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Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens (Leica L)

BH #VEN1540L • MFR #VEN1540L
Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens (Leica L)
Key Features
  • L-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/4 to f/32
  • 1:1 Magnification Ratio; Internal Focus
  • One ED & Three High-Refractive Elements
Get started in the world of wide-angle macro photography with the Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens for full-frame Leica L-mount cameras from Venus Optics. Before now, wide-angle macro required the use of extension tubes and other workarounds, but now the Laowa 15mm Macro offers true 1:1 magnification without the hassle. The ultra-wide perspective on full-frame cameras allows you to get exceptionally close to your subjects and have them fill the frame with a minimum focus distance of just 4.7", while still capturing the background for more informative scenes. Internal focusing further assists by not disturbing your subject, even when you reach the 0.2" minimum working distance.
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Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Overview

By B&H Photo's

Get started in the world of wide-angle macro photography with the Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens for full-frame Leica L-mount cameras from Venus Optics. Before now, wide-angle macro required the use of extension tubes and other workarounds, but now the Laowa 15mm Macro offers true 1:1 magnification without the hassle. The ultra-wide perspective on full-frame cameras allows you to get exceptionally close to your subjects and have them fill the frame with a minimum focus distance of just 4.7", while still capturing the background for more informative scenes. Internal focusing further assists by not disturbing your subject, even when you reach the 0.2" minimum working distance.

Optically, it is designed to minimize distortion that plagues wide-angle lenses with the use of an advanced 12 element in nine groups construction with one extra-low dispersion and three high-refractive elements. A multilayer low-reflective coating further improves image quality by reducing the appearance of flare and ghosting. Also, when used on APS-C cameras or in crop modes the lens offers +/- 6mm of vertical shift which can help correct for perspective when shooting objects such as buildings.

Full manual operation is required with this lens through the use of a physical aperture ring with a range of f/4 to f/32 and a large focusing ring. The lens has a flat front element with a 77mm front filter thread for using a selection of specialized filters to enhance your scene. It also has a near circular 14-blade diaphragm for smooth out of focus elements and comes with a lens hood.

Ultra-wide 110° angle of view on full-frame cameras.
The wide-angle lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 22.5mm with an 85° angle of view when used on APS-C cameras bodies or in crop modes.
Wide aperture range of f/4 to f/32.
Lens construction features 12 elements in 9 groups with 3 high-refractive elements and one extra-low dispersion element.
Minimum focus distance of 4.7" with a minimum working distance of just 0.2".
Manual focus and aperture control.
When used with APS-C cameras, the Laowa 15mm Macro can utilize +/-6 mm of vertical shift to help correct perspective.
True 1:1 magnification allows photographers to capture life-sized images of their subjects while still providing infinity focus for use as a standard wide-angle lens.
Near-circular 14-blade aperture diaphragm provides smooth out-of-focus elements.
Accepts 77mm threaded filters.

Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Specs

Key Specs
Focal Length
15mm
Maximum Aperture
f/4
Lens Mount
L-Mount
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
77 mm (Front)
Maximum Aperture
f/4
Minimum Aperture
f/32
Lens Mount
L-Mount
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
110°
Tilt-Shift
+/- 6 mm Shift
Minimum Focus Distance
4.72" / 12 cm
Maximum Magnification
1x
Macro Reproduction Ratio
1:1
Optical Design
12 Elements in 9 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
14
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
77 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
3.3 x 2.55" / 83.8 x 64.7 mm
Length at Maximum Extension
3.7" / 93.9 mm
Weight
0.9 lb / 410 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.535 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.8 x 5.1 x 5.1"

Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

In 4k60 on the s5iix (BH #PADCS5M2) , i think ...

In 4k60 on the s5iix (BH #PADCS5M2) , i think there is a 1.5x-ish crop. Would this lens be ~ 22-24mm focallength @4k60crop?
Asked by: Kevin
That is correct. Using the Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens for Leica L on the Panasonic S5ii X in 4k 60 will crop 1.5 times. And the lens will be like a 22.5mm lens.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2023-10-03

Is this lens prone to let dust come on the ...

Is this lens prone to let dust come on the sensor? I ask this because of the shift mecanism. Is the lens body well insulated?
Asked by: Robert
The Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens for Leica L It does not have the issue as zoom lenses have with dust. But it is not listed as weather sealed, which is pretty common on shift lenses.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2023-06-18

question

So this lens can be used for major photography purposes (like architectural) beside macro?
Asked by: TJ S.
Yes, that lens can be used for architectural shots. If you use the lens on an APS-C sensor camera you get the benefits of the lens being able to shift for perspective.
Answered by: Robert K.
Date published: 2018-08-26

Where is this made? Japan or China?

Where is this made? Japan or China?
Asked by: Eric Bartolome
I was not able to find any "Made In location" on either the lens, the box, the Instructions, or warranty card. However, the outside lens cap does have a "Made in China" marking; but this is not clear if it refers to only the lens cap or to the entire product. Independent of the Country of its manufacture, I have found this lens to be a very good and versatile lens. I have used it as a normal 15mm wide angle lens; its tilt/shift feature is very good at architectural photography; and its primary use of 1 to 1 macro is also very good (I match it with my Nikon D810, used on a rail.).
Answered by: John
Date published: 2023-09-29

I see the complaints about tilt shift and macro ...

I see the complaints about tilt shift and macro being problematic on full frame. I’m considering this for landscapes and wouldn’t bother with TS... would it work well? Decent image quality? I’d use on an a7 iii, don’t care that it’s manual focus
Asked by: Etan
You will be very happy with the Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens on your full frame A7R III. The lens is very sharp, well made, and features a 3 year warranty.
Answered by: Leonard E
Date published: 2020-04-02

question

With its 12cm minimum focusing distance, how can it achieve 1:1 magnification with 15mm focal length?
Asked by: Anonymous
You have to be so close to a subject to get 1:1 that the lens blocks out much of the ambient light! But its a fun, fun lens.
Answered by: Scott paul H.
Date published: 2018-08-26

Can someone with the Sony E mount version of the ...

Can someone with the Sony E mount version of the lens measure the height for me without the hood? I notice all the variants list a 3.3inch height, so clearly the sony mount one isn't adding the extra hight of the adapter that's basically fixed to the lens.
Asked by: Etan
The manufacturer does not list the dimension and B&H agents are not able to open boxes to measure so our guesstimate is a length of 5.3".
Answered by: Dennis L
Date published: 2023-03-25

Is this TOTALLY manual, i.e. - no info at all ...

Is this TOTALLY manual, i.e. - no info at all translated to the camera? If so, how do you know what shutter speed to set at any given aperture with no exposure info? Thanks.
Asked by: David
This lens is pretty much all manual, however, the camera can still read light coming into the sensor so you could still adjust your settings accordingly.
Answered by: Zachariah
Date published: 2023-09-29
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