Laowa has released an updated version of its popular 12mm Zero-D lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF lens is available with E, Z, RF and L-Mount options. Nikon and Sony users can also choose an autofocus version of the lens.
Zero D
The Zero D in the name of Laowa’s new 12 mm lens stands for zero distortion. Wide-angle lenses usually cause distortion in your images. Most commonly, straight lines will become curved, especially near the edges of the frame. However, the Laowa 12mm Zero-D lens is a rectilinear lens, which means that you don’t get that distortion. With an ultra-wide 122-degree angle of view on a full-frame camera, Laowa also says that the new lens is one of the widest non-fisheye lenses available.
Lite
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens has been branded Lite because it is lighter and more compact than the previous design. At only 0.83 pounds (377 g), the new lens is almost half the weight of the original, which weighed 1.54 pounds (699 g).
It’s also smaller, measuring 3 inches (77 mm) by 3 inches (75.5 mm), compared to 4.4 inches (113 mm) by 3.2 inches (82.2 mm) for the older model. Those figures are for the Sony E-mount version, and there is a slight variance across camera systems. The filter thread is 72 mm.
Optical design
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens is constructed with 16 lens elements in 9 groups. The company also states that the new lens delivers improved sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration. In addition, the 12mm Zero-D lens offers a close focus distance of just 5.5 inches (14 cm). There is a manual focus version of the lens that is available for all four mount systems. However, Nikon and Sony shooters can also opt for a lens with autofocus.
Two aperture choices
The Laowa 12mm Zero-D lens has a wide maximum aperture of f/2.8. This means it will be good for low-light use. Interestingly, Laowa gives you two options with the aperture of the lens. You can choose between a five-bladed and a 14-bladed iris. With the fie-bladed aperture, you can stop it down to create 10-point sun stars.
Alternatively, the 14-bladed iris will give you a smoother, rounded bokeh in the out-of-focus parts of your image. Both aperture options are available for all four lens mounts. However, Sony and Nikon users who also want to use autofocus are limited to the 5-bladed iris model.
What we think
Laowa’s new 12mm Lite Zero-D lens builds on the strengths of the original and makes it even better. The smaller and lighter design makes the new lens ideal for use on a gimbal or even a drone. It’s also great to have such a wide focal length, but without any distortion to the image. As a result, the 12 mm Zero-D lens is perfect for architecture and real estate work. Plus, it can be difficult to achieve a shallow depth of field with such a wide-angle lens. However, the very short close focus distance of the 12mm Zero-D lens will allow you to blur your background behind a close-up subject. If you want a wide-angle lens, the Laowa 12mm Lite Zero-D is a great choice.
Pricing and availability
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF lens is available now and costs $699 across all lens mount and focus options.
