An ultra-wide on the Leica SL: Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D review

[Vieri]

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For my Fine Art Landscape work, I find ultra-wide-angle lenses to be wonderful creative tools because of the different “view of the world” they provide: see in this Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D in-depth review my thoughts about this relatively new and promising addition to the ultra-wide pool, and about its place in a Fine Art Landscape photographer’s bag.

 

https://vieribottazzini.com/2018/05/venus-optics-laowa-12mm-f-2-8-zero-d-in-depth-review.html

 

Thank you for reading, best regards,

 

Vieri

Edited May 8, 2018 by Vieri

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[carlosgavina]

Very good read, good to see other options coming up on the wide end.

 

How do feel this one compares to the Voigtlander 12mm in terms of image quality? Of course, they differ in size a lot (and in the ability to use filters). But are they similar quality wise with the same aperture?

 

I'm in the process of getting rid my Sony kit (where I have a 12-24mm f4 and before I had the 16-35 f4) with the Vario 16-35 + a prime 12mm. Both the Voigtlander and the Laowa seem to be good options.

[Vieri]

Very good read, good to see other options coming up on the wide end.

 

How do feel this one compares to the Voigtlander 12mm in terms of image quality? Of course, they differ in size a lot (and in the ability to use filters). But are they similar quality wise with the same aperture?

 

I'm in the process of getting rid my Sony kit (where I have a 12-24mm f4 and before I had the 16-35 f4) with the Vario 16-35 + a prime 12mm. Both the Voigtlander and the Laowa seem to be good options.

 

 

Hello Carlos,

 

thank you for your message, glad you enjoyed the read. I had the Voigtlander 12mm back a while ago, I tested it for myself (no article) and found that the 15mm was better, and the 10mm was up there. I think that at comparable apertures the Laowa might be a bit better - plus, it's filterable, it's a f/2.8 lens (good for night photograph too), and it's still compact and light enough compared to every other option out there Hope this helps!

 

Best regards,

 

Vieri

[carlosgavina]

Fantastic, thanks for the info!

[Vieri]

Fantastic, thanks for the info!

 

 

You are welcome Carlos, glad to be of help Best regards,

 

Vieri

[Irakly Shanidze]

I wonder whether this is a conscientious decision on Chinese manufacturers' part not to make M-mount lenses. I am talking not only about Venus, but also SLR Magic. They do have very interesting glass, but it is either impossible to use (E and Fuji mount), or cumbersome (SLR lenses)

[Vieri]

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I wonder whether this is a conscientious decision on Chinese manufacturers' part not to make M-mount lenses. I am talking not only about Venus, but also SLR Magic. They do have very interesting glass, but it is either impossible to use (E and Fuji mount), or cumbersome (SLR lenses)

 

 

...unless there is 7 of them, and they are Artisans...

 

Best regards,

 

Vieri

[chrisfugiel]

 

For my Fine Art Landscape work, I find ultra-wide-angle lenses to be wonderful creative tools because of the different “view of the world” they provide: see in this Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D in-depth review my thoughts about this relatively new and promising addition to the ultra-wide pool, and about its place in a Fine Art Landscape photographer’s bag.

 

https://vieribottazzini.com/2018/05/venus-optics-laowa-12mm-f-2-8-zero-d-in-depth-review.html

 

Thank you for reading, best regards,

 

Vieri

========================================================================================

After reading your review on Venus Optic Laowa 12 mm F 2.8 Zero - D  I had decided to buy this lens and use it w/ Leica SL.

(See good price at: https://www.eglobalcentral.de/laowa-12mm-f-2.8-zero-d-objektiv-fur-nikon-f-mount-schwarz.html ). I had bought Laowa lens for Canon EOS, than I will use simple Canon EOS - Leica L adapter.

I had bought NISI adapter Filter KIT for above lens (few more days to come)..

Shots I will publish later!

 

[frame-it]

SLR magic did have one M mount but apparently stopped producing it

I wonder whether this is a conscientious decision on Chinese manufacturers' part not to make M-mount lenses. I am talking not only about Venus, but also SLR Magic. They do have very interesting glass, but it is either impossible to use (E and Fuji mount), or cumbersome (SLR lenses)

[AlanD]

SLRMagic has a RF coupled design. The glass was great but the RF coupling was not. I think the reason you don’t see the RF coupling is that it is hard and the market seems to be focused on mirrorless. NonRF coupled lenses still work great in live view.

 

7artisans 50/1.1 is a must own lens. It’s basically a character lens that is like an RF coupled lens baby. (Though sharper and less one-dimensional than a Lensbaby)

[Vieri]

 

 

 

========================================================================================

After reading your review on Venus Optic Laowa 12 mm F 2.8 Zero - D  I had decided to buy this lens and use it w/ Leica SL.

(See good price at: https://www.eglobalcentral.de/laowa-12mm-f-2.8-zero-d-objektiv-fur-nikon-f-mount-schwarz.html ). I had bought Laowa lens for Canon EOS, than I will use simple Canon EOS - Leica L adapter.

I had bought NISI adapter Filter KIT for above lens (few more days to come)..

Shots I will publish later!

 

 

 

Let us know how you are enjoying the lens, Krzystof! Best regards,

 

Vieri