Laowa 12mm Zero-D, 25mm and 100mm Ultra Macro Lenses - Now Also for Nikon Z and Canon RF

Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

According to Venus Optics, Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D is the world’s widest f/2.8 rectilinear lens with close-to zero distortion and now also the widest prime lens with native Canon RF & Nikon Z mount in the current market.

Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D features the widest angle of view (122°) ever offered from an f/2.8 lens. It is well suited for landscape, architecture, interior, and astrophotography. Minimum aperture of the lens is f/22 and it has 7 aperture blades. It includes 16 elements in 10 groups and the minimum focusing distance is 18cm.

Laowa 12mm Zero-D sample photo. Credit: Jose Ramos

The lens incorporates close-to-zero optical distortion feature which keeps the straight lines and shapes of objects retained from corner to corner. The front element of the lens is equipped with water and dust repelling “Frog Eye Coating” for intensive outdoor shootings in harsh conditions.

With these two new versions, the lens is currently available in 7 mounts: Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Sony FE, Canon RF & Nikon Z mounts.

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro is the most compact and versatile high magnification macro lens. It is optimized for macro shooting between 2.5X – 5X life size.

Laowa 25mm Macro sample photo. Credit: Alberto Ghizzi Panizza

The lens is specially designed with an extended working distance (45mm at 5x & 40mm at 2.5x) and small lens barrel. It allows sufficient lighting on the object for easier shooting in the field. According to Venus Optics, this lens is more compact and lighter compared to other extreme macro lenses in the market.

An optional LED Ring Light and Tripod Collar are available for easier lighting control and precision operation. With these two new verisons, there are 6 mounts currently available for this lens: Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony FE, Canon RF & Nikon Z.

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro is the second member of Laowa 2:1 macro lineup. It features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic to eliminate chromatic aberration. This new 100mm lens can focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity. Therefore it can serve for standard use, like portraits, as well.

Laowa 100mm Macro sample photo. Credit: Sean Sauer

The lens has a similar physical size to other 100mm Macro lens in the market but its wider magnification range allows macro photographers to capture subjects at any sizes. This lens is also currently available for Canon EF, Nikon AI, and Sony FE mount.

Price and Availability

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D is available now and the MSRP in the US is $849. The Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro is also available now and the MSRP in the US is $399. When it comes to the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro, the New Canon RF mount & Nikon Z mount versions will start shipping in March 2020. MSRP in the US is $499.

What do you think of these Laowa lenses? Do you use Nikon Z or Canon RF system? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.