Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens - Micro Four Thirds

The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye is a compact parfocal zoom lens designed to provide uniqu...

Best current price£409.00from Wex Photo Video

One Offer

1 offer from £409.00

View price history by clicking the chart icon.

Wex Photo VideoLaowa 4.5-10mm f2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens for Micro Four Thirds
Free delivery in 1–3 days
£409.00
Visit shop

Product Information

Full details

The Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye lens is a specialized optic designed for Micro Four Thirds shooters who need ultra-wide, immersive perspectives for both photography and high-end video. Its primary strength lies in its unique ability to maintain constant focus while zooming—making it a powerful tool for filmmakers—though users should be aware that the extreme fisheye distortion requires careful composition to avoid unintentional subject warping.

All features

BrandLaowa

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Is this lens autofocus compatible?

No, this is a fully manual focus lens. You must adjust the focus ring manually.

Can I use filters with this lens?

Due to the extreme curvature of the front element, traditional screw-on front filters cannot be used.

What does parfocal mean in this context?

A parfocal lens maintains its focus point even when you zoom in or out, meaning you don't have to refocus after changing the focal length.

Will this lens work on APS-C cameras?

This lens is specifically optimized for the Micro Four Thirds sensor size.

How do I fix the fisheye distortion in post-production?

You can use lens correction profiles in software like Adobe Lightroom or DaVinci Resolve to rectify or reduce the fisheye curvature.

Is the aperture ring clicked or de-clicked?

The lens is designed for versatility, and most variants feature a smooth aperture control suitable for video work.

Troubleshooting

Camera does not fire the shutter

Enable the 'Shoot without lens' setting in your camera's custom menu to allow the body to operate without electronic communication.

Focus appears soft at the edges

Fisheye lenses often show edge softness at wide apertures. Stop down to f/5.6 or f/8 for greater depth of field and improved sharpness across the frame.

Excessive lens flare

Given the 180-degree field of view, light sources often enter the frame. Reposition yourself slightly to shade the front element or block the light source with your hand.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Parfocal zoom functionality is excellent for professional video production
  • Extremely compact and lightweight build is ideal for gimbal use
  • Fast f/2.8 aperture allows for solid performance in low-light environments
  • Unique ability to capture 180-degree perspectives provides creative versatility
  • Close focusing distance opens up unique wide-angle macro possibilities

Cons

  • Fisheye distortion is non-linear and may require post-processing correction
  • Extremely wide angle makes it difficult to avoid getting hands or tripod legs in the shot
  • Manual focus only, which requires practice for precise control
  • No electronic communication with the camera body means no EXIF data transmission

Setup, Compatibility & Care

This lens is designed specifically for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras. To set up, simply align the lens mount index mark with the camera mount and rotate clockwise until it clicks. Since this is a manual focus lens, ensure your camera's 'Release without lens' or 'Shoot without lens' setting is enabled in the menu system.

For care, avoid touching the exposed front element, as fisheye lenses are highly prone to smudges. Always use the provided lens cap when not in use, and store the lens in a humidity-controlled bag or case to prevent internal fungus. Clean the glass only with a specialized lens pen or microfiber cloth to prevent scratching the specialized lens coatings.

Similar items

Price History

DatePrice
Visit shop