Laowa 4.5-10mm f2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens for Sony E

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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Wex Photo VideoLaowa 4.5-10mm f2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens for Sony E
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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 ultra-wide, creative perspectives for APS-C cameras. Its key benefit is the versatile fisheye zoom, offering both circular and diagonal fisheye looks within a single, compact lens. A potential caveat is the specialized nature of fisheye lenses, which may require a learning curve for optimal use.

All features

BrandLaowa

Extended Product Information

FAQs

What type of sensor is this lens designed for?

This lens is designed for cameras with an APS-C sensor.

Is this lens autofocus or manual focus?

The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens is a manual focus lens.

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

While it can be mounted on a full-frame camera with a compatible E-mount, it will produce a circular fisheye image and require significant cropping to achieve a usable image, essentially becoming an APS-C lens.

What does 'parfocal' mean for this lens?

Parfocal means the lens maintains focus as you zoom in or out. This is particularly beneficial for video recording, allowing smooth zoom transitions without needing to refocus.

How close can I focus with this lens?

The minimum focusing distance is 10cm (approximately 3.9 inches) from the front of the lens, allowing for very close-up shots with exaggerated perspectives.

What are the two distinct fisheye effects this lens provides?

At 4.5mm, it delivers a dramatic 180-degree circular fisheye effect. At 10mm, it provides a diagonal fisheye perspective similar to a full-frame fisheye.

Is a lens hood included?

Yes, the lens is designed with an integrated lens hood to help mitigate flare and protect the front element.

Troubleshooting

Lens not recognized by camera

Ensure the lens is securely mounted on the camera body. Check if the camera's firmware is up to date. For manual focus lenses, some cameras might require enabling 'Shoot Without Lens' in the custom settings.

Soft or out-of-focus images

Verify that the lens is focused correctly using the manual focus ring. Ensure the aperture is set appropriately for the shooting conditions. Check for smudges on the lens elements.

Focus drift during zoom (video)

This lens features parfocal zoom, meaning it should hold focus while zooming. If focus drift occurs, ensure the zoom ring is operated smoothly and that the lens is properly mounted. Re-evaluate focus after zooming if needed, though this should be minimized by the parfocal design.

Excessive flare in certain lighting conditions

Fisheye lenses, due to their wide field of view, can be more susceptible to flare. Use the included lens hood or a third-party one if available. Try to position the light source to avoid direct entry into the lens, or shield the lens from direct light if possible.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Offers two distinct fisheye perspectives (circular and diagonal) in one lens.
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light capability and consistent exposure for video.
  • Parfocal design is ideal for smooth video zoom transitions.
  • Extremely close minimum focusing distance enables dramatic close-up shots.
  • Compact and lightweight for portability and use with gimbals/drones.

Cons

  • Fisheye distortion is inherent and may require post-processing for rectilinear correction.
  • Primarily designed for APS-C sensors, limiting use on full-frame cameras without significant cropping.
  • Manual focus operation may be a consideration for some users.
  • The specialized nature of fisheye lenses requires specific creative intent.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Compatibility: This lens is designed for cameras with an APS-C sensor and features a Sony E-mount. Ensure your camera body is compatible with Sony E-mount lenses.

Mounting: Mount the lens onto your camera body by aligning the red mounting dot on the lens with the corresponding mark on the camera mount. Gently rotate the lens until it clicks into place.

Focusing: The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye is a manual focus lens. Use the focus ring on the lens barrel to achieve sharp focus. For video, utilize the parfocal capability by zooming while maintaining focus.

Care:

  • Keep the front and rear lens elements clean. Use a blower to remove dust, then a soft microfiber lens cloth for smudges. For stubborn dirt, use a lens cleaning solution sparingly on the cloth, not directly on the lens.
  • Store the lens in a dry, dust-free environment, preferably in its protective pouch or a camera bag.
  • Avoid touching the lens elements with your fingers.
  • When not in use, attach the lens caps to protect the front and rear elements.

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