Third-party lens makers, such as Venus Optics’ Laowa, have created affordable lenses that are perfect for many young creators. If you are someone who has just begun your journey but needs lenses that can meet your varying needs, then we have a few options for you. Typically, from ultra-wide to standard telephoto primes, Laowa offers a comprehensive range of focal models. So, let’s have a look.
Laowa 6mm f2 Zero-D MFT
The 6mm f2 Zero-D MFT is an exciting lens for anyone who wants an ultra-wide look, without the fisheye effect. The lens offers a 121.9-degree field of view, has 0.18x magnification, and 5 aperture blades. There are also 13 elements in three groups, and the total weight is 188g. The lens is small, so you do not have too many controls. The build quality is entirely metal, and it complements Olympus cameras well, but lacks weather sealing. As for images, the lines are straight, so no distortion, the bokeh is pentagonal in shape, and the colors are quite accurate. But sharpness does fall, so you have to shoot at f8.
Laowa Argus 18mm f0.95 MFT APO
Argus 18mm f0.95 MFT APO is a Micro Four Thirds lens, and it is quite popular thanks to its really wide open aperture. The device has 14 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED elements, and features 9 aperture blades, with a minimum shooting distance of 20cm. As a manual focus lens, it features all the markings to make your life easy. The focus ring works well, but it needs to stop down to be able to get the focus right. Other than that, the bokeh is truly lovely, and “edge softness and barrel distortion mix to give the background a bit of a swirl.” The colors are accurate, and you get some nice lens flare, adding character. The 18mm is sharp, but not the clinical sharpness you see with Sony.
Laowa 45mm F0.95
The 45mm F0.95 features 13 elements in 9 groups, including 1 aspherical, 1 ED, a nd 3 UHR glass elements. It also offers 15 aperture blades, a 19.7-inch close focusing distance, and has a 72mm filter thread. The device has a 300° focus throw for smooth manual focusing, and the build quality is good. Albeit no weather sealing. Pair with zone focusing, and you can get some exciting images on the streets. “Bokeh balls are slightly lemon-shaped,” we said. “But that aside, top marks to Venus Optics for providing an affordable lens with bokeh that competes with medium format lenses,” we added. The colors are accurate and you will see sme vignetting. But the latter can be of help later on.
Laowa 90mm f2.8 2x Ultra Macro
Best option for macro photographers on a budget, the 90mm f2.8 offers extra reach. It has an 8.1-inch minimum focus distance, a 2:1 macro reproduction ratio, and 3h extra-low dispersion glass elements. The lens has a vintage vibe, offering enough controls and buttons, and it feels nice in your hands as well. You will struggle with the manual focus, but you can get better with practice. The sharpness is great, as usual, and the narrow depth of field makes things much better. “The rainbow-colored, streaky flare adds even more ways that this lens can help create photos that stand out in a feed,” we added. Plus, you get vivid and diverse colors, and if you overexpose the photos, they look pastel.