Venus Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D

Canon EF-M

Review

The Venus Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D is an intriguing ultra-wide-angle lens designed specifically for Canon’s EF-M mount. Known for its compact size and impressive optical performance, this lens is perfect for photographers who want to capture expansive landscapes, architecture, or even astrophotography due to its fast f/2.8 aperture.

Design and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Laowa 9mm F2.8 is its robust build quality. It’s constructed with an all-metal housing that feels solid in hand, giving you a sense of durability that is often lacking in comparable lenses. The compact design makes it lightweight—ideal for travel photographers who need a lens that doesn't add much bulk to their gear. The lens also sports a sleek black finish that adds a touch of elegance, making it visually appealing as well.

Optical Performance

With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the lens performs impressively well, even in low light conditions. The sharpness is excellent across the frame, even wide open. Users will appreciate the lens's Zero-D (zero distortion) designation, which means that it minimizes distortion remarkably well, making it a great option for architectural photography. Colors are rendered beautifully, with a pleasing contrast that adds to the overall image quality.

However, it’s worth mentioning that while distortion is well controlled, there is some minor vignette present at the edges when shooting wide open, which can be mitigated by stopping down the aperture.

Usability

The manual focus design of the Laowa 9mm F2.8 may not appeal to everyone, especially those used to autofocus lenses. However, the focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing precise adjustments, which can be beneficial for critical focusing in landscape or architectural shots. The 58mm filter thread is a nice addition for those interested in using filters, such as ND or polarizers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design, perfect for travel.
• Excellent sharpness across the frame, even wide open.
• Minimal distortion for an ultra-wide lens.
• Robust, all-metal construction adds durability.
• Fast f/2.8 aperture allows for low light shooting.

Cons

• Manual focus may be a drawback for some photographers.
• Minor vignetting at the edges when wide open.

Verdict

The Venus Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D is a remarkable ultra-wide-angle lens that excels in sharpness, build quality, and minimal distortion. It is particularly well-suited for landscape and architectural photography. While the manual focus might not be for everyone, those who embrace it will find a reliable and versatile lens that is capable of delivering stunning images. If you’re a Canon EF-M user on the hunt for an ultra-wide option, the Laowa 9mm F2.8 is certainly worth considering.