Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero D | Really Distortion Free?

Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero D | Distortion Free? In this video photographer Dustin Abbott takes a detailed look at the design and handling of the new Laowa 12mm Zero D lens along with answering the critical question: is it really distortion free? See the image gallery here: bit.ly/2fUACgw | Shop for your own copy here: bhpho.to/2fSO5k0 | Zhiyun Crane - USA: bhpho.to/2gDJhnC - Europe: bit.ly/2fWMWbQ
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[@mbastos1000]

You see, there are big companies that have been making lenses for decades such as Canon and Nikon but, they never ever made a distortion free lens with high quality metal construction for US$ 950 bucks. We need to support companies like this newborn Venus which dares to make lenses that the big ones would never do for an affordable price. Shame on you mean Canon for charging us extra for the hood which should come with the lens (that is super extra mean)! Shame on you Nikon for not listening to your customers and keep making crap stuff that nobody buys! By the way, have you see how much profit Nikon got last year? It deserves that!

[@omeshsingh8592]

The definitions I use: "Distortion" - Rendering of geometry is not consistent with intended projection. "Keystone" - when you tilt a camera up the top of the trees are further away than the bottoms of the trees. What's closer to the camera is bigger.

[@wandererstraining]

That would probably be the most accurate way to put it.

[@RossHoekman]

Another great in-depth review. Thanks Dustin!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks!

[@henkoosterink8744]

Very professional and honest review, as always. Great work.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Henk Oosterink Thanks for the feedback. I do my best!

[@eviltango]

Love that Bass at the very beginning

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks

[@DoctorSk8]

Your work is phenomenal. You give a huble still very percise facts derived from your trials and discoveries , consistently delivering helpfull and interesting reviews. Thank you so much (and YES I will do my best to buy through the links when decisions are made now and then, you deserve it)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That is very kind. Thank you.

[@chrislj2890]

You stated it being about 75mm in circumference, but I believe you should have said diameter. This looks like a fine performer if you don't mind going old school, which can slow you down but make you actually think more about what you're doing. Can't wait to hear more about it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think I've made that mistake a few times in my videos!

[@chrislj2890]

🙂

[@omeshsingh8592]

I think you misspoke at 13:13, you use the shift function (not tilt function) of a tilt-shift lens to correct for perspective. The tilt function changes the shape of the depth of field because it induces a difference in focus between one end of the sensor and the other.

[@wjfmarketing]

Another great installment on this Laowa Dustin, thanks. Honestly, I'm not sure I've ever met a wide angle lens I didn't like, but this lens is looking like something special. If it can handle coma well, this could be a killer astrophotography lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Next week's episode covers that along with my conclusion.

[@fbimagesphoto]

I am afraid it performs really poorly in the coma department... Check this analysis by Daniel Han www.flickr.com/photos/133023063@N04/30621135571/

[@chirag4]

I know Daniel Han to be a smart cookie. I have asked him a few things in the past and he's been spot on.

[@wjfmarketing]

oh well... I still have my Rokinon 14mm for astrophotography. LOL

[@bbrunorocha]

Solid review Dustin, thanks !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@mxrider8393]

You do a great job explaining what you review! I appreciate it. Another question I have for you is lately I feel like the tamron 15-30 will be a good choice for me. I mainly do landscape where barrel distortion won't bother me. While the tamron doesn't have much for distortion anyways I might get into reality as well. If I did I'm assuming I can still make the tamron work and the tamron would still do a great job and be much better than a kit lens to the point where the tamron would still be a better choice than this compelling laowa? Thanks for your time

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I continue to really like the Tamron. It has a nice balance of strengths with relatively few killer weaknesses

[@gerardferry3958]

would be nice to see IRIX 11mm f/4 Firefly Lens i see its selling cheaply compared to europe at bh in the states, i wonder why

I'm interested in comparison with Canon EF14mm f / 2.8L II USM

[@LanNinja11]

Thank you for the informative review Dustin. Can you compare performance between the Canon mount and Sony e-mount for this lens? Is one sharper than the other?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They should be the same optically. I don't use Sony, though, so I can't say definitively. You could send an email to ask Laowa, if you aren't sure.

[@LanNinja11]

Dustin Abbott Thank you. I own the Laowa 12 in the e-mount and find that the corners are a bit soft. Optically they are the same but the built in adapter on the e-mount version may be the issue due to tight tolerances.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Alfredo Mora The corners are a bit soft in the Canon mount, too.

[@garyshepard7881]

I find it most interesting that you compare this lens to the cannon 11-24 and say that the Canon is huge. You conveniently neglect to mention that the 12 mm is a fixed focal length, where the Canon is a zoom lens, hence the difference in size.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The fact that this is a fixed lens is pretty self-explanatory. One of the advantages of a prime lens should be size, and in this case that's true.

[@dhavalr775]

Thank you Dustin for the indepth review.. Is this lens for a fullframe or crop sensor ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is a full frame lens, though you can certainly use it on APS-C.

[@dhavalr775]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks Dustin, How does it compare with the 9mm zero d version ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Haven't used it, unfortunately.

[@dhavalr775]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you Dustin for taking time to reply my queries. :)

[@jameslarsen9814]

Question for you. It isn't about this video specifically - but I'm torn right now. I was planning on getting a Tamron 35mm very soon, and I was torn between the 45 and 35 for a little while, but I was set on the 35. But now, I found a USA refurb from a trusted seller on ebay on the 45mm for only $400, which makes me torn again. When it comes to all around practical uses, which do you think is more practical for everyday photo/video use? Also, when it comes to AF/CA/IQ performance, which performed better (if there was a difference)? I did want the better macro ratio of the 35mm, but I do have a macro lens so it isn't necessary anymore. Thanks!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I really like the 45mm, but I bought it over the 35mm more because it filled a need in my lineup that the 35mm didn't. The 35 VC has less CA and focuses a little faster (and has better magnification). I really do like the rendering from the 45mm though, and if it focused a little faster and had a little less CA it would be pretty much perfect. It really comes down to what focal length fills your own need, and only you can answer that question.

[@jameslarsen9814]

Alright - Thanks! I'll probably hold off for now. That price is tempting though...

[@lorseyjones4807]

Question I already have the Laowa 15 mm f/4 Wide Angle Macro Shift Lens which lens is better? The 15mm Macro shift or the 12mm zero distortion lens

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid I haven't used the 15mm, but perhaps those who have used both might comment here.

[@LowLightVideos]

13:15 - If you buy Bellows you will have a limited amount of Tilt/Shift with a small Lens. If you have (or can find for a low cost) a large or medium Lens you can get a huge amount of TS on an FF or smaller Camera. It is useful to test a Lens claiming low Barrel Distortion with a Pan Shot (in a Video). I've seen expensive Lens look perfect on the Tripod but the moment panning occurs you get a _Barrelled_ (GoPro, but nowhere near as bad) effect where the center of the image suddenly seems a few feet further away; many examples on my Channel of that occurring (or not, in a few cases). Thanks for doing these Videos, Rob (Vancouver)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's interesting, Rob. I've not really heard of doing that before.

[@LowLightVideos]

Dustin Abbott - There are many Companies that offer something, but this you might like the most: www.novoflex.de/en/products/macro-accessories/universal-bellows.html . Most Cameras and Lens Combinations AND not only is it small and pretty but it sends the Data from the Lens to the Body. This Webpage (in English): www.novoflex.com/en/products/macro-accessories/bellows-systems/tilt-shift-bellows/ says: "The combination options are practically inexhaustible: Virtually all 35 mm and medium-format lenses as well as special lenses can be used with nearly all 35 mm and many medium format cameras up to 6 × 7 cm. Canon EOS systems even support full transfer of all data between camera and original lens via a special accessory.". Also they have another Webpage showing how you can reverse your Lens (for Macro) and the Cable sends the Data, but that's a different gizmo.

[@gitithadani]

There are also tiltshift mount adapters. But more for mirrorless . Laowa also has a macro 15mm/4 with some shift features.

[@wandererstraining]

I have a Kipon tilt-shit adapter, so I could easily use the Laowa as a tilt-shift lens for APS-C Sony cameras (I've actually tried it, and it works like intended). As for the panning, I've already done it! You can download the video file here: www.mediafire.com/file/ao0i25h9diy2l3i/Laowa12mm_Perspective.MP4 I also have a video of focusing out and in at f/2.8, which shows both the bokeh and the focus breathing. In order to make the focus change significant, I had to place an old Nikkor lens really, really close, to the point where it looks oval. You can see the footage here: www.mediafire.com/file/zvd7335vv2c6q0d/Laowa12mm_Focus%40f2_8.MP4

[@gitithadani]

Thanks - just downloaded and saw the file.

[@angelisone]

Dustin Abbott, does the lens stop exactly on center at Infinity (1:15, number), without going pass Infinity like many today lenses?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't think that infinity was perfectly calibrated, though it was close.

[@angelisone]

Dustin Abbott, I know you are not going to shed out $1,000.00 for a manual lenses that is built like that. I find many reviewers are not telling people about the Infinity. And how important that can be when shooting without looking into the viewfinder/LCD. If you know your feet or meters, then you'll never need AF. Because AF is really slow in low lights. Look at the ad from B&H, can't turn to Infinity: www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&O=&Q=&ap=y&c3api=1876%2C%7Bcreative%7D%2C%7Bkeyword%7D&gclid=CP3luJns7dQCFZaCswodmaQCFA&is=REG&m=Y&sku=1283916 Beside you and I have older lenses that do hold true to center on Infinity. and buying a right adapter will work wonder. But then, many today shooters are not really photographers. They shunt away from good optics and preferred AF lenses to focus for them. And many good photographers are lost about the Infinity, focus index, feet/meter scale anyway. Have you noticed many are jumping and selling their Sony A7 series because the A9 is out, right? And those lousy Sony lenses that have no focus scale, feet/meter & dof scale for over $1,000+, right?

[@gitithadani]

Thanks for the excellent review. In real terms do you see any great advantage of the extra 2-4mm wide advantage in external usage - given too the wide expanse of Canadian landscapes - forest and water. Also in different aspect ratios (16x9). How do you see this lens vis a vis the samyang 14mm/2.8.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a similar lens in many ways, though the Laowa has much better construction and MUCH lower distortion. I like the Laowa better for those reasons, but it is also several times more expensive.

[@gitithadani]

Thanks Dustin.

[@sdzielinski]

Dustin, do you expect to review the Irix WA lens? We currently have many WA primes and zooms competing for our money!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do, but there are SO MANY new lenses right now that it is hard to cover them all. I have the Sigma 12-24 and 85mm ART lenses arriving tomorrow, with the new 24-105L II yet to come as well, plus I promised Zeiss to cover the new Milvus 15mm - all of this before the end of the year!!

[@gitithadani]

Another one for the waiting list. Waiting for you to review Voigtlander’s Heliar-Hyper Wide 10mm f5.6 ASPH. Think its for FE mount but should think they'd have one for canon too!!

[@DipeshMehrotra]

how would u rate this lense now .. for sony e mount .. with respect to bigger size and mirror less metering. regards

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't tested the E-mount version, though I do own the 15mm f/2 in an E-mount.

[@ME-vz1sf]

Hi Dustin : if i want this 12 mm for my sony A7R3 and i would like to use the magic shift converter i should buy the canon or nikon version of this lens right?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Canon, I believe.

[@jeffrydemeyer5433]

I'm sold on the lens, but I'm sold on so many things at the moment.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - I know the feeling!!

[@susy0360]

Thank you for that review! Would be nice to compare with the Rokinon 14mm (Samyang) for shooting the Milky Way!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Unfortunately I don't have the Rokinon in hand anymore, though I have a good catalog of images to compare it to. It's a bit of give and take. The Laowa has a bit more coma, but also has less vignette and much less distortion, so the edges of the frame show up a bit better.

[@seminolecapt]

Would like your findings on flaring in a subsequent review. How would that affect this lens' use for landscape?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's definitely in the final review. Watch for it next week.

[@seminolecapt]

will do. also are there adapters for common grad filters? thanks for your excellent reviews.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

seminolecapt I don't have it, but Laowa is designing a 100mm size filter holder for the lens and will only charge $65 for it.

[@arthurgphotography]

Revisiting this after the release of the 10mm f2.8 zero D. Still appeare the 12 has the better IQ.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If so, it's not by much.

[@xpynuker]

This lens has a special adapter that can allow it to have tilt-shift!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, they call it the Magic Shift Converter

[@TheBibit3]

I wonder how this lens would perform for night photography/ astrophoto like taking picture of the milky way & star trail.. will it have comma?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Watch for my final episode next week - I cover that!

[@fbimagesphoto]

In the meantime, check this link: www.flickr.com/photos/133023063@N04/30621135571/ Truly disappointing

[@wandererstraining]

I didn't get to try my copy in the night sky yet, as in Vancouver it's been rainy and cloudy for almost two months straight now. I'm really looking forward to it, tho. I'm pretty sure the coma will be bad, but I want to see how noticeable it is at, let's say, 25%.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It definitely has some in the corners, but I find the star points are so small due to the wide focal length that you can only see the coma at a pixel level anyway.

[@wandererstraining]

Dustin Abbott Makes sense not to fixate on the issue then!

[@christopherhowell3209]

It would be interesting to see it mounted on a tilt-shift bellows!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Christopher Howell They are actually selling a tilt adapter for it.

[@christopherhowell3209]

Great stuff!...thanks for your reply...and, I really enjoy your videos!

[@IlarioNovelli64]

HI Dustin, what about comparison with Samyang regarding optical quality matters? Best Regards

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Illario, looking back at my tests I would say the lenses are fairly similar. The Laowa doesn't have quite as much vignette, both are a little soft in the corners at wide apertures, but both are very sharp at f/5.6-11.

[@IlarioNovelli64]

Thank you Sir. Only it seems this Laowa has a bit of lack in therms of coma that Samyang does it better... for night shooters is still better sammy... isn't it?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Ilario Novelli It's more complicated than that. The Laowa has more coma, yes, but much less distortion and less vignette. Coma shows up more under close inspection, but those other two factors can impact the actual overall appearance of the image.

[@IlarioNovelli64]

You're right indeed. Thank's for clarify. Greetings from Italy :-)

[@shawnshing614]

Dear Dustin Please help us to find a tilt shift lens for SONY a-mount body and make a video to share with us. Therefore I don’t know how to find those sources n im sure you are much more knowledge in the field. We need your help. Sincerely Thank you Shawn

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’m not aware of such a lens yet. This is one of the areas where Sony is behind.

[@filcanucks]

is that a 77mm? or can we attach filter unit (graduated, ND, etc).. thank you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No. It has a curved front element, so no traditional screw in filters can be used. Laowa is producing a square filter holder as an accessory for the lens that will take 100mm square filters.

[@filcanucks]

awesome.. thanks for the quick response Dustin!

[@ryuichihandoko5558]

Can it be used for taking 360 degree pics?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not quite sure what your method is, but a wide angle of view and low distortion would certainly help.

[@360Tinyplanet]

Can I use for Nikon mount??

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You definitely can.

[@AgnostosGnostos]

So little barrel distortion at 12mm is unbelievable. If it was very sharp too without any chromatic aberration, it would cost above 2,5000 $. At around 1000$ is a unique lens. I am really tempted to buy it. Chinese are serious competitors to the Japan monopoly of lenses. The lack of autofocus isn't problem at 18mm. For sharp photos at f/5.6 everything is in focus when the focus ring is positioned after 3m.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is an impressive engineering feat, to be sure.

[@JoeJacksonJr]

Moisture = fungus & mold... If it gets between the elements you have to send it in for major service/cleaning as it will ruin any images you take with it. And for someone who moved to the Philippines a few years back, its more of a problem then many may actually think.. I never buy any lenses from anyone here unless they are another professional photographer that I know.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's true, though here in North America I've bought a LOT of vintage lenses over the years and only dealt with a fungus a time or two. I think this lens has good enough sealing in the actual design (though it doesn't have a gasket near the mount) that this shouldn't be a major issue.

[@JoeJacksonJr]

Dustin Abbott As long as all the focusing is internal it becomes almost a non issue in the states. But OMG here its like August 12 months a year.. LOL.. Only time its cooler is when its raining.. :-D I actually have to get hand warmer heat pads and stick them in old thick socks and lay on the lens when doing outdoor time lapse of the night sky to keep humidity and moisture at bay. Then run A/C every day in my office to keep the moisture level to acceptable limits. Many of the houses in the tropics are open air. I have cleaned a number of cameras here and 9 out of 10 that were having issues didnt know their lens was full of fungus and mold. Its pretty bad and only take a few months for them to ruin here.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Joe's Photo & Video Channel Wow! I've had some guys from India write to me about similar conditions. The people that mock weather sealing as being just a marketing technique are those that don't shoot in conditions where it matters.

[@JoeJacksonJr]

Dustin Abbott Yep when its normally 95% humidity year round.. It starts to matter :-)

[@gitithadani]

Not all over India and mainly in monsoon and in the mountains in parts of the winter. I drove all over India for 30 years with old FD lenses & old FTB slr - never had an issue with the lenses. Issue is in places like Mumbai, Chennai etc where storing is an issue considering the humidity and moisture. Delhi and lots of north India is dry except for the monsoon periods so none of my lenses got fungus (some are over 50 yrs old). However dust is a major issue. I do think weather sealing is a plus but it depends on the work one is doing and the conditions of the work.

[@paulmasonmiller]

Having used this lens on a real estate shoot I had to send it back. Since it doesn't have autofocus it was difficult. Its not a set it and forget it. There was indeed barrel distortion, about the same as my Tamron which cost only $300. Its for this reason I couldst justify the cost.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Ummm, there's not really any measurable barrel distortion. I can understand the autofocus issue, but not the barrel distortion. Are you sure you are not mistaking a keystone effect for distortion?

[@StephanWahlen]

funky music outro :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My 13 year old created that for me. I thought it had a bit of a Michael Jackson vibe.

[@jameslarsen9814]

Haha - I was just about to post that!

[@floex831]

Stephan Wahlen The intro music sounded like something off of Knight Rider to me. A lot of slap bass.

[@1arjen8]

Since it is Zero-D I assume it's James Harden's favorite optics ...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - nice!

[@floex831]

The problem with these third party lenses is that as they've gotten really good they've gotten almost as expensive as the first party option. i.e. The Mitikon primes, particularly the 85mm is $1000 US.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's true, though this lens is built like a Zeiss. They are competing more on merit than price, now, which is good for some and not so good for others.

[@wandererstraining]

$1000 US for something that's not offered by any other company, thought. And when you take into consideration the shift converter, if it performs well enough, it's not a bad deal compared to a Canon 17mm TS-E.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a very valid perspective. I was thinking this morning that if this lens had been made by Zeiss we'd all be talking about what an amazing bargain it was.

[@stellaacadamy2704]

free distortion but lack of sharpness and contrast. I would pay more couple hundred dollar for the Tamron 15-30

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would look at this more about focal length. Tamron's 15mm is much, much less wide, which is either a good thing or a bad thing depending on your shooting needs.

[@stellaacadamy2704]

if you want wider view, you can stack up images. But you cant make image sharper or add micro contrast.