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Laowa (Venus Optics)Lenses

Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Full-Frame Lens (2016)

MSRP 849 USD50% Neofiliac74% External
Keywords: a-mountdslre-mountef-mountf-mountfull-framek-mountl-mountlaowalensmanual-focusmirrorlessprime-lensrf-mountultra-widewide-anglez-mount

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Product Overview

Laowa 12mm F2.8 Zero-D is a manual-focus ultra wide-angle prime lens for Canon EF-mount, Canon RF-mount, Leica L-mount, Nikon F-mount, Nikon Z-mount, Pentax K-mount, Sony A-mount, and Sony E-mount. It is one of the widest rectilinear prime lens that covers the full-frame image circle. Introduced by Laowa in 2016, it has 16 elements in 10 groups.
Manual focus may be limiting to some, but purists will find it much more engaging. There are also fewer things to go wrong on the long run.
As an ultra wide-angle prime lens that happens to have relatively small maximum aperture, it is best suited for landscape photography. Even though the lens is not stabilized, at this focal range it does not usually matter. In fact, some may be able to get cleaner corners without image stabilization.
Some photographers may be disappointed by the fact that the lens does not accept front screw-on filters.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 50% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • One of the widest rectilinear FF lens
  • Solid build quality
  • Low distortion
  • Reasonably sharp
Cons
  • Lacks front filter thread

What external reviewers found***

External score 74% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Low vignetting at f/4
  • Wide focus ring rotation
  • F/2.8 aperture
Cons
  • Lacks AF and auto aperture
  • No full frame alternatives
Read More
See Product Comparison

Price Comparison

Specifications

Construction

Aperture Blades
7 blades
Form Factor
Ultra Wide-Angle Prime Lens
Image Size
Full-Frame
Lens Barrel
Physical aperture ring
Lens Mount
Canon EF-mount, Canon RF-mount, Leica L-mount, Nikon F-mount, Nikon Z-mount, Pentax K-mount, Sony A-mount, Sony E-mount
Optical Formula | Elements
16 elements
Optical Formula | Groups
10 groups

Dimensions

Size | Diameter
75 mm / 2.95 in
Size | Length
83 mm / 3.27 in
Weight
609 g / 21.52 oz

Function

Angle Of View
122.0° Diagonal | 112.6° Horizontal | 90.0° Vertical
Aperture
f/2.8 ~ f/22
Autofocus
No
Focal Length
12 mm
Image Stabilization
No

Performance

Max Magnification
0.2x
Min Focus Distance
180 mm / 7.09 in

Production

Accessory
Lens hood included
Debut
2016-07-26
Made In
China
See Product Comparison

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External Reviews

digitalpicture[1]

Reviewer score 74%
Reviewers from digitalpicture have found the following***:
The Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Lens is available in Canon EF (reviewed), Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A and Sony E mounts. While there are potential issues with using third party lenses, that this lens lacks most features including AF and auto aperture means that there is little future compatibility risk.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • F/2.8 aperture
  • Low vignetting at f/4
  • Wide focus ring rotation
Cons
  • No full frame alternatives
  • Lacks AF and auto aperture

User Reviews

Comments

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References

  1. ^ Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Lens Review. [digitalpicture]. https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Venus-Optics-Laowa-12mm-f-2.8-Zero-D-Lens.aspx. Retrieved 2022-01-25.

The MSRP provided on this page may not apply to all regions equally. For the current price, please refer to the Price Comparison section.

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Scores are not directly comparable across industries.

These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

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