Venus Optics officially announced the Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 and Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D mirrorless lenses for Nikon Z-mount (previously reported here and here). The lenses are now available for pre-order only at the official Vanus Optics store (the Adorama and B&H listings should come later). Ordering directly from the official website is the fastest way to get the lens – here are the direct links:
Everything you need to know on the new Laowa lenses for Nikon Z-mount is here (specifications, MTF charts, lens design diagrams, sample photos and press release):
Specifications
| Lens descriptions | 15mm f/2 Zero-D | 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 |
| Focal Length | 15mm | 10-18mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F/2.0 | F/4.5 – F/5.6 |
| Angle of view | 110° | 102° (18mm) – 130° (10mm) |
| Format Compatibility | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Minimum Focus distance | 15cm (5.9″) | 15cm (5.9″) |
| Optical Structure | 12 elements in 9 groups | 14 elements in 10 groups |
| # of Aperture blades | 5 | 5 |
| Focusing | Manual Focus | Manual Focus |
| Filter Thread | 72mm (Front) | 37mm (Rear) |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Φ 66x82mm | Φ70×87mm |
| Weight | 500g (1.1lbs) | 500g (1.1lbs) |
| Mounts | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF | Sony E, Nikon Z |
Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D lens MTF charts:
Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 lens MTF chart and lens design:
Press release:
Laowa 15mm f/2 is the widest f/2 lens for Nikon Z & Canon RF mount cameras while the Laowa 10-18mm is the widest full frame zoom lens for Nikon Z mount cameras.
Anhui China, Jul 8, 2019 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of unique Laowa camera lenses, are proud to introduce the the Nikon Z & Canon RF mount to the world’s widest rectilinear f/2 lens (Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D) and the world’s widest zoom lens (Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6).
Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D (Both Nikon Z & Canon RF mounts)
The Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D is currently the widest f/2 rectilinear native lens for full frame mirrorless cameras. The lens falls into the Laowa ‘Zero-D’ products line-up and the patented optical design successfully minimizes the optical distortion to the lowest. This compact and lightweight lens comprises of 12 elements in 9 groups with 2 pcs of aspherical elements and 3 pcs of Extra-low dispersion elements. Photographers can also take advantage of the super close focusing distance (less than 6” from the sensor) and the f/2 aperture to create some wide angle close-up shots with pleasing bokeh.
Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics have successfully minimized the size of the lens to only 1.1 lbs and 3” long. The flat front surface design allows photographers to use 72mm circular filter with ease. Unlike the Sony E variant, the new Nikon Z / Canon RF variants feature a design of 5 straight aperture blades which produce a clean and sharp 10-point sunstar rendering.
Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Zoom (Nikon Z mount only)
Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Zoom lens is currently the widest full frame zoom lens in the market.
The 102° (18mm) to 130° (10mm) FoV provides a great deal of flexibility for photographers to compose landscape or architecture photos with ease. The one-of-a-kind 130° FoV also helps photographers to realize many formerly impossible shots.
Similar to the Sony E-mount variant (released a few months ago), Venus Optics have managed to compress the size of this new Nikon Z variant to the smallest in its class, measuring approximately 3.5 inches (~9cm) long and weighing only 1.1 lbs (<500g) with a lens diameter of 70mm. It also incorporates a 5 straight blade aperture to deliver a sharp, clean, well-defined 10-point sunstars. The lens houses with 14 elements in 10 groups with 2 aspherical elements & 1 extra-low dispersion element. It comes with an excellent close up performance and is able to focus as close as 6” from the sensor. A rear 37mm filter thread is included to fit with 37mm UV/ND filter.
Venus Optics have NO plans to launch Canon R mount for Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6.
Availability
The new variants of Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D & Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 are currently available to order and ship in the official website of Venus Optics and their authorized resellers. Recommended Retail Price in US (without tax) is USD 849/pc for both lenses. Pricing may vary in different countries.
