Laowa launches 15mm F/5 Cookie FF ultra-wide-angle lens
Laowa 15mm F/5 Cookie FF. © Laowa
As its name suggests with the mention FF, this new lens designed for hybrids is able to cover the 24×36 mm sensor format. Used on a body equipped with an APS-C format sensor, it is therefore equivalent to 22.5 mm (conversion coefficient of 1.5 x on average according to the manufacturers). Samyang is thinking big since this lens is available as soon as it is released in several mounts: Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount and Leica M.
Photo taken with the Laowa 15mm F/5 Cookie FF. © Laowa / Lucas Shu
It is therefore a wide-angle focal length which offers a field angle of 110 degrees designed to meet many uses such as landscape photography, street photography or even architectural photography. It is a manual focus lens that uses an optical formula of 13 lenses divided into 9 groups. It offers a minimum focusing distance of 12cm with a magnification ratio of 0.2X for close-up photography.
Photo taken with the Laowa 15mm F/5 Cookie FF © Laowa / WenTaiDaShu
It is quite dim, offering a maximum aperture of f/5 combined with a 5-blade diaphragm with star effect! That is, point sources of light in the image will turn into beautiful 10-pointed stars. The Sony E and Nikon Z mount versions are equipped with an automatic aperture preselection system. The lens therefore communicates with the body and it is possible to change the aperture value directly from the camera. A USB-C port is also present for possible firmware updates. There is also a manual diaphragm adjustment ring on the other mounts.
The Laowa 15mm F/5 Cookie FF in Sony E and Nikon Z mount. © Laowa
The lens is particularly compact and light. The Sony and Nikon version is 3.5 cm long and weighs 134 grams. The Canon, Leica and L-Mount version measures 2.4 cm long and weighs 104 grams. The lens benefits from a very beautiful retro design and a metal finish. It is also available in two colors: black or silver.
Availability and price
The new Laowa 15mm F/5 Cookie FF is priced at €490 and available in Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount and Leica M mounts.
First opinion
This new ultra wide angle is, once again, a beautiful and attractive surprise from Laowa which always offers different lenses or with a little something extra. Its minimalist dimensions will make it an interesting tool for street photography enthusiasts who want to explore the asphalt for long hours with discreet and lightweight equipment. The 24×36 compatibility is a real plus and the variation in almost all mounts on the market will not make anyone jealous (except perhaps users of Fujifilm cameras).
What lenses are compatible with a Sony mirrorless camera?
