Laowa 4.5-10mm f2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens - L-Mount

Name: Laowa 4.5-10mm f2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens - L-Mount
Brand: Laowa
SKU: 544vzwed4c
Price: 409.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye is a compact APS-C fisheye zoom lens designed for creator...

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Laowa 4.5-10mm f2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens L-Mount

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Product Information

Full details

The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens is designed for photographers and videographers seeking unique ultra-wide perspectives with impressive creative flexibility. Its primary benefit is offering both circular and diagonal fisheye looks in a single, compact, parfocal lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture, ideal for landscapes, action sports, and cinematic video. A potential caveat for users is that its extreme fisheye nature requires specific post-processing for rectilinear results, which may not suit all projects.

All features

Brand	Laowa

Extended Product Information

FAQs

What is the difference between the 4.5mm and 10mm focal lengths?

At 4.5mm, the lens produces a full 180-degree circular fisheye effect, creating a circular image within the frame. At 10mm, it offers a diagonal fisheye perspective that fills the entire APS-C frame with an ultra-wide, distorted view.

Can I use this lens on a full-frame camera?

This lens is designed for APS-C sensors. While it might mount on some full-frame L-Mount cameras, it will produce a significant vignette (dark circle) or only cover a small portion of the sensor, essentially acting like a very tight circular fisheye. It is not recommended for optimal use on full-frame cameras without extensive cropping.

Is the zoom parfocal?

Yes, the lens features parfocal zoom capability, meaning it maintains focus throughout the zoom range. This is a significant advantage for videographers.

What is the minimum focusing distance?

The minimum focusing distance is 10cm (approximately 3.9 inches) from the front of the lens element. This allows for very close-up shots with dramatic perspective.

Does the lens have autofocus?

No, the Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens features manual focus only.

How do I control the aperture?

The aperture is controlled manually via the aperture ring on the lens barrel. You can set your desired f-stop directly on the lens.

Is this lens suitable for astrophotography?

Yes, the constant f/2.8 aperture makes it suitable for low-light conditions like astrophotography. The wide field of view at 4.5mm can capture large portions of the night sky.

Troubleshooting

Lens does not mount to camera

Ensure you are using a compatible L-Mount APS-C camera. Check for any obstructions on the lens mount or camera mount and carefully align the mounting indicators.

Image appears soft or out of focus

Verify that the focus ring is set correctly. If using autofocus on your camera (if supported with manual lenses), ensure it is engaged. For manual focus, try focusing again, especially at the desired shooting distance. Remember the minimum focus distance is 10cm.

Aperture blades are stuck or not responding

This lens has a manual aperture ring. Ensure the ring is set to a specific aperture value and not in an 'auto' position if your camera has one. If the aperture physically seems stuck, do not force it; consult customer support.

Excessive distortion not desired for the final image

The inherent nature of a fisheye lens is extreme distortion. Utilize post-processing software that offers de-fishing tools to correct or modify the distortion to a more rectilinear look if needed.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Offers two distinct fisheye perspectives (circular and diagonal) in one lens.
Constant f/2.8 aperture is excellent for low light and video.
Parfocal design simplifies video zoom sequences.
Very close minimum focusing distance allows for unique close-up effects.
Compact and lightweight for portability and use on stabilizers.
Versatile focal range within the fisheye category.

Cons

Extreme fisheye distortion requires de-fishing in post-production for many applications.
Not suitable for users seeking rectilinear wide-angle views.
Manual focus and aperture control may be less convenient for some shooting styles.
APS-C format limits its use on full-frame cameras without significant cropping.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup: This lens features manual focus and manual aperture control. Mount the lens to your compatible L-Mount camera body, ensuring a secure connection. Adjust the focus ring to achieve sharp images and set the aperture ring to your desired f-stop. For video, you may choose to set a specific aperture and maintain it, or adjust it during recording as needed.

Compatibility: The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens is designed for L-Mount APS-C cameras. Always ensure your camera body is compatible with L-Mount lenses and supports manual lens operation.

Care: To maintain optimal performance, keep the lens elements clean. Use a soft brush to remove dust. For smudges, use a microfiber lens cloth and a lens cleaning solution sparingly. Avoid touching the lens elements with your fingers. Store the lens in its protective cap or a padded camera bag when not in use to protect it from dust and physical damage.