By AVShutter

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Lens for Sony A

Regular price $699.99
Regular price $699.99 Sale price $699.99
Bundle: for Sony A
Color: Black
Regular price $699.99
Regular price $699.99 Sale price $699.99

 




Most Ultra Wide Angle lenses suffer from an optical distortion rate from 2-5% which causes straight lines to bend. LAOWA Zero-D lenses are so well corrected, they achieve a close-to-zero distortion rate that is truly amazing.






* The aforementioned close-to-zero distortion rate is measured from shooting objects at infinity focus. The distortion rate may vary for shorter object distance. Only Optical Distortion (Barrel/ Pincushion/ Moustache) is covered here.

The LAOWA 12mm f/2.8 Lens covers an ultra-wide 122° angle of view, allowing you to create an outstanding landscape or architectural shot not possible with lesser lenses. Shooting interior shots will also become much easier. Your house will become spacious and impactful in your photos, even if you are shooting in tight spaces. Don't forget, this is the world's widest rectilinear f/2.8 lens.


© Nicky Bay


© Gabriel Spadoni


© John Hancock


© Nicky Bay


 

Optical performance is what we will never compromise. The optical design features a 16 lens elements in 10 groups with 3pcs of Extra-Low Dispersion Elements and 2pcs of Aspherical Elements. This patented optical design delivers a high resolution from corners to corners, even in wide open (f/2.8) situation. Chromatic Aberration has also been controlled to the minimal.


© Zangweizai, Bihanlin, Xiaokaihuo


© Steve Leung


© John Hancock


© John Hancock

Weighing only 609g, this is an every-day carry-around lens. It is really small compared to other UWA lenses in the market. Finally, you don't need to bring a hefty piece of glass for work and travel. And you can now attach 2 pcs of 100mm (not 150mm!!) ND filters & 1pc of 105mm CPL filter – without worrying about vignetting – with the LAOWA 100mm filter holder system. Create your best landscape photos ever!

Comparison with 11-21mm f/4 L:


 

The LAOWA 12mm f/2.8 ZERO-D is currently the fastest full-frame, non-fisheye 12mm lens in the market. Astro photographers will truly appreciate our efforts to create a fast, well corrected lens. The ultra fast aperture can effectively shorten the exposure time required and help to achieve more details of the night sky. This is proven to be the perfect tool for a nice Milky Way shot. The fast aperture is also very convenient for low-light/indoor shooting. (※ As of July 22, 2016)


© Nicky Bay


© Steve Leung


© HongShaoJiaoYa


© Johan van der Wielen

Time-lapse footage shot in Alaska with our LAOWA 12mm f/2.8 ZERO-D Lens (Click 1080p for the best experience)



The 122° angle of view + Close-to-zero distortion is too good to be true for panorama shooting

Find it hard to locate the entrance pupil (nodal point) for panoramic shooting? Let us help you.


Not sure what it is? Check the below link for further explanation. http://www.panoramic-photo-guide.com/entrance-pupil.html

Get to Specifics

*Dimensions of Sony E mount lenses will be slightly longer due to the flange distance difference.

Resolution

You may refer to the below review by Photozone for scientific data on our lens resolution. You can also do a quick comparison of its performance against some of your favorite ultra wide angle lenses. Click to read the full review.

Adapted from Photozone

The LAOWA 12mm f/2.8 ZERO-D adopts a floating optical design to ensure exceptional sharpness not only at infinity, but also at close focusing distances. Along with a 18 cm minimal focusing distance and 0.2x Maximum magnification, this lens is also a fun tool for creating some mini wide angle macros.

© Nicky Bay


© Bastian Kratzke

Bokehiiistic


© Nicky Bay

We would like to introduce the LAOWA Water & Dust Repelling "Frog Eye" Coating (FEC). Every LAOWA 12mm f/2.8 ZERO-D is coated with the new LAOWA "Frog Eye" Coating. It gives your lens an extra layer of protection. See below video to understand its benefits compared to traditional coatings.



 

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm F/2.8 Zero-D overviews

A truly wide-angle prime featuring a rectilinear optical design, the black Canon EF-mount Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D from Venus Optics 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. Benefitting the optical attributes, this lens also features a precise manual focus design along with a floating optical system to maintain accurate rendering throughout the focus range, from 7.09'' to infinity. Additionally, a petal-shaped lens hood is also incorporated into the lens' design to reduce flare and ghosting when working in strong lighting conditions.


Ultra wide-angle prime designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, this 12mm f/2.8 can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 19.2mm equivalent focal length.

Bright f/2.8 maximum aperture is well-suited to working in low and difficult lighting conditions.

Rectilinear design renders subjects with minimal distortion in order to suit landscape and architectural applications.

Three extra-low dispersion elements reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for increased clarity and color neutrality. Two aspherical elements are also featured to limit spherical aberrations for improved sharpness.

A Frog Eye Coating has been applied to repel both dust and moisture for added protection when working in inclement conditions.

Manual focus design employs a floating optical system to maintain performance throughout the focusing range of 7.09'' to infinity.

Built-in petal-shaped lens hood shields the lens from stray light to reduce flare and ghosting and also protects the front elements from accidental impacts.

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm F/2.8 Zero-D Specs



























































 

Focal Length

12mm

Maximum Aperture

f/2.8

Minimum Aperture

f/22

Lens Mount

Sony E

Lens Format Coverage

Full-Frame

Angle of View

121.96°

Minimum Focus Distance

7.09'' / 18 cm

Maximum Magnification

0.2x

Optical Design

16 Elements in 10 Groups

Diaphragm Blades

7

Focus Type

Manual Focus

Image Stabilization

No

Filter Size

None

Weight

1.34 lb / 609 g


Packaging Info










 

Package Weight

2.22 lb

Box Dimensions (LxWxH)

7.35 x 4.9 x 4.5''

In the Box

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  • Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Lens for Canon EF (Black)

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  • Front and Rear Lens Caps

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Photography picture display