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Venus Optics has just released a new and improved version of its Laowa 15mm f/4.5R Zero-D Shift lens. This TIPA Awards-winning lens is ideal for architecture, interior, landscapes and cityscapes, and it now gives you more options and creative choices than before.
The new Laowa 15mm f/4.5R Zero-D Shift differs from its predecessor mainly in the number of aperture blades. There are nearly three times more of them now – the old version had only five, and the new one has as many as 14.
First announced way back in July 2021 and teased last week, Venus Optics has now finally announced its new Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift lens for full-frame cameras. This ultra-wide-angle 20mm lens offers +/- 11mm of shift (no tilt), with Laowa’s “Zero-D” zero distortion optical technology. It has a 14-blade aperture, 82mm filter thread and a rotatable lens hood to minimise the chances of it popping into view.
It offers between 94.4° and 117° (for panorama) field of view, makes it ideal for architecture and interior photography, allowing you to correct for converging or diverging vertical lines. It expands the Laowa Zero-D Shift lens lineup to two, adding to the 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift announced in October 2020.
This one’s been a long time in the making, but according to a teaser image, it seems that Venus Optics is finally getting ready to announce their Laowa 20mm f/4 C-Dreamer shift lens next week. The lens was first shown off way back in July 2021 at a photography show in Shanghai, China. It sure has been a wait but now it looks like the lens might finally be upon us.
According to last year’s report, the lens is expected to cover a full-frame sensor, a focal length of 20mm, a maximum aperture of f/4 and offer shift capabilities – but no tilt. The lens hasn’t been called out by name in the new teaser, however, the overall design and markings on the lens are clearly the same as the lens shown off in Shanghai as well as a second image that appears to have leaked.
When Laowa announced their upcoming 15mm F/4.5 shift lens, I was intrigued. I mean, there is no tilt in this lens, but for most of my architecture work, shift is enough. Especially for a 15mm lens that is marked with zero distortion. For $1,200 this lens coupled with the Canon R5 is a beast combo. Let’s have a look at this unique lens.
Venus Optics has announced their new Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift lens for Canon EF/RF, Nikon F/Z, Sony FE, Leica L and Pentax K. Covering a huge 65mm diameter image circle, Laowa says this is the world’s widest shift lens available for either full-frame or medium format.
Offering +/- 11mm of shift (or +/- 8mm on medium format cameras like the Fuji GFX series – although, you’ll need an adapter), the lens allows you to correct for the perspective issues inherent in shooting ultra-wide-angle lenses which gives the appearance of buildings “leaning” in the shot. It corrects to keep vertical lines vertical in-camera instead of having to try to fix it in post.
Udi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.
Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe
Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.
John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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