Venus Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro
(479 USD, manual focus, true 1:1 macro)
This is a relatively new lens from 2015. It has two interesting functions: it is an ultra wide angle lens with true 1:1 macro functionality. Currently I don’t know any other lens with such specification. The macro ability add some depth of field capabilities to the ultra wide angle lens. The aperture has 14 blades which can be closed down to f/32.
The lens takes 77mm filters and has 1 ED and 3 high reffractive lens elements. The minimum focusing distance is 0.12m (4.72″) which results in 1:1 true macro maginification. The lens is relatively compact and lightweight with it’s 410g (14.46 oz.) weight.
When used with Aps-C cameras +-6mm shift is possible to correct perspective.
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According to early reviews it is recommended if you want to use the true macro ability, otherwise as a wide angle there are better options. Do not think it will match with a tilt shift lens for architecture photography.
As I see it can make decent images but the corners are not as sharp as the center, it is still very interesting lens, as you can as close as the front element to the subject.
Venus Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro specs
Item |
Venus Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro |
Mounts: |
Canon EF, Nikon F / Sony Alpha / Pentax K / Sony FE mounts available |
Filter size: |
77 mm |
Lens elements / groups: |
12 / 9 |
Exotic Lens elements: |
1 Ed and 3 high reffractive elements |
Weight: |
410 g (14.46 oz. ) |
Dimensions: |
83 x 65 mm (3.30 x 2.55″) |
Close focus distance: |
0.12 m ( 4.72″) |
Autofocus: |
HSM ring-type ultrasonic |
Stabilizer: |
No |
Switches: |
Manual focus autofocus |
Lens Mount: |
Metal |
Format: |
Full frame |
Magnification: |
1x |
Reproduction ratio: |
1 : 1 |
Aperture blades: |
14 |
Distance scale: |
yes |
Manual focus override: |
yes |
Focal length: |
15 mm |
Telecoverter compatible: |
No |
Max Aperture: |
f/4 |
Min Aperture: |
f/16 |
Angle of view: |
110.4° on Full frame / appr. 73.7° on Aps-C |
Focus limiter: |
No |
Front element rotates?: |
No |
FTM (Manual focus override): |
yes |