Venus Laowa 14mm F4 FF RL Zero-D

Sony E

Review

The Venus Laowa 14mm F4 FF RL Zero-D is an exciting ultra-wide-angle lens designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. Known for its unique characteristics and impressive optical performance, this lens is an intriguing option for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of this lens is its incredibly low distortion, as indicated by its "Zero-D" designation. This means that when you capture wide scenes, you can expect straight lines to remain straight, which is particularly valuable in architectural photography where perspective control is vital. The lens is constructed with 14 elements in 10 groups, including a few extra-low dispersion elements to minimize chromatic aberration and improve color accuracy.

The lens offers a constant maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the entire focal length, making it a solid option for shooting in a variety of lighting conditions. While f/4 may not be as fast as some other primes, the lens is still capable of delivering excellent results, especially when paired with a camera that has good high ISO performance. The sharpness at the center is impressive even at f/4, and it maintains good sharpness across the frame when stopped down slightly.

In terms of build quality, the Laowa 14mm F4 feels robust and well-constructed, making it suitable for outdoor shooting. It also comes with weather-sealing, which is a massive plus for photographers who frequently shoot in challenging environments. However, the lens does lack autofocus, which may be a drawback for some users as manual focusing can be slower, especially in dynamic environments.

Another aspect to consider is the lens' size and weight. At 400g, it’s relatively lightweight for a lens of this focal length, making it a good travel companion. However, the relatively large front element can make fitting filters slightly more complicated, particularly if you wish to use a polarizer or ND filter with it.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Minimal distortion, making it great for architectural photography
• Good sharpness at center even at f/4
• Weather-sealed, providing durability for outdoor use
• Lightweight and compact design for a 14mm lens

Cons

• Manual focus only, which can be cumbersome in fast-paced shooting scenarios
• Maximum aperture of f/4 may limit shooting in very low light conditions
• Potential challenges with filter mounting due to the large front element

Verdict

In conclusion, the Venus Laowa 14mm F4 FF RL Zero-D is an exceptional choice for photographers seeking an ultra-wide lens for their Sony E-mount camera. Its remarkable distortion control, solid build quality, and good sharpness make it an asset for landscape, architecture, and even nighttime photography. However, the manual focus limitation and f/4 aperture might not be suitable for everyone. If you can navigate these limitations, this lens will not disappoint and could very well become a favorite in your photography kit.