Laowa 10mm f/2.8 zero-D + Laowa 15mm f/2 zero-D OR Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS STM?

[Mekos]

For the same price, which too choose for someone owning Canon R6II and R7? Laowa 10mm f/2.8 zero-D + Laowa 15mm f/2 zero-D OR Canon RF 10-20mm f/4 L IS STM? Thanks for your opinions!

 

[David Pro]

Don't know about the Laowas but love my 10-20 f/4, unique with the 10mm non-fisheye (but keep it level) and also zooms to 20mm!

 

[David Pro]

Not to mention that the 5-6 stops of image stabilization means you can hand-hold this baby for almost anything. I've used it hand-held for 1/2 second waterfall exposures.

 

[EricN]

Not to mention that the 5-6 stops of image stabilization means you can hand-hold this baby for almost anything. I've used it hand-held for 1/2 second waterfall exposures.

That's impressive! Something else to mention is the Laowa lenses aren't available with autofocus (I think no lens data is sent to the camera as well?). Unless mekos really needs that wider aperture for low light, can you think of anything reasonable criticisim against the 10-20?

 

[ThomasTH]

You have to keep in mind that these Laowa lenses for RF mount do not have any contacts to the camera so you won't even get EXIF data for focal length and aperture. Before I bought my Laowa macro lens I thought that it wouldn't matter to me but in the end it did.
If you do not need it for low light/astro personally I would recommend the Canon lens. Then you have autofocus as well.

 

[David Pro]

That's impressive! Something else to mention is the Laowa lenses aren't available with autofocus (I think no lens data is sent to the camera as well?). Unless mekos really needs that wider aperture for low light, can you think of anything reasonable criticisim against the 10-20?

Not really, it's a terrific lens. That said, you have to shoot this level (unless you want a fisheye-type effect).

 

[neuroanatomist]

If shooting astro, I’d go with the faster aperture. For everything else, the RF 10-20/4L is an excellent lens (though is certainly works for astro, too) and a lot of fun to use. Easy to pack, too (I had the EF 11-24/4L previously, that thing is a beast).

 

[P-visie]

The RF10-20mm f4 would be my choice.
Note that you can use normal filters for the Laowa lenses. The RF10-20mm f4 uses either gelatin filters cut to size on the back of the lens or big filter adapters like the NiSi - S6 or Haida M15/M10 Adapter Ring (and others).

 

[Mekos]

That's impressive! Something else to mention is the Laowa lenses aren't available with autofocus (I think no lens data is sent to the camera as well?). Unless mekos really needs that wider aperture for low light, can you think of anything reasonable criticisim against the 10-20?

No criticism against the 10-20mm... unless the price

 

[Mekos]

Don't know about the Laowas but love my 10-20 f/4, unique with the 10mm non-fisheye (but keep it level) and also zooms to 20mm!

Not to mention that the 5-6 stops of image stabilization means you can hand-hold this baby for almost anything. I've used it hand-held for 1/2 second waterfall exposures.

Thank you!

 

[Mekos]

The RF10-20mm f4 would be my choice.
Note that you can use normal filters for the Laowa lenses. The RF10-20mm f4 uses either gelatin filters cut to size on the back of the lens or big filter adapters like the NiSi - S6 or Haida M15/M10 Adapter Ring (and others).

Thank you!

 

[Mekos]

If shooting astro, I’d go with the faster aperture. For everything else, the RF 10-20/4L is an excellent lens (though is certainly works for astro, too) and a lot of fun to use. Easy to pack, too (I had the EF 11-24/4L previously, that thing is a beast).

Thank you!

 

[Mekos]

You have to keep in mind that these Laowa lenses for RF mount do not have any contacts to the camera so you won't even get EXIF data for focal length and aperture. Before I bought my Laowa macro lens I thought that it wouldn't matter to me but in the end it did.
If you do not need it for low light/astro personally I would recommend the Canon lens. Then you have autofocus as well.

Thank you!

 

[GMCPhotographics]

If shooting astro, I’d go with the faster aperture. For everything else, the RF 10-20/4L is an excellent lens (though is certainly works for astro, too) and a lot of fun to use. Easy to pack, too (I had the EF 11-24/4L previously, that thing is a beast).

The Rf 10-20mm f4 L is a sweet lens. I also have the EF 11-24mm f4 L and it's great that I can use it with rear mounted drop in filters in my EF to R adapter. However, it is it's only advantage. It's a nice benefit, but I'm finding that I'm often leaving it at home due to it's sheer size, bulk and weight. That RF 10-20mm f4 L is sure looking tempting!
I think 2026 is a year for me to invest in some cherry picked RF glass (finally).

 

[neuroanatomist]

The Rf 10-20mm f4 L is a sweet lens. I also have the EF 11-24mm f4 L and it's great that I can use it with rear mounted drop in filters in my EF to R adapter. However, it is it's only advantage. It's a nice benefit, but I'm finding that I'm often leaving it at home due to it's sheer size, bulk and weight. That RF 10-20mm f4 L is sure looking tempting!
I think 2026 is a year for me to invest in some cherry picked RF glass (finally).

Yeah, it was literally the moment when I was trying to stuff the EF 11-24/4 into a photo backpack before heading out on a trip that I decided to get the RF 10-20/4.