Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF

Fujifilm X

Review

The Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF is an intriguing addition to the wide-angle lens market, particularly for Fujifilm X mount users looking to expand their creative possibilities. This lens is designed to cover the full-frame format, but it fits perfectly with APS-C sensors, providing an effective field of view equivalent to approximately 18-36mm.

One of the standout features of this lens is its unique zoom shift capability. The lens allows for precise control of the perspective during shooting, making it particularly useful for architectural photography or any situation where distortion needs to be minimized. With the ability to correct converging lines manually, it opens a lot of possibilities for photographers wanting to maintain true-to-life perspectives in their imagery.

In terms of build quality, the Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift is robust yet relatively lightweight. It feels solid in hand, thanks to its metal construction, and the attention to detail in the design is evident. The lens is also weather-sealed, which is a significant advantage for outdoor photography, allowing you to work in various conditions without worrying about moisture or dust ingress.

Optically, this lens impresses with its sharpness throughout the zoom range, achieving excellent detail even in the corners. Color rendition is natural, and flaring is well-controlled, making sunrise and sunset shots satisfactory. However, some users may find the f/5.6 maximum aperture limiting in low-light situations, which can be a downside for those who often shoot in poorly lit environments or require a shallower depth of field.

When combining the zoom range with the shift capabilities, versatility is a key takeaway. Photographers can capture sweeping landscapes, and cityscapes, and deal effectively with close-up compositions without the need to constantly change lenses.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique zoom shift feature for perspective correction
• Excellent sharpness and detail throughout the frame
• Robust and weather-sealed construction
• Versatile focal range suitable for various compositions
• Low distortion and controlled flaring

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/5.6 may be limiting for low-light situations
• Some users may find the zoom range less versatile compared to faster primes

Verdict

In summary, the Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF is an exceptional lens for Fujifilm X users who value perspective control alongside high optical performance. While its maximum aperture may not cater to the needs of every photographer, the combination of its zoom capabilities and robust construction makes it a worthy consideration for landscape, architecture, and creative photography. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiast, this lens can help elevate your photography to new heights.