Anhui China, 7 July 2022 – Venus Optics, the camera lens manufacturer that has been endeavoring to invent high-quality lenses at an affordable price, is thrilled to release an ultra-compact Zoom Lens for Full Frame cameras – Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom. This tiny lens offers an AOV from an ultra-wide 121.9° to an easier-to-control 84° with a fixed aperture. The 5.9”/15cm closest focusing distance allows users to explore more creative shots or even macro-like photos. Laowa's classical 5-bladed aperture design for stunning 10-point Sunstar also packed in this lens.
A 77mm filter can be used directly with the adaptor ring (come along with the lens). With the competitive price of USD649 (USD699 for m mount) and the tiny size, this lens would be perfect for travel and landscape photography. Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica M are available for this lens.
Wide-angle zoom in a compact body
With an 84° to 121.9° zoom range, the lens provides greater flexibility to photographers in framing. Users could adjust the focal length easily with a twist. The lens is relatively compact and light in its class. It is measured to be ⌀69.4x84mm(⌀2.73×3.30”) with a lightweight 497g(1.09lbs). A great option for photographers who wants to pack lightweight.
| 12mm
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16mm
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20mm  |
24mm  |
A constant f/5.6 aperture
The lens has a constant f/5.6 aperture which the aperture does not change when adjusting the focal length. Photographers would have greater control over the photos.
15cm closest focusing distance
The lens has one of the shortest close-focusing distances in the 12-24mm market. It can focus only 5.9”/15cm away from the sensor, giving photographers more room for creative shots such as macro-like shots.
© Alberto Ghizzi Panizza |
© Bastian Kratzke |
Minimize distortion
Despite it's not one of the members of the Laowa Zero-D class, the lens still demonstrates an extreme well control performance in minimizing distortion. Still extremely useful for architecture or interior shots when you want the flexibility of a zoom lens at the same time.
Stunning 10-point Sunstar
Like many other Laowa wide-angle lenses, this 12-24mm is designed with a 5-bladed aperture which could render appealing 10-point Sunstar when slightly stepping down the aperture.
77mm filter thread
The 12-24mm Zoom lens is able to use a 77mm filter with the adaptor ring that comes with the lens. The ring is also able to act as a lens hood and protect your image from flaring.
“Frog-Eye” coating
The lens had coated with the water & dust repelling “Frog-Eye” Coating (FEC). It gives your lens an extra layer of protection compared to traditional coatings.
Specifications
| Format Compatibility | Full Frame |
| Focal length | 12-24mm |
| Max. Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Angle of view | 84° – 121.9° |
| Lens structure | 15 elements in 11 groups
(2 aspherical elements, 3 ED elements) |
| Aperture blades | 5 |
| Min. Focusing distance | 15cm |
| Max. Magnification | 0.4 |
| Focus mode | Manual (MF) |
| Filter thread | ø77mm |
| Dimensions | About ø69.4mm*84mm (M)
ø69.4mm*91.6mm (R) ø69.4mm*93.6mm (E) ø69.4mm*95.6mm (Z) |
| Weight | About 497g (with no hood or front/rear caps) |
| Mount | Leica M / Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon RF |
Pricing & Availability
The 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/) and authorized resellers. It is priced at USD 649 for Canon RF, Sony E and Nikon Z while USD 699 for Leica M. Price varies in different countries.
Sample Photos
For me, redundant since I have the 14-35 f/4 already (which is an excellent lens also). I realize 12 mm is significantly wider than 14, but I don't see a need to buy it for those extra 2 mm.
A 12mm lens that takes a 77mm front filter is a nice bonus (that was one of the downsides to my 11-24, although now to drop in adapter fixes that issue).
I wonder how good the optical performance will be.
DPReview TV: Laowa 12-24mm F5.6 C-Dreamer Review
I have downloaded a few Raw files of sample pictures and the IQ seems to be good.