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

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF for the Leica L mount is a unique addition to the wide-angle zoom lens category. This lens not only offers a versatile focal range but also features the innovative “Shift” capability which can enhance your landscape and architectural photography by allowing for perspective control.

Build and Design

The construction of the Laowa 12-24mm is robust, made with high-quality materials that ensure durability while maintaining a relatively lightweight profile. It’s compact for a zoom lens in this category, making it easy to carry on long shoots. The lens features a manually operated focus and aperture ring, which can be a delightful experience for seasoned photographers who prefer a hands-on approach to manual adjustments.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical quality, the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 showcases minimal distortion and excellent sharpness across the frame, particularly impressive for a wide-angle zoom lens. It successfully maintains clarity even at its maximum aperture, which is beneficial in low-light conditions. The color rendition is vibrant and true to life, making it suitable for a range of photography styles from landscape to architecture. The added shift functionality allows for creative compositions without the need for extensive image correction in post-processing.

Shift Functionality

The lens’s shift capability is a standout feature that sets it apart from traditional wide-angle zooms. This allows photographers to adjust the lens in a vertical or horizontal direction, correcting perspective distortion that often occurs in architectural shots. However, this mechanic does require some practice to fully master, and you might need to adjust your shooting style to make the most of it.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a durable design.
• Versatile focal length range suitable for landscapes and architecture.
• Impressive sharpness and minimal distortion.
• Unique shift function for perspective control.
• Decent performance in low-light situations.

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/5.6 limits low-light performance compared to faster lenses.
• Manual focus and aperture might not appeal to every photographer.
• Learning curve to master the shift functionality.

Verdict

Overall, the Venus Optics Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF for the Leica L mount is an exceptional lens that caters to photographers looking for a wide-angle solution with creative capabilities. While the f/5.6 maximum aperture may not be suited for all low-light scenarios, the lens’s sharpness, optical performance, and shift function create a compelling package for those who are willing to embrace manual controls and explore the art of perspective in their compositions. If you’re a landscape or architectural photographer seeking a versatile and unique lens, the Laowa 12-24mm is definitely worth considering.