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

Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Lens for Sony E

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D is an ultra-wide lens for full-frame cameras with a 122° angle of view, suited to landscape, architecture, interiors, travel and astrophotography. Most ultra-wide lenses show 2-5% distortion that bends straight lines; Laowa Zero-D lenses are corrected to near-zero distortion (measured with focus at infinity; it may vary at closer distances). This version has the Sony E mount.

The optical design has 16 elements in 10 groups: two aspherical elements correct spherical aberration and three ED (extra-low dispersion) elements control chromatic aberration, while main and auxiliary focusing groups correct distortion at varying subject distances, for high corner-to-corner resolution even at f/2.8. A floating design keeps sharpness at close range: with an 18 cm minimum focus and 0.2x maximum magnification it can also be used for wide-angle mini macro shots. It weighs about 610 g, has a metal body and a low-reflection multi-layer coating against flare and ghosting. There is no filter thread: the optional Laowa 100 mm filter holder takes two 100 mm ND filters and a 105 mm CPL without vignetting.

Key features

• 122° ultra-wide angle of view
• Near-zero distortion (Zero-D)
• 2 aspherical and 3 ED elements
• Minimum focusing distance 18 cm, 0.2x magnification
• Compact for its class: about 610 g
• Optional 100 mm filter holder

Specifications

• Focal length: 12 mm
• Aperture range: f/2.8 - f/22
• Angle of view: 121.96°
• Format: full frame
• Optical construction: 16 elements in 10 groups
• Aperture blades: 9
• Minimum focusing distance: 18 cm
• Maximum magnification: 0.2x
• Focus and aperture: manual
• EXIF data transmission: no
• Filter thread: none (100 mm filter holder usable)
• Dimensions: 74.2 x 84.8 mm
• Weight: 610 g
• Mount: Sony E