Laowa 12mm f2.8 Zero-D Lens - Sony E

The Laowa 12mm f2.8 Zero-D is a seriously wide-angle prime lens that features a rectilinear optica...

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eBayLaowa 12mm F2.8 Zero-D Lens (Sony FE). Ultra wide angle, manual focus lens
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Wex Photo VideoLaowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Wide Angle Lens for Sony E - Black - 12mm
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OnBuy.comLaowa 12Mm F/2.8 Zero-D Sony Fe Lens Wide Milc/Slr 16/10 22-2.8 Manual Sony E Black 6940486700237
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Wex Photo VideoLaowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Wide Lens for Sony E Mount - Black
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Product Information

Full details

The Laowa 12mm f2.8 Zero-D lens is designed for photographers seeking an ultra-wide field of view with minimal distortion, making it ideal for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography. Its key benefit is the near-zero distortion rectilinear design, ensuring straight lines remain straight. A potential caveat is that it is a manual focus lens, requiring user adjustment for every shot.

All features

BrandLaowa

Extended Product Information

FAQs

What does "Zero-D" mean?

"Zero-D" stands for Zero Distortion, indicating that the lens is engineered to have minimal to no rectilinear distortion, meaning straight lines in the real world appear straight in your photographs.

Is this lens autofocus or manual focus?

This is a manual focus lens. You will need to adjust the focus ring by hand to achieve sharp images.

Can I use filters with this lens?

Yes, an optional 100mm filter holder system is available, allowing you to use 100mm ND and CPL filters without experiencing vignetting. The built-in hood also accommodates this system.

What is the closest focusing distance?

The closest focusing distance for this lens is 0.18 meters (or approximately 0.6 feet).

What type of camera sensors is this lens designed for?

This lens is designed for full-frame cameras, providing its full 122° angle of view. It can also be used on crop-sensor cameras, where it will offer a narrower field of view.

How does the Frog Eye Coating work?

The Frog Eye Coating is applied to the front element of the lens and is designed to repel water and dust, making it easier to clean and keeping the lens surface clearer in challenging conditions.

What are the main advantages of the 12mm focal length?

The 12mm focal length provides an ultra-wide 122° field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, dramatic architectural shots, and immersive interior scenes. It allows you to fit more into the frame and create a sense of depth.

Troubleshooting

Lens is not recognized by the camera.

Ensure the lens mount is clean and correctly attached to the camera body. Verify that you have selected the correct lens mount for your camera system.

Images appear soft or out of focus.

Double-check that the lens is set to manual focus and that the focus ring has been adjusted accurately. Use live view magnification on your camera to confirm critical focus, especially at wide apertures or close distances.

Significant flare or ghosting in bright light.

Ensure the built-in lens hood is extended. Try to avoid pointing the lens directly at very bright light sources. If necessary, consider using an external lens hood or shield, or shooting at slightly different angles. Check if any protective filters are clean.

Vignetting (dark corners) in images.

This lens is designed to minimize vignetting, even with filters. If vignetting occurs, ensure no external accessories are causing obstruction. If using filters without the dedicated holder, try a different filter or mounting method. Stop down the aperture slightly (e.g., to f/4 or f/5.6) as vignetting is often more pronounced at the widest aperture.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional reduction of optical distortion for clean, straight lines.
  • Very wide 122° field of view captures expansive scenes.
  • Fast f/2.8 aperture excels in low light and astrophotography.
  • Compact and lightweight for an ultra-wide lens.
  • High image quality with good corner-to-corner sharpness.
  • Robust build with protective coatings.

Cons

  • Manual focus only, requiring user attentiveness.
  • Can be challenging to handle compositionally due to the extreme wide angle.
  • Lens hood is built-in, limiting some filter options without an adapter.
  • Requires careful handling to avoid flare despite the hood and coatings.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Compatibility: This lens is designed for full-frame cameras and is available in various mounts, including Sony E, Canon EF, Pentax K, Nikon F, and Canon RF. Ensure you select the correct mount for your camera system. It is a MILC/SLR lens component.

Setup:

  1. Mount the lens onto your camera body by aligning the red dot on the lens with the corresponding mark on the camera mount.
  2. Twist the lens clockwise until it clicks into place.
  3. Since this is a manual focus lens, set your camera to manual exposure mode (`M`) or aperture-priority mode (`A`/`Av`).
  4. Adjust the focus ring on the lens to achieve sharp focus. The closest focusing distance is 0.18 meters.
  5. Adjust the aperture ring on the lens to your desired f-stop.

Care:

  • Cleaning: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the lens elements. For stubborn smudges, use a lens cleaning solution sparingly on the cloth. The front element features a Frog Eye Coating that repels dust and moisture, making cleaning easier.
  • Storage: Store the lens in a dust-free environment, ideally in a camera bag or a protective case when not in use.
  • Protection: The built-in lens hood offers some protection against accidental bumps and stray light. Avoid exposing the lens to extreme temperatures or humidity.
  • Filter Use: For filter use, an optional 100mm filter holder system is available. Ensure proper attachment to avoid vignetting.

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