Venus Laowa 7.5mm F2 MFT

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The Venus Laowa 7.5mm F2 is a unique wide-angle lens designed specifically for the Micro Four Thirds system, which makes it an interesting option for both landscape and architectural photographers. With its compact size and impressive aperture, this lens promises to deliver outstanding performance whilst still being lightweight and portable—ideal for on-the-go photography.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Laowa 7.5mm F2 is quite impressive. It features a robust, all-metal construction that not only feels durable but will also withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting. The lens is designed to be small and lightweight, weighing in at just around 0.66 lbs (300 grams). Its compactness allows for easy pairing with a variety of Micro Four Thirds cameras without adding significant bulk, making it an excellent choice for travel or street photography.

The lens has a sleek appearance with a classic design, featuring a simple and functional focus ring that provides a smooth, manual focusing experience. Do keep in mind, however, that this lens does not have autofocus, so it requires a bit more attention when setting up your shots.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical quality, the Laowa 7.5mm F2 does not disappoint. The lens features exceptional sharpness, even at the corners, which can be a concern especially with wide-angle lenses. Excellent color rendition is another strong point, allowing vibrant images with good contrast. Additionally, the lens has minimal distortion, which is a major plus for architectural photography.

That said, the lens does show some chromatic aberration at wider apertures, especially in high-contrast scenes. Stopping down to F4 usually mitigates this issue, ensuring cleaner results. The fast F2 aperture is also a fantastic attribute, allowing for more creativity in low-light conditions and enabling a shallower depth of field than many other lenses in its class.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a sturdy, metal design
• Compact and lightweight, great for travel
• Exceptional sharpness with minimal distortion
• Fast F2 aperture for low-light shooting and creative depth of field

Cons

• No autofocus, requiring manual focusing
• Some chromatic aberration at wider apertures

Verdict

The Venus Laowa 7.5mm F2 MFT lens is a fantastic addition to any Micro Four Thirds photographer's kit, particularly for those who value portability and manual control. While the lack of autofocus may deter some users, its optical performance, build quality, and speed make it a compelling option for those focused on landscape and architectural photography. If you're in search of a reliable and portable wide-angle lens that doesn’t compromise on image quality, this lens is definitely worth considering.