Laowa has released a new 15mm f/4.5 0.5x wide-angle macro lens for full-frame cameras. The new lens is available in Nikon F, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Canon EF, L-mount, and Sony E-mount options.
Optical design
The Laowa 15mm wide-angle macro lens is designed with 16 lens elements across 11 groups. These include two aspherical elements, three HR (high refractive index) elements, and three ED (extra-low dispersion) elements. The 15mm lens also delivers a wide 110.5-degree angle of view. This makes it ideal for landscape shots. In addition, the lens promises excellent distortion control so it should be good for architecture work.
0.5x macro lens
The Laowa 15mm wide-angle macro lens achieves 0.5x magnification at its closest focus distance of 5.08 inches (129 mm). At this distance, objects are only 1.42 inches (36 mm) from the front element of the lens. Combined with the 15mm wide-angle of view, this means that you can capture great close-up shots with a deep, wide background. Note that the Laowa 15mm wide wide-angle lens is manual focus only.
©Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
f/4.5 aperture
The Laowa 15mm wide-angle macro lens has a maximum aperture of f/4.5, so it won’t be the best lens for low-light shooting. Wide-angle lenses also aren’t usually the best for a shallow depth of field. However, due to the very small close focus distance, you can capture great macro close-up shots with a blurred background. Alternatively, you can also achieve stunning shots with everything in focus from the front of the lens to the horizon. With a five-bladed aperture, you can also create 10-point sun stars.
Build
The Laowa 15mmwide-angle macro lens is compact, measuring just 1.88 inches (47.7 mm) in length, and 2.76 inches (70 mm) in diameter. It’s also lightweight at only 0.68 pounds (308g). Although the lens is manual focus only, some lens mount options do support auto aperture. These are Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF mount versions. The Nikon F, Canon RF and L Mount options are manual aperture only.
What we think
The Laowa 15mm lens is a great option for someone looking to pick up a wide-angle prime lens for their full-frame camera. However, you also get the option to capture eye-catching macro close-up shots with either shallow or very deep depth of field. These impressive shots will add a unique look to projects as diverse as a nature documentary or a music video. The only downside for some will be the relatively slow aperture, but the benefit is that the lens is small and lightweight. In addition, it’s refreshing to see Laowa supporting so many lens mount options with its new 15mm lens, including older options such as Canon EF.
Availability
The Laowa 15mm f/4.5 0.5x wide-angle macro lens is available now and retails at $399.
