Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

Lens Summary

Brand: Venus Optics

Also Known As: Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

Lens Type: Prime Lens

Format: Full Frame / FX

Focus: Manual Focus

Lens Mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony Alpha, Sony E

Release Date: 2016-07-30

MSRP Price: $949

Made in: China

Production Status: In Production

Manufacturer Link: Product Page

Lens Description: Featuring the widest angle of view (122°) ever offered from a f/2.8 lens, this is an ideal lens for a wide variety of shooting situations. From landscape, architecture, interior, travel to the most important, astro photography. The lens is the lightest and most compact lens in its class. Ideal for everyday shooting. It also features close-to-zero optical distortion, allowing photographers to take landscape/architecture shots with straight lines retained. Our exclusive water and dust repelling “Frog Eye Coating” is added to the front element of the lens. For maximum creativity, you can use CPL or ND filters by adding an optional Laowa 100mm filter holder system.

Photography Life Review Summary: The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 is an unusual lens, and a very special-purpose option on today’s market. With all the 14mm lenses available from a myriad of manufacturers – zooms and primes, autofocus and manual focus – it is hard to justify a lens with some performance issues just because it is 12mm. Then again, there is no denying that 2 millimeters can make a difference at such wide focal lengths. It could be the factor that causes you to get the photo rather than miss it. Read the full Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Review by Photography Life.


Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Specifications

Lens Specifications
Lens TypePrime Lens
Focal Length12mm
Mount TypeCanon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony Alpha, Sony E
FormatFull Frame / FX
Compatible Format(s)Full Frame / APS-C
Compatible with TeleconvertersNo
Maximum Reproduction Ratio1:5
Image StabilizationNo
Aperture Information
Aperture RingYes
Maximim Aperturef/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/22
Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format)121.96°
Optical Information
Lens Elements16
Lens Groups10
Diaphragm Blades7
Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements3
Aspherical Elements2
Fluorine CoatingYes
Focus Information
FocusManual Focus
Built-in Focus MotorNo
Minimum Focus Distance7.09" / 18 cm
Accepts Filter TypeScrew-on
Physical Characteristics
Weather / Dust SealingNo
Mount MaterialMetal
Dimensions2.94 x 3.26" / 74.8 x 82.8 mm
Weight1.3 lb / 609 g
Other Information
Available in ColorsBlack

MTF Chart

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D MTF Chart

Lens Construction

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Lens Construction

Image Samples

Laowa 12mm f2.8 Flare Improvement Laowa 12mm f2.8 Sample Landscape Photo

Bisti Badlands Venus Optics 12mm f2.8 Lens Milky Way with Laowa 12mm f2.8

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f2.8 Flare and Ghosting Flare Laowa 12mm f2.8 When Sun Is Out of Frame

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