Laowa Unveils AF 200mm F/2 C-Dreamer Lens: A Fast, Affordable Telephoto Prime
After months of speculation, Laowa has officially announced the AF 200mm F/2 C-Dreamer, marking its boldest step yet into the professional autofocus lens market. The new telephoto prime arrives shortly after Sigma’s own 200mm F/2 DG Sports lens, offering comparable specs at a much lower price point.
The Laowa 200mm F/2 C-Dreamer is priced between $1,799 and $1,999, depending on the mount, which makes it significantly more affordable than Sigma’s $3,299 offering. Unlike Sigma’s Sony E-only release, Laowa’s lens will also be available for Nikon Z and Canon EF mounts. While the EF version might seem unusual in 2025, the mount still sees heavy use in the cinema world and adapts easily to mirrorless systems via third-party adapters.
“Traditionally, 200mm f/2 lenses have been heavy, expensive, and built only for high-end professionals. Laowa changes that with a design that’s lighter, faster, and more affordable, priced at just USD $1,799–$1,999,” Laowa writes. “Built for full-frame cameras, this lens delivers creamy bokeh, strong subject compression, and incredible low-light performance — perfect for portrait, sports, and event photographers who want flagship quality at a fraction of the cost.”
Optical Design and Performance
Designed for full-frame cameras, the C-Dreamer features an optical formula of 11 elements in 9 groups, including two ED glass elements, one anomalous dispersion element, and one ultra-high refraction element. This combination aims to minimize chromatic aberrations while delivering sharp, contrast-rich images with smooth background separation.
The lens promises fast and accurate autofocus, supporting subject tracking for both stills and video. Laowa has also released a short demo showcasing the AF performance. With a minimum focusing distance of just 150cm, it’s well-suited for portraits, offering striking subject isolation and pleasing compression.
The bright F/2 aperture is ideal for low-light shooting, indoor events, concerts, and sports. It also makes it easier to freeze fast-moving subjects while maintaining a shallow depth of field and soft bokeh.
Build Quality and Features
As a premium lens, the 200mm F/2 C-Dreamer includes several pro-level controls such as an FN button, Focus Range Limiter, Focus Mode Switch, and a Declick Switch for aperture control. The Sony E and Nikon Z versions feature a 43mm rear filter holder, while all mounts include an Arca-Swiss-compatible tripod collar for easy mounting.
The lens body is constructed entirely from metal and features weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture. The front element has a water- and oil-repellent coating, making it easier to clean. Despite its large aperture and telephoto reach, the lens remains relatively lightweight at 1.7kg, making it one of the lightest 200mm F/2 primes on the market.
Pricing and Availability
The Laowa AF 200mm F/2 C-Dreamer is available to order now from the Venus Optics online store.
- Canon EF version: $1,799
- Sony E and Nikon Z versions: $1,999
For photographers seeking a high-performance 200mm F/2 lens without the flagship price tag, the Laowa C-Dreamer looks like a compelling alternative to Sigma and Sony’s top-tier offerings.