Venus Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL

Canon RF

Review

The Venus Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL is a fascinating ultra-wide-angle lens designed for Canon RF mount cameras. This lens is particularly appealing for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography enthusiasts thanks to its impressive field of view and compact size.

One of the standout features of the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 is its exceptional sharpness, even at the edges of the frame. The lens employs advanced optical design, which includes a number of special glass elements that help to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions. When shooting at full aperture, images are remarkably clear, ensuring that details are preserved in even the most complex scenes.

In terms of construction, the lens boasts a solid build quality with an all-metal design that feels robust in hand. Its compact size allows for easy portability, which is particularly beneficial for photographers who enjoy outdoor shooting or need to travel light. Additionally, the lens features a minimum focusing distance of just 15 cm, allowing for creative compositions that take advantage of the ultra-wide perspective close to subjects.

However, there are a few downsides worth noting. The Venus Laowa 11mm f/4.5 lacks autofocus, which might be a deal-breaker for some photographers who prefer the convenience of automatic focusing. As a manual-focus lens, it requires more attention and practice to achieve the desired sharpness, especially in fast-paced shooting environments. Furthermore, while the lens performs admirably in many conditions, it can exhibit some vignetting at the corners, particularly when shot wide open.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness throughout the frame
• Compact and lightweight design
• Minimum focusing distance of 15 cm for creative close-up shots
• Excellent build quality with a durable all-metal construction

Cons

• No autofocus capabilities, requiring manual focus
• Some vignetting at wide apertures
• Limited versatility for certain types of photography due to the ultra-wide angle

Verdict

The Venus Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL is an impressive addition to any Canon RF photographer's kit, especially for those who prioritize image quality above all else. While its lack of autofocus might deter some users, the lens makes up for it with superb optical performance and build quality. If you're looking for a reliable ultra-wide-angle lens that can handle diverse shooting scenarios, the Laowa 11mm is certainly worth considering.