Imagine capturing the world from angles you never thought possible—like a camera lens rolling across the floor, peeking into tight spaces, or gliding at ground level for jaw-dropping point-of-view shots. That’s exactly what Paris-based photographer and filmmaker Mathieu Stern did when he took an already bizarre lens and made it even stranger. Known for his boundary-pushing experiments and engaging YouTube tutorials, Stern recently turned heads by attaching wheels to a Laowa periscope probe zoom lens, transforming it into a mobile, low-angle cinematic tool that defies convention. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a genius innovation or a gimmick? Let’s dive in.
Stern’s latest project centers on the Laowa Probe Zoom 15-24mm T8-15/35mm T12 lens (https://laowacine.com/product/po-laowa-probe-zoom-15-24mm-t8-15-35mm-t12/), a groundbreaking piece of optics inspired by the naval periscopes of the past. This isn’t your average lens—it’s a modular marvel with a removable probe and a main body housing manual controls for focus, zoom, and aperture. The probe can rotate horizontally or vertically, and its waterproof design allows for stunning underwater shots. With a minimum focusing distance of just half a centimeter, it’s a macro photographer’s dream, turning tiny subjects into larger-than-life masterpieces. And this is the part most people miss: its periscope design lets cameras access spaces that were once impossible to capture.
But Stern didn’t stop there. Frustrated by the lens’s stabilization challenges—a common issue with such complex optics—he devised a solution that’s equal parts practical and playful: he added wheels. This simple yet ingenious modification turned the lens into a rolling rig, capable of smooth, low-angle movement. “By adding wheels, I’ve unlocked so many new possibilities,” Stern explains. From following subjects at ground level to creating dynamic dolly zoom sequences, this setup redefines what’s achievable in photography and filmmaking.
What makes this experiment so fascinating is how it blends technical ingenuity with artistic curiosity. Stern’s work isn’t just about testing gear—it’s about challenging the limits of how cameras interact with the world. His rolling periscope setup isn’t just a tool; it’s a statement about the limitless potential of creativity. But here’s the question: does this kind of experimentation push the art form forward, or does it distract from the fundamentals of storytelling? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For beginners, Stern’s approach is a reminder that innovation often comes from thinking outside the box. By combining unusual optics with inventive rigging, he’s created a toolkit that’s as fun as it is functional. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, his work invites you to rethink what’s possible behind the camera. As Stern puts it, “I hope to inspire photographers and filmmakers to explore new perspectives and challenge their own boundaries.”
So, is this the future of cinematography, or just a quirky experiment? One thing’s for sure: Mathieu Stern’s rolling probe lens is a conversation starter. Check out his work at http://mathieustern.com/ and decide for yourself. Image credits: Mathieu Stern.
