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

Sony E

Review

The Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF is an exciting addition to the wide-angle zoom segment, designed specifically for the Sony E mount. This lens is particularly aimed at landscape, architectural, and real estate photographers who seek exceptional wide-angle performance along with unique perspective control.

Design and Build Quality

The construction of the Laowa 12-24mm is quite robust, featuring a high-quality metal body that feels solid in hand. It sports a unique and compact design that makes it portable despite its wide-angle capabilities. The lens is also relatively lightweight compared to similar models, which is a great advantage for those who carry their equipment for extended periods.

One of the standout features of this lens is its shift capability. With a shift range of ± 10mm, it allows photographers to correct perspective distortions that often occur with wide-angle shots, especially in architectural photography. This is a fantastic benefit for capturing buildings straight on without the converging verticals that can plague lesser lenses.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the Laowa 12-24mm delivers sharpness that holds up significantly well across the entire frame, even at wide-open aperture. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, and the lens performs admirably in challenging lighting conditions. The color rendition is vibrant and natural, making it suitable for capturing stunning landscapes and architectural details.

However, when shifting is applied, some falloff can become noticeable at the corners, especially in extreme cases. This may require some post-processing to restore full image quality, especially for professional work where requirements are stringent.

Practicality and Usability

The lens features a manual focus design, which may not suit everyone. Autofocus can be a significant convenience for many photographers, particularly when quick adjustments to focus are necessary. A steep learning curve can come with mastering manual focus, although the focus ring is smooth and responsive, making it easier for those comfortable with manual adjustments.

Additionally, the f/5.6 maximum aperture may feel somewhat limiting for low-light situations or for achieving a shallow depth of field. While this is typical for ultra-wide zooms, those used to wider apertures may find themselves adjusting their techniques.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Robust and compact design with solid build quality
• Excellent sharpness across the frame, even at wide-open aperture
• Creative control with perspective shift capability to correct distortions
• Lightweight, making it easy to carry for landscape and architectural shoots

Cons

• Limited f/5.6 maximum aperture may restrict low-light performance
• Manual focus only, which can slow down workflows for some users
• Corner falloff can become pronounced when using the shift feature

Verdict

Overall, the Venus Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF is an outstanding choice for photographers who prioritize sharpness and perspective control in their wide-angle shooting. While its manual focus and limited maximum aperture may deter some, the unique features of the lens make it a valuable tool for those willing to invest the time to master it. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this lens can help you capture stunning, distortion-free imagery that truly showcases your subjects.