Venus Optics is offering photographers the first native option to get started in the world of wide-angle macro photography with the Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens, available here for full-frame Canon EF-mount cameras. Before now, wide-angle macro required the use of extension tubes and other workarounds, but now the Laowa 15mm Macro offers true 1:1 magnification without the hassle. The ultra-wide perspective on full-frame cameras allows users to get exceptionally close to their subjects with a minimum focus distance of just 4.7", and have them fill the frame, while still capturing the background for more informative scenes. Internal focusing further assists by not disturbing your subject, even when you reach the 0.2" minimum working distance.

Optically, it is designed to minimize distortion that plagues wide-angle lenses with the use of an advanced 12 element in 9 group construction with one extra-low dispersion and three high-refractive elements. A multi-layer low-reflective coating further improved image quality by reducing the appearance of flare and ghosting. Also, when used on APS-C cameras, or in crop modes, the lens offers +/- 6mm of vertical shift which can help correct for perspective when shooting objects such as buildings.

Full manual operation is required with this lens through the use of a physical aperture ring with a range of f/4 to f/32 and a large focusing ring. A flat front element provides room for a 77mm front filter thread for using a selection of specialized filters to enhance your scene. Additionally, it has a near circular 14-blade diaphragm for smooth out of focus elements and comes with a lens hood.

EF Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format    Aperture Range: f/4 to f/32    1:1 Magnification Ratio; Internal Focus    One ED & Three High-Refractive Elements    Multi-Layer Low-Reflective Coating    Manual Focus and Aperture    Maximum Shift: +/- 6mm (APS-C)    Minimum Focus Distance: 4.7"    Front Filter Thread: 77mm    Near Circular 14-Blade Diaphragm

Ultra-wide 110° angle of view on full-frame cameras.

The wide-angle lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24mm with an 85° angle of view when used on APS-C cameras bodies or in crop modes.

Wide aperture range of f/4 to f/32.

Lens construction features 12 elements in 9 groups with 3 high-refractive elements and on extra-low dispersion element.

Minimum focus distance of 4.7" with a minimum working distance of just 0.2".

Manual focus and aperture control.

When used with APS-C cameras, the Laowa 15mm Macro can utilize +/-6 mm of vertical shift to help correct perspective.

True 1:1 magnification allows photographers to capture life-sized images of their subjects while still providing infinity focus for use as a standard wide-angle lens.

Near-circular 14-blade aperture diaphragm provides smooth out-of-focus elements.

Accepts 77mm threaded filters.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I'm getting silhouetting in some of my pics. None of the customer photos on this page show it. How do i get rid of it?

A: Do you mean a vignette? Can you share a sample? With macro you really need fill light.

Q: 2. With the ftz adapter, I just cannot nail tje focus at 1:1. Anyone have an idea what am doing wrong?

A: If the lens was placed further or closer than 4.7" from the subject, it will be difficult to focus for 1:1.

Q: 3. When the description mentions shift it puts (APS-C) after it. Can you also use the shift on a full-frame camera, or is the image circle too small?

A: I havent had the opportunity to try the shift on my D800, but my understanding is that it will significantly vignette.

Q: 4. Which lens mount can it fit on techart pro? I looking to get this lens to fix onto techart then to Sony A7.

A: Nikon has the longest flange focal distance so this means it is generally the easiest to adapt. I use both Sony and Nikon so I purchased the Nikon mount with this lens. I use it with my a7rii with a very simple mechanical adapter from ebay and it works great. Sorry I don't have specific info regarding the Techart Pro, but I thought this suggestion might be helpful in your search for information.

Q: 5. How well-corrected is this lens for field curvature?

A: The lens is very wide for a macro lens so it can produce distortion.

Q: 6. How is this lens in terms of COMA aberation? Has anyone tried this lens for night landscapes, where a close in foreground object is combined with a sky full of stars. Are the stars sharp to the edge, or do they start to look like birds in flight?

A: I'm sorry but I haven't done the type of photography that the asker is interested in.

Q: 7. Is this lens prone to let dust come on the sensor? I ask this because of the shift mecanism. Is the lens body well insulated?

A: The Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens for Leica L It does not have the issue as zoom lenses have with dust. But it is not listed as weather sealed, which is pretty common on shift lenses.

Q: 8. Does it work with a generic 4x6 (100mm) square filter holder? If yes, has the vignette issue become worse? Thanks.

A: Yes, a filter holder for 100mm filters can be attached and the lens is compatible with those filters.

Q: 9. Can we use this with Canon 70D

A: I use it on my Full frame 6D but apparently it can be used on a crop sensor check for vignetting before you buy.

Q: 10. In 4k60 on the s5iix (BH #PADCS5M2) , i think there is a 1.5x-ish crop. Would this lens be ~ 22-24mm focallength @4k60crop?

A: That is correct. Using the Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens for Leica L on the Panasonic S5ii X in 4k 60 will crop 1.5 times. And the lens will be like a 22.5mm lens.