Laowa 12mm F2.8: Ultra Grand Angle without distortion that will change everything in landscape photo

The 12mm F2.8 Laowa was initially designed for SLR type boxes (Canon EF frame) and declined in a hybrid mount (Sony E) with simply lengthening its lower part. This version was naturally 100 % manual, therefore without autofocus.

On the new 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D FF model, everything has been redesigned: new hybrid design, weight gain and size, unprecedented optical formula and integration of an autofocus system. Capable of covering the 24×36 mm sensor format, this objective is available in several hybrid frames: Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF and L-MOUNT. Important precision, only the versions in Sony and Nikon mounts have operational autofocus. The Canon and L-Mount versions act in manual focus, because Laowa is still not part of the L-Mount Alliance and Canon has not yet opened its 24×36 mount.

This 12 mm, equivalent 18 mm on an APS-C hybrid, is an ideal fixed focal length for landscape photography in the broad sense and will also be comfortable in nature as in urban areas. Its particularity is that it is announced without distortions: the horizontal and/or vertical lines are restored straight. It is a very interesting advantage, for example for architectural photography on the outdoors and indoors or photos of large spaces with the horizon endlessly.

The optical formula incorporates no less than 16 lenses divided into 9 groups with 2 aspirial lenses and 4 ED glasses. The manufacturer announces excellent image quality on all areas, from the center to the edges, even to the largest opening.

The objective enjoys a generous maximum opening of f/2.8 associated with a 5 -strip diaphragm. Note that the manufacturer offers a variation (in manual focus) with a diaphragm with 14 strips for “star” effects on direct light sources.

There is a quick and precise autofocus motorization, compatible with the subject’s monitoring at Sony and Nikon. This is the second Laowa optics equipped with an AF after 10mm F2.8 announced in early 2024 on the occasion of CP+.

For the rest, we note the presence of a 72 mm screw step at the level of the front lens, dedicated to filters, a minimum focusing distance of 14 cm, a length of 7.7 cm and a weight of 377 g.

Price and availability

The Laowa 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D FF is marketed at a price of € 829 with first deliveries expected at the start of the school year. The objective is available in Sony E and Nikon Z mount. It is also possible to obtain it in Canon RF or L-MOUNT mount, but without autofocus. Note that there is also a version with a diaphragm with 14 strips, without autofocus, in Sony E mount, Nikon Z, Canon RF or L-MOUNT. This version is offered at the same price.

First opinion

€ 829 is a fairly notable price for a fixed focal length. However, if the promises are held (optical performance, absence of distortions, autofocus efficiency), this new Laowa 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D FF should become essential for many creators looking for ultra-angle without distortions for landscape or architecture, for example. It is a fairly unique objective that does not suffer from a lot of competition (in the fixed focal segment). At Sony, for example, we can cite the Fe 14mm F1.8 Gmaster (brighter, but less wide) and offered around 1600 €. At Nikon, the widest fixed focal length is the Nikkor Z 20mm F1.8 s sold around € 1300.

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