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Pairing an ultra wide-angle field of view with an especially compact design, this Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D from Venus Optics is a Micro Four Thirds-mount lens offering an 18mm equivalent focal length. As a Zero-D lens, this 9mm f/2.8's optical design is specifically meant to limit distortion for clear and accurate portrayals of landscapes and architectural subjects. The optical construction also incorporates a pair of aspherical elements and three extra-low dispersion elements to control both spherical and chromatic aberrations for improved sharpness and reduced color fringing. A Frog Eye Coating has been applied, too, to repel dust and moisture from the front element of the lens to benefit working in trying environmental conditions. Its sleek and lightweight design is well-matched to mirrorless bodies and is ideal for everyday shooting as well as use on gimbals. Additionally, a petal-shaped lens hood is also incorporated into the lens' design to reduce flare and ghosting when working in strong lighting conditions.
- Micro Four Thirds System
- 18mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- Two Aspherical Elements
Venus Optics Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D Overview
Venus Optics Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D Specs
| Focal Length | 9mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 18mm) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 113° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.72" / 12 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.13x |
| Optical Design | 15 Elements in 10 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 49 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.09 x 2.36" / 53 x 60 mm |
| Weight | 7.6 oz / 215 g |
| Package Weight | 0.75 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 3.85 x 3.75 x 3.6" |
Venus Optics Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D Reviews
Very sharp lens
This is a great street photography lens paired with my X S10, I love it.
Too much vignetting
Great quality in the hand, no distortions, great sharpness. But it's not usable at F2.8 since there's soo much vignetting at this aperture. You have to be at F/8 or F/11 to get great shots. For real estate photography you can't use flashs with this since you have to be at 1/40s or slower at F/11.
Didn't fit camera well, soft
I think I got a bad copy. I saw a Youtube video where the guy doing the demo got one just like mine. Hard to fit onto camera, and then soft image. Something went wrong at the factory. Returned it. Went out today and bought a used Rokinon 12mm at my local camera shop and I'll never look back. Sharp! (Still no autofocus, but cheaper than the Laowa 9mm lens.)
WIDE NON-AUTO w/o the Fish Eye
Great lens if you need a really wide APS-C Sony E-Mount lens without any fisheye distortion. Filters go on easy as well. The only downside is that NONE of the automatic features usually associated with a lens work with this one - NO AUTOFOCUS & NO AUTOEXPOSURE. You even have to set your camera to Release w/o lens to simulate operating the camera with no lens. If you rely on AF & AE, you may want to pass on this. However, focus can be set to Infinity since this is a very wide fixed lens. You'll just have to be mindful of what f-stop you have set. Also consider that this may be the widest APS-C E-mount lens available (I could not find anything wider.)
Mind-breakingly Wide!
This is my first ultra-wide angle lens, and in the month since I bought it I've really been enjoying it! With how wide it is, virtually no distortion, and the close focusing distance, makes it so you pretty much have to reprogram your brain when framing shots. Numerous times I would get ready to take a shot, only to realize I had to get A LOT closer to whatever my subject was. The small form factor is also a huge plus, and the main reason I was drawn to it. Anything outside of close focusing distances, you can leave the lens set to infinity and even wide open everything will be in perfect focus. There are a few cons though: My copy is a little stiff when attaching and reattaching it to the camera body. I'm not sure if its a universal issue, but its worth noting. The vignetting is a known fault, but I've come to accept it as just a compromise Venus Optics had to make. Its not too difficult to adjust for when processing images. There is also the problem with filters. While its marketed that the Laowa 9mm can accept lens filters, there is a caveat that comes with it. With such a wide focal length, screwing on filters will introduce heavy vignetting in the far corners of your image. You might be able to get around this by using a step-up ring and substantially larger filters, but I have yet to test this. Regardless of its faults, I would highly recommend having this lens on hand. Its small, sharp, handy, and crazy wide.
Loved It
As a hobbyist and amateur photographer, I really loved this. I took it on a big 20-mile hike, and it's the best because of its light weight. Every ounce really makes a difference! It's my only lens that is light enough that it doesn't tip the body on my XT4 over. It's ultra wide frame makes it great for landscapes and astrophotography. I look forward to getting more creative with my framing too. No regrets here!
Good things come in small packages
Purchased this lens in 2018 so I feel qualified to write a review. This lens is so fun. It's ridiculously small, and ridiculously sharp. I've used this lens extensively for personal work as well as professional work. It renders buildings beautifully dramatized due to its extreme field of view. There truly is no barrel distortion, even at such a wide angle. I am passionate about architecture and it's my go-to lens anytime I want great photos of a space. The one thing I wish different were the vignetting when shooting wide open. When stopped down the vignetting disappears. It's extremely sharp the entire aperture range. Build quality is pretty solid. I am not careful with my gear and it has taken quite a few bumps. The lens cap and hood are very high quality.
Great but heavy vignetting
It's a great lens. And if you don't mind vignetting then it's perfect!
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