AFTER SEEING THIS LENS AT NAB IN 2019 I COULD NOT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON IT.
This lens has two standout features: its compact size and extreme angle of view. The only other full-frame 12mm cine prime in existence is the 12mm Arri Signature Prime and although the two primes are in completely different leagues, the Laowa performs very well for the price.
LIGHTWEIGHT
The first thing you’ll notice is just how tiny it is. Weighing in at only 1.5 lbs, I see this being a very popular gimbal and drone lens. Although it’s small there is very little compromise in terms of image quality.
FOCUS AND IRIS GEARS
The lens feels very solid and sports a metal housing, focus and iris gears, and a PL mount. The one odd thing about the lens is the focus distance markings. Instead of using whole numbers they used distances like 1.59’ and 0.65’. It’s probably not a deal breaker for most.
THE TEST
THIS LENS IS AN ABSOLUTE BLAST
Lucky for me this lens can turn ordinary scenes into gold! This lens offers an extreme field of view with very little distortion hence the “Zero-D” in its name. Lines are straight and objects appear very natural looking. I instantly fell in love with the close focus ability, a mere 7 inches. The wide-angle macro shots this lens can make are extremely unique.
