Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6: A Game-Changer in Zoom and Shift Photography
Venus Optics has unveiled the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens, a groundbreaking release as the world’s first zoom lens with shift capabilities. Designed for APS-C format cameras, this lens provides a versatile focal range of 12-24mm, equivalent to approximately 18-36mm on full-frame sensors. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers specializing in architectural, interior, and landscape photography, where perspective control and wide coverage are crucial.
The lens offers a constant maximum aperture of f/5.6 throughout its zoom range, ensuring consistent exposure and control over depth of field. Its optical construction consists of 15 elements arranged in 11 groups, including aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements. This sophisticated design minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortions, delivering sharp, accurate images with minimal post-processing required. The standout feature, however, is its ±7mm shift capability, allowing for precise in-camera correction of perspective distortions, especially beneficial when shooting tall buildings or expansive interiors.
In terms of build, the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 is both compact and lightweight. Measuring around 80mm in diameter, 98.91mm in length, and weighing approximately 575 grams, it strikes a balance between portability and functionality. The lens is manual focus only, offering a close focusing distance of 0.15 meters, perfect for creative wide-angle close-ups. Its 77mm filter thread adds flexibility for using polarizers or ND filters, enhancing the creative potential further.
Available in multiple mounts, including E, L, RF, Z, and X, this lens ensures compatibility with a wide range of mirrorless systems. Priced at around $699, it’s an accessible yet innovative tool for photographers seeking to expand their creative toolkit with the unique combination of zoom and shift capabilities.