Venus Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Venus Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is a versatile ultra-wide zoom lens designed for Nikon Z mount cameras. As a photographer who appreciates the unique perspectives that ultra-wide lenses can provide, I was eager to test this lens in various shooting conditions.

This lens features a bright, metal construction which not only gives it a premium feel but also enhances its durability on the field. At 10mm, it opens up a broad canvas for landscape photography, architecture, and interior shots, while the 18mm range allows for more conventional wide-angle captures. The constant maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6 is decent for an ultra-wide zoom, making it suitable for daylight and low-light conditions with fast enough shutter speeds.

One of the standout features of the Laowa 10-18mm is its sharpness. From edge to edge, images are crisp and detailed, which is crucial for landscape photography where every detail matters. The lens also handles flare remarkably well, even when shooting against bright light sources. Coupled with Nikon's Z series cameras, which are known for their superb high ISO performance, you can expect excellent results even in challenging lighting situations.

On the downside, this lens comes with some inherent limitations. The variable aperture means that when zooming in towards 18mm, you will encounter a noticeable drop in light transmission, which may compel you to increase your ISO or reduce your shutter speed more than 10mm shots. Additionally, while the focusing mechanism is reasonably smooth, it can feel a bit less refined compared to some of the more expensive options out there.

The lens is relatively compact for an ultra-wide zoom, making it a suitable choice for travel. Yet, the lack of image stabilization might deter some, especially those who often shoot handheld in lower light conditions. It's worth noting that when shooting at 10mm, you may also experience some distortion, which can be corrected in post-processing but may require extra work for perfectionists.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent sharpness from edge to edge
• Durable metal construction
• Great handling of flare and ghosting
• Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel
• Versatile focal range for various applications

Cons

• Variable aperture may limit low-light performance
• No image stabilization
• Some distortion at the widest focal length
• Slightly less refined focusing compared to premium lenses

Verdict

The Venus Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is a fantastic option for Nikon Z users looking to explore ultra-wide perspectives. It excels in image quality and construction, making it a worthy addition for landscape, architecture, and any scenario where expansive views are desired. While it does have a few limitations, particularly relating to the variable aperture and lack of image stabilization, the lens delivers strong performance in both technical aspects and creative potential. Overall, this lens is certainly a contender for anyone seeking to expand their lens lineup in the ultra-wide category.