Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 is a wide-angle zoom lens designed for the Leica L mount, capable of providing photographers with an impressive range of perspectives. This lens is a remarkable addition to the arsenal of landscape, architectural, and even astrophotography enthusiasts, thanks to its versatile focal length and unique optical properties.

Build Quality and Design

The Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 boasts a well-constructed body, made from robust materials that inspire confidence during use. It features a matte black finish that not only looks elegant but also helps reduce reflections that can be problematic with wide-angle lenses. Weighing in at around 1.5 pounds, this lens offers a solid build without being overly cumbersome.

The lens has a thoughtfully designed zoom mechanism, allowing for smooth transitions between focal lengths. The focus ring is also user-friendly, with a pleasing amount of resistance. Additionally, the lens incorporates a compact design, which is a valuable trait for photographers who prefer travelling light.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 delivers stunning results. With a maximum aperture of f/5.6, it may seem limited at first glance, but this is fairly common for ultra-wide zoom lenses. The lens maintains impressive sharpness throughout the zoom range, from corner to corner, producing crisp and detailed images.

Distortion is another critical aspect of wide-angle photography, and the Laowa lens does admirably well in this regard. While some distortion is present, it remains manageable, and post-processing can easily correct the minor warp that might occur in architectural photography. The lens also displays minimal chromatic aberration, which is a bonus for those who appreciate cleaner images.

Versatility

One of the standout features of the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 is its versatility. The 12mm wide-angle perspective is perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes or tight interiors, while the 24mm focal length allows for slightly tighter compositions without losing the sense of space. This adaptive capability makes it an excellent lens for travel photographers who want a one-lens solution for various scenarios.

Focusing System

The lens employs a manual focus system, which may deter some users who prefer autofocus, especially in fast-paced shooting conditions. However, the precision of manual focus can be a blessing in disguise for experienced photographers who enjoy taking full control of their compositions. With some practice, focusing quickly becomes intuitive, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional optical performance with great sharpness.
• Limited distortion and chromatic aberration.
• Robust and durable build quality.
• Versatile focal length range suitable for various applications.
• Compact and lightweight design for portability.

Cons

• Manual focus may be challenging for some photographers.
• Maximum aperture of f/5.6 may limit low-light capabilities.

Verdict

The Venus Optics Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 is an impressive piece of equipment that successfully combines optical quality and versatility in a compact package. While the manual focus system may pose a challenge to some, it rewards those who take the time to master it. This lens is a fantastic choice for landscape & architectural photographers seeking high performance and adaptability, making it a worthy contender in the ultra-wide zoom category for Leica L mount users.