Venus Optics Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6

Venus Optics Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6

Lens Summary

Brand: Venus Optics

Also Known As: Venus Optics Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6

Lens Type: Zoom Lens

Format: Full Frame / FX

Focus: Manual Focus

Lens Mount: Nikon Z, Sony E

Release Date: 2018-04-30

MSRP Price: $849

Made in: China

Production Status: In Production

Manufacturer Link: Product Page

Lens Description: This lens is currently the widest zoom lens available for Sony full frame E-mount mirrorless cameras. Designed primarily for travel photography, we have managed to compress the size to the smallest in its class, less than 9.1 cm (3.6 in.) long and only 496 g (1.1 lb.). The 130° (10mm) to 102° (18mm) angle of view provides flexibility for photographers to compose landscape or architecture photos with ease. The aperture blade system is carefully designed to produce the best sun-star renderings among all UWA lenses on the market.

Photography Life Review Summary: Overall, I am happy to see Laowa bringing out lenses for the Nikon Z mount, which desperately needs more lens options. While the Laowa 10-18mm might not be an optically superb lens, it is significantly wider and cheaper than Nikon's Z 14-30mm f/4 S lens (which also has its share of problems). I really hope that Laowa does not stop with the 10-18mm and starts porting its other lenses for the Z mount. I also hope that Laowa's engineers find a way to communicate basic EXIF information to Nikon Z cameras. That might take some time and effort, but I am sure it will pay off in the long run... Read the full Venus Optics Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Review by Photography Life.


Venus Optics Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Specifications

Lens Specifications
Lens TypeZoom Lens
Focal Length10-18mm
Mount TypeNikon Z, Sony E
FormatFull Frame / FX
Compatible Format(s)Full Frame / APS-C
Compatible with TeleconvertersNo
Maximum Reproduction Ratio1:4
Image StabilizationNo
Aperture Information
Aperture RingNo
Maximim Aperturef/4.5-5.6
Minimum Aperturef/22
Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format)130°
Minimum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format)102°
Optical Information
Lens Elements14
Lens Groups10
Diaphragm Blades5
Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements1
Aspherical Elements2
Fluorine CoatingYes
Focus Information
FocusManual Focus
Built-in Focus MotorNo
Minimum Focus Distance150mm
Filter Information
Filter Size37mm
Accepts Filter TypeRear
Physical Characteristics
Weather / Dust SealingNo
Mount MaterialMetal
Dimensions2.76 x 3.6" / 70 x 90.9 mm
Weight1.1 lb / 496 g
Other Information
Available in ColorsBlack

MTF Chart

Venus Optics Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 MTF Chart Wide Venus Optics Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 MTF Chart Tele

Lens Construction

Venus Optics Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens Construction

Sample Images

Laowa 10-18mm Image Sample #1 Laowa 10-18mm Image Sample #12

Laowa 10-18mm Image Sample #11 Laowa 10-18mm Image Sample #15

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