NEW 2021 Laowa 7.5mm f2 Auto MFT, the BEST manual lens ever? - RED35 Review

You've seen my review on the original Laowa 7.5mm f2 last year. I was so impressed and actually bought one (and another cine version later). Now Laowa has updated the original with electronic contacts, does it make it the BEST manual lens ever for M43? Let's find out. #microfourthirds
For more information about #Laowa Lenses. www.venuslens.net/ref/443/
For more information about #Olympus gear. Visit www.olympus.co.uk
** Contents of this video **
0:00 - Video Start
0:29 - Product Shots
0:43 - Introduction
1:30 - Build Quality
2:06 - Handling
3:09 - Image Quality
5:10 - Operation
7:31 - Conclusion
10:31 - Outtro
10:47 - Bloopers
12:02 - Video End
Support me and this channel
buymeacoff.ee/jimmycheng
paypal.me/jimmychengphoto
For Jimmy's Olympus Ambassador Page - www.olympus-imagespace.co.uk/...
Claim your 2-month extra music subscription from our music provider "Artlist". Visit the website here: tiny.cc/artlist
Remember to also follow us at the following links:
FB - / red35photography
Instagram - / red35photography
Twitter - / red35photo
Web: www.red35photography.com

[@Red35Photography]

Are you considering this ultra wide prime lens for your M43 camera? The audio sounds funny in this video, it's from a test mic (I still prefer my older set up).

[@prestonowens4594]

I am considering it, but I’m having trouble understanding the difference between the “stills” version and the “cine” version. I would like to make videos like an Anthony Bourdain/Bob Ross kinda thing, although I’m not a professional or anything, but that’s kinda my ambition is to make something inspired by those two shows mixed with my love for visual art. I can’t afford many lenses for my Olympus E M5 Mark iii right now. So I’m trying to look for 2 lenses or so that’d be good for a variety of conditions. For vlogging/travel purposes would you recommend this lens? I’ve been looking through your content recently to see, but I’ve been having a difficult time deciding. Lastly in your comment you mentioned audio, do you have an audio recommendations for use with the Olympus E M5 Mark iii as well? Sorry for the questions, I’m just overwhelmed with all the gear stuff and I don’t want to waste my money on stuff that won’t function or something.

[@Red35Photography]

@@prestonowens4594 the only difference of cine version is the lens body design. Cine version has 'grooved' focus and aperture rings for use with follow focus modules on gimbal and other set ups.

[@rosyyesmin4833]

​@@prestonowens4594 ❤w2àßsßd3ssfa I redd You è go m ca😊n't

[@jonuiuc]

Glad your still here with your style of reviews Jimmy. After losing David Thorpe, I thought I'd show some appreciation to the MFT and general photography youtubers that I follow.

[@trevager]

Nice review. Loved the bloopers! Good to see you better now.

[@evanmcknight2566]

This lens looks amazing. A true MF43 lens. The perfect addition to my Olympus 12-40 f2.8 if my 7-14 is too heavy or needs filters. Really happy to see this!

[@joecarton9115]

Great to see you back, Jimmy! Hope you're doing well. Many thanks for this cracking video!

[@pnolan180]

You look well and rested. Glad you're back!

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks Phil! I am feeling much better

[@keithhider2170]

Jimmy, great to see you have your mojo back! Looking forward to more great content out and about,

[@TCizauskas]

Glad to see you up and at 'em, Jimmy. Good health at any focal length!

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Thomas!! haha yes I am back, slowly.

[@colinspotswood9893]

Yes indeed! Good to see you!

[@dhanil7470]

Thanks for the video Jimmy ! 🤗

[@efimovv]

Have "old" one, love it. If I get auto aperture version at time of buying - prefer auto one. But now will stick with one I already have.Thanks for the review.

[@kevinkino400]

I have the original, as well as the Laowa 12mm FE mount, and their 105mm FE mount. The 12mm is my favorite lens, and Laowa my favorite lens maker, I think they're very underrated. Thank you for covering their products!

[@SourceAwareness]

Very Excellent Review, my Brother!! Many Thanks, and Best Wishes to you and your loved ones. 🙏🏾

[@jasonnewton9889]

Got it! Love it! Your review is as snappy as the lens😉👍

[@jasonkosma822]

Hey jimmy love your outtakes.

[@jimcharne9113]

Hi Jimmy -- recent price reduction made this irresistible. Lens ordered and on the way. I expect it will see a lot of use on my E-M5i body. Thank you for your review!

[@marshazangroniz9168]

Welcome back, Jimmy!!

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks Masha, feels like a long time. I am happy, health is 95% though hahah not quite there yet.

[@anitafnelsonk2826]

Always great video form Jimmy! M43 supporter like me wonder why OMDS missed you from the release of EP7 & 8-25

[@Red35Photography]

Long story, but I am having them a little later.

[@sdhute]

Your looking good jimmy great video

[@jollybeggars]

Thanks for this, Jimmy. I'm a fan of the original (despite it's slight colour cast in the corners), and I'm tempted to upgrade. Hmm...

[@prabhakarrao4922]

Hello love your genuine passion. Could you please tell me if this Lens is weather sealed? thank you.

[@colinthecameraguy]

I bought the original when it was released. It’s a specialty lens that I only use occasionally but, considering the low cost, I am happy to have it in my collection.

[@tomerweiss4900]

Same here

[@MyRetroJourney]

Hey Jimmy, can you please make a follow up comparison of the sunstars? The new version only got five aperture blades instead of seven, this should make a huge difference.

[@TeaJayPhotography]

That's actually the 4th version of this great lens: Original, Lightwight (drone version), Cine version and now the electronic contacts version.

[@christopherrusted3273]

Great review. This could well be an addition for my kit, and yes - the audio wasn't great.

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Christopher. hahaha. yes I am not fond with this mic. I thought it was good (a knock off of Rode NTG at half the cost, well, now I know why, back to my normal setup!!)

[@raalaa121]

Got the lightweight drone version for around £400 GBP on ebay. Absolutely amazing lens ... reminds me of the Samyang 12mm on my Sony A6000. Just so sharp.

[@audentish]

You're brilliant, thanks!

[@searam1]

Great video and that looks like an awesome lens! I’m just wondering how you were feeling lately? I hope you are well and out of the doldrums that you were in! Sean

[@SpikeMoby]

I have the 10mm which I love. Not sure I “need” the 7.5 but I’m very tempted 😂

[@artistjoh]

I am so glad I already own the original version. The aperture ring is a huge advantage. I wish every lens had one. I also prefer manually magnifying without rotating the focus ring. For me manual means all manual.

[@veikop]

agree. a bit confusing half manual thing. staying my original full manual version, but good for the system.

[@vidthreenorth4007]

I am double-checking an important point: is the barrel distortion is still un-corrected in this version? Since there is communication with the lens, that correction should be possible. This is particularly important for video use, since it would make further correction in post unnecessary.

[@Lanalana80]

Good news ! I've been thinking about wide angle lens since one Oly's photographer let me do some shots with this laowa original lens !

[@simonecontesini2701]

hi, a question please. With new 7.5 f2 works focus assist on om-1? Thanks

[@2Old4Toys]

If there is no change to the optics, I can breathe a sigh of relief as an owner of the original. I actually prefer manual vs electronic aperture control given the option. I can easily adapt it to other bodies that are not even MFT.

[@TeaJayPhotography]

Optics are the same. This version has only 5 aperture blades and produces 10-pointed sun stars opposed to the original one with 7 blades and 13-pointed sun stars.

[@mr.l6982]

Thanks. A better option than the heavier and larger Olympus 8-25.

[@frankinblackpool]

I got my 7.5 mark one, mainly based on your review last year and this little manual lens has not disappointed. There are some good and bad points. The good I set the focus to infinity and then duct tape the focus ring for the rest of the day. Everything from a meter away to infinity is in focus. The bad I keep forgetting and move the camera's aperture dial forgetting the lens is fully manual. Doh My Rode NTG shotgun mic keeps sneeking into frame when mounted to my Panasonic GH5 smallrig cage. Not the end of the world. I can duct tape a Ride lav mic to the camera or push the Shotgun mic out of the way. The last and only real problem is the colour cast of the lens, if I forget to do the manual White Balance. This is still a great lens and I do not regret buying it. Hope you are keeping well. 😀

[@berndmichael100]

Hei, you mentioned the 7.5 T2.1 cine version. What`s the difference between this and the "normal" 7.5 f2? And where can you get the new version of 7.5 f2?

[@georgemohring5348]

How does one determine where to set the aperture on the older model? Thanks!

[@andy_elliott]

The lack of weather sealing made me go for the Panasonic 8-18 f2.8-4. I wish Laowa had sealed this lens with the update.

[@rossthefiddler5890]

Jimmy. Can you please measure the new lens & confirm it is 48mm long (7mm shorter than original) as the specs show. There is a doubter on DPR.

[@mastan7207]

How is it now compare to Lumix 9mm f1.7? Similar price point and Lumix has auto focus and obvious better flare control.

[@ryanmccutcheon4298]

I have the original and it is a great lens! I wish they would make a 12mm shift lens for MFT!!!

[@unityoc]

I wonder how this compares to the 7artisans 7.5mm. Smaller aperture, sure, but I like the fisheye look 🤔

[@andreasthegreat8509]

I think I have all the lenses I need now, but a flash or two might be good. Probably Godox V1!

[@MatteoCapuzzi]

Got the old one literally days ago 😅 Probably still in time to send it back at least.

[@BobDiaz123]

It looks like the depth of field is so big, that at F5.6 and higher, everything from 1 or 2 meters to infinity should be in focus.

[@Sjekster]

I'm tempted to upgrade mine to that shiny new 8-25 at some point. Much more versatile, and autofocus. Optics should be quite a step up too! That is, if will get back my photography mojo. Haven't shot ANYTHING since the start of the pandemic...

[@arthurgphotography]

I'm getting them both, the 8-25 is awesome but only f4. Need this one for astro

[@zhengricky5446]

Awesome review, but I will still go for old-fashion cine lenses from europe

[@Mpalmer00]

is it worth upgrading from the original? I'm a novice photographer but bought this lens for some real estate photography interior shots. But im not getting great results.

[@blackice5649]

Very good review! I am considering this lens for astrophotography. Before viewing this video, I was strongly considering the auto version, but now thinking that it would be better to get the manual version as I've run into firmware issues with other non-Olympus lenses and astrophotography almost always involves manual setting anyway. What do you think. Now that its July 2022, have there been any firmware issues that you are aware of?

[@Red35Photography]

I think for your purpose, the manual version may be more suitable. The manual lens also has click less aperture, that may be benefitcial for fine tuning if you wish, though of course, you need a flash to confirm the setting as it won't be showing on screen. I already returned the lens back to Laowa so I can't confirm what's the latest in terms of firmware. But from what I gathered from the user community, it seems to work fine.

[@blackice5649]

@@Red35Photography Thanks for the reply Jimmy - still trying to decide which version to purchase and I have one more question for you. Will the camera be able to automatically apply distortion corrections with the auto aperture version since there is electronic communication between the lens and the camera? Also wondering when using Lightroom/Photoshop if a lens profile is automatically assigned like other m4/3 lenses when using the auto-aperture version. I'm assuming that if the fully manual version is used, that you would have to manually build a lens profile for it in Lightroom/Photoshop.

[@williamschaffel3760]

The design of the new Laowa 7.5mm f2 is obvious a duplicate of the Laowa 10mm f2; removing the manual aperture ring and adding electronics to allow the camera to set the aperture and give the user shooting aperture in the exif data. I didn't keep the Laowa 10mm very long because for me the FOV was just too wide. No complaints about Laowa build and optical quality; both are superb and the exif data is handy. With a fully auto or fully manual lens, what I have to do is second nature; don't have to even think about it. But with this hybrid, I have to keep reminding myself that focus is manual but need the camera to set the aperture. personally, I don't like it.

[@A1Bokeh]

I have this lens I want to trade it for the cine version..great little lense

[@dimitrimoonlight]

What about the price difference between manual and automatic?

[@carltanner9065]

Looks like another lens for the bag :D

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

Interesting: they turned to focus direction in the new version. Was there an issue with that?

[@TeaJayPhotography]

The cine version also has the "right" focus direction, not the "nikon" one as the normal manual version.

[@andrewreid6831]

Never heard of them before, how much do they cost?

[@LeighKempPhotoArt]

Hi Jimmy, STOPIT,! STOPIT RIGHT NOW! you're making me salivate again mate :) Looks like a really nice bit of kit, Cheers Leigh

[@Sjekster]

I know time goes by differently since the pandemic, but I'm pretty sure this lens is already around 4 years old, not less then 2 years ;). As far as I can remember it was released halfway through 2017. I picked mine up in Hong Kong in february 2018, but it was already waiting for me at my in-laws' house for a few months at that point. :D I kinda like a physical aperture ring with a manual lens, but the added electronics are nice anyway. I'm always bummed that I cannot see at what aperture I shot a photo.

[@everydaygrandad5642]

I need one 👍

[@ryankwan1934]

I can't decide between this and the Laowa 10 f/2 Zero-D. Decisions, decisions.

[@octopusfilmes9749]

Friend, I have a GH6 and the lens makes a horrible noise when I install it on the camera. This is normal?

[@Red35Photography]

No, it's not normal. It's either need a firmware update or it's faulty. But when changing aperture, it does make some noise.

[@octopusfilmes9749]

@@Red35Photography I looked for the firmware update, but couldn't find it. Could you show me the way? Thank you very much

[@Red35Photography]

@@octopusfilmes9749 I think you need to email them. I never had to update anything but I know they do firmware fixes.

[@octopusfilmes9749]

@@Red35Photography Well, I sent them the email. I will wait for the answer. Thank you very much my dear

[@mtleealex]

How are you doing jimmy?? Getting better ??? Hope you have fully recover

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Alex, I am good. Much better now.

[@mtleealex]

@@Red35Photography thank god you recovered

[@dave815078]

This or the Loawa 10mm f2 to pair with the Olympus 12-100 pro?

[@MyRetroJourney]

I'd pick the 7.5mm since 10mm is not that much wider than the 12mm wide end of the 12-100

[@Red35Photography]

I agree but it also depends on what you intend to use it for. I think 7.5 is great and landscape and dramatic scenes. 10mm is good for cityscapes and architectural stuff due to its lack of distortion. However, 7.5 isn't that bad and can be corrected.

[@chainevide]

Tu as maintenant la TTartisan qui est bien moins chère...

[@sergiothe1ne]

The newer version (automatic aperture) has 5 aperture blades, and the old one 7. You didn't mention that. 😑 They are not the same in this aspect...

[@andreasrochow5170]

With mft cameras, the "problem areas" of any wide-angle lens, namely the corners and edges, are cut off. That's why the shots look rather normal. You can see this especially with the fisheye. Conclusion: mft tolerates "shorter" focal lengths than larger image sensors. A big plus. This 7.5 mm lens, With mft cameras, the "problem areas" of any wide-angle lens, namely the corners and edges, are cut off. That's why the shots look rather normal. You can see this especially with the fisheye. Conclusion: mft tolerates "shorter" focal lengths than larger image sensors. A big plus. This 7.5mm (15 mm equiv.) lens is a must have for mft photographers.

[@ottomellar6774]

Anyone want a manual aperture model?

[@TeaJayPhotography]

There is one thing, the original one is better: timelapses. Electronic apertures often introduce flicker in timelapses that manual aperture don't.

[@blackice5649]

Is this true?

[@studiooec]

Hi, Jimmy, how about you?

[@Red35Photography]

I would (if I don't have too many lenses already) plus I have the original and the cine version. May be I sell the original and get this one, just keep the cine version :D I am doing a live tonight here and you can see all three with Peter Forsgard!

[@WhoIsSerafin]

All these alternatives but manual :(

[@georgesmith3022]

Let's face it, iso 100 in m43 is equivalent to iso 400 in dx cameras and iso 800 in fx. Stop wasting your money on m43 cameras, they are only good for video

[@no15minutecities]

...BUT STILL HAS THE SAME SOFT CORNERS SHIT....SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GET QUALITY.