The First Zoom Shift Lens for APS-C | Laowa CF 12-24mm F5.6 Zoom Shift Ultra-wide Angle Lens Review

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Checkout the LAOWA 12-24mm Shift Zoom Lens here: www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-12-24mm-f-5-6-zoom-shift-cf/

[@PeterJehle100]

Considering it’s a shift lens why are there converting verticals?

[@TheCameraManReviews]

They are not converging, the camera was at an angle. All lines are still parallel.

[@metalfatigue]

Because it shifts--but not that much.

[@everettengbers3553]

In order to have perfect verticals you have to use the lens properly by putting the camera on a tripod, leveling the camera body, and then shift the lens to what ever degree you need to include the top of buildings. You can certainly do 'artsy' things with it but to obtain perfect verticals you have to use a disciplined approach. All other shift lenses that are made are a single focal length. This would seem a bit of a miracle in that it's the first lens to combine a shift function with a zoom capability, quite a technical achievement. Apparently it can be used on full frame cameras but it is specifically designed for APS-C sensor cameras. On full frame there may be some vignetting on the wider zoom settings at maximum shift.

[@GuitarTTYT]

Thx for the review, really appreciate it! Could you take some test shots at 12 and 24 mm with maximum shift at different f-stops? This would truely tell the corner sharpness.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

This was also a concern for me, but I can tell you straight away that there is no extra distortion/sharpness drop when shifting the lens. I have no idea how Laowa has made this possible, because you would expect there to be, but because the elements inside the lens don't technically move and nor does the sensor it remains the same sharpness. I would hazard a guess that its only the last element inside the lens that alters the FOV and thus it doesn't alter the distortion/ sharpness. (This is purely a guess though, I could be completely wrong)

[@metalfatigue]

@@TheCameraManReviews Have to try this! Even without a shift, a wide angle lens with corner sharpness equivalent to the center would be a first.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

@@metalfatigueTrying it on a Full Frame camera, the 12-24 zoom can be used on a full frame camera without any issues, you just cannot use the shift feature without the edge of the lens showing in the image on Full Frame. So it kind of makes sense on the APS-C camera how they can keep it optically sharp.

[@WilliamHenryAlbert]

Fantastic review and nice video of London, my old home town. Looks like this lens would add a whole new dimension to your photography! Can I ask you, what focal length you were shooting at. Great images too.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

I will get back to you on that.

[@snowhite1qazse4]

Can this lens induce parallax when doing panoramas?

[@reflux043]

It's also available for fuji x-mount.

[@Stop-All-War]

📸 *TCM, Very interesting Video. Although apsc, Sony 6700 + Laowa isn't low budget & certainly not low quality. Instant Panos, even x2 frames stitched approx 52mp is quite good. I'd like to see you apply this setup in Landscape environment- with strong foregrounds subjects & sweet vistas.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

@Stop-All-War yeah I definitely need to do that! I am already making a list of locations that I need to visit with this lens set up.