Laowa has introduced a couple of interesting lenses so far. Now they’re adding two new primes to their family: 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro and 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D. Both lenses come in several different mounts and promise high-quality image at a pretty affordable price. Check out the specs and a hands-on review after the jump, and see if there’s something new to add to your gear bag.
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X is an ultra-macro lens for full frame cameras and it comes in four different mounts: Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, and Sony FE. The lens allows you the shortest shooting distance of 173 to 223.5 mm and shooting magnification from 2.5 to 5x.
The manufacturer promises reduced chromatic aberration and color fringe, for the photos of high quality and great sharpness. Due to the lens’ coating, it should also provide you with reduced ghosting and flare. Here are the specs:
Focal length: 25 mmOpen F value: F 2.8Field of View: 10.3 degreesLens construction: 6 groups 8 piecesMinimum aperture: F16Maximum aperture: F 2.8Minimum photographing distance: 173 mm to 223.5 mmWorking Distance: 40 mm – 45 mmShooting magnification: 2.5 times to 5 timesNumber of diaphragm blade: 8Weight: 400 g
Photo By Richard had an opportunity to test out the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro lens, and you can watch his review in the video below. He also shares some sample photos, and you can see them here.
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro is still not available for preorders, but the expected shipping date is in April current year. Judging from the post on Nikon Rumors, the US price will be $399.
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D
The second announced lens from Laowa is 9mm f/2.8, a wide-angle lens intended for APS-C cameras. This lens will come in three different mounts: FUJIFILM X, Canon EF-M, and Sony E. Just like Laowa’s 12mm f/2.8, the new and wider 9mm f/2.8 lens promises “almost no distortion.” It’s also advertised as currently “the widest angle (113 °) lens among the wide-angle lenses for APS-C cameras with f/2.8.” Here are the specs:
Focal length: 9 mmMaximum F value: F 2.8Viewing angle: 113 degrees (corresponding format: APS-C)Lens construction: 10 groups of 15Number of diaphragm blades: 7Shortest shooting distance: 12 cmMaximum magnification: 0.13 timesFilter diameter: φ 49 mmWeight: ~ 215 g * Variable depending on mount
Just like the 25mm f/2.8 ultra-macro, the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D should start shipping in April 2018. The expected US price is $499 ex-VAT. UPDATE: Laowa 25mm f/2.8 ultra-macro is now available for preorders for Nikon F, Canon EF, Pentax K, and Sony E mounts. It’s coming at the end of April current year, at the price of $399. Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D is now available for preorders and you can get it for Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Canon EF-M mounts. The price is $499 and the shipping begins at the end of April 2018. We’ve got some sample images with the 9mm, take a look: [via Fuji Rumors, Nikon Rumors; image credits: Fuji Rumors, Nikon Rumors]
