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

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF is a fascinating addition to the realm of ultra-wide-angle lenses designed for the Nikon Z mount. Known for its unique shift capabilities, this lens opens up exciting creative possibilities for photographers and videographers alike, especially those working in landscape, architecture, or real estate photography.

Build and Design

The construction of the Laowa 12-24mm is solid, showcasing a lightweight carbon fiber body that makes it easy to handle during long shoots. The compact design works well with Nikon's mirrorless system, meaning it balances nicely on the body. The internal zoom mechanism contributes to its streamlined profile, making it a suitable option for travel and outdoor photography. Despite its robust build, the lens remains surprisingly portable compared to other zooms in its class.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical quality, the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 delivers impressive sharpness across the frame, even at wide-open apertures. The lens utilizes a range of special glass elements to minimize aberrations, resulting in a pop of detail in your images. Chromatic aberration control is commendable, which makes it easier to achieve clean, vibrant images with rich colors. However, some distortion can occur at the extremes of the zoom range, but this is often easily rectified in post-processing.

Shift Functionality

One of the standout features of the Laowa 12-24mm is its shift capability. This allows photographers to correct for perspective without resorting to heavy cropping or skewed compositions. This feature is particularly advantageous for architectural photographers who need straight lines in their images. The shift can be subtly adjusted, providing an intuitive experience for users familiar with tilt-shift photography.

Performance in Low Light

While the f/5.6 maximum aperture limits its effectiveness in low-light scenarios compared to faster lenses, the Laowa performs adequately with light-gathering capabilities. You might encounter some noise at higher ISO levels, so working with a tripod during nighttime or indoor sessions is advisable. However, the lens excels in daylight conditions, delivering crisp images with fantastic contrast and color saturation.

Autofocus and Manual Control

An omission worth noting is the lack of autofocus, which may deter some users seeking convenience. This lens is manual focus only, which can be viewed as a drawback for fast-paced situations. However, the manual focusing ring is smooth and precise, allowing for careful adjustments, particularly beneficial in landscape photography where critical focus is paramount.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique shift functionality for perspective control
• Excellent sharpness and color rendition
• Lightweight carbon fiber build
• Compact and easy to carry on location
• Good control over chromatic aberration

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/5.6 limits low-light performance
• Manual focus only, which may not suit all photographers
• Some distortion at the wide end of the zoom

Verdict

Overall, the Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF lens is a niche offering that excels in its flexibility and optical performance. It’s an excellent choice for photographers who prioritize image quality and perspective control over the convenience of autofocus. If you are a Nikon Z user looking to expand your ultra-wide-angle options while experimenting with architectural or landscape photography, this lens may just be your perfect companion. Keep in mind the limitations regarding low-light performance and manual focus, but if those align with your shooting style, the rewards are well worth it.