstrates great center sharpness, pleasing bokeh, and acceptable autofocus for static subjects, where it has proven previously to be a good stand-in once action picks up. Early reviews say it has great value, generates strong sharpness at f/4, and returns some minor chromatic aberrations at f/2, which is like other lenses in this category. For those RF shooters who are looking for a fast telephoto prime that doesn't break the bank, it has a lot of merit. The only issue is whether they need to add an adapter and the speed of the AF for their genre of shooting.

The lens sports a simplified optical design of 11 elements in 9 groups, including two Extra-low Dispersion (ED), one Anammalous Dispersion (AD), and one Ultra-High Refraction (UHR) element for controlling chromatic aberrations and obtaining clarity. The 9-blade aperture offers smooth, circular bokeh that is great for subject isolation. The lower element count doesn't hinder performance as the MTF charts show respectable center sharpness, though edge performance isn't as good as Sigma's 200mm f/2 lens. The EF mount version is created to fit the DSLR flange distance and does not allow a rear drop-in filter like the two Sony/Nikon versions, but its 148mm length and 118mm diameter mean it will remain compact. It's also weather-sealed and comes with a tripod collar that is compatible with Arca-Swiss plates, and is built to withstand use. Front filter threads are 105mm (43mm rear for non-EF mounts), so there's flexibility in use with a neutral density (ND) filter or polarizer.

Specifications