Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£530
  • Avg. price in US: ~$600
  • Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
  • Maximum focal length: 7.5 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): ?
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 110 °

Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.5

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

7.7

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.2

Build & Handling

20.0%

4.3

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.9
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    ?

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 5.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.4

    Lens length

    25.0%

    9.2

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Venus Laowa 7.5mm T2.1 MFT Cine is an ultra-wide rectilinear prime lens for Micro Four Thirds systems, featuring a 110-degree angle of view and an optical design of 13 elements in 9 groups, including two aspherical and three extra-low dispersion elements. Weighing just 170g with a compact 46mm length, it is highly portable and gimbal-friendly, offering industry-standard 0.8 MOD gears on both the focus and stepless aperture rings, a 49mm filter thread, and a close focusing distance of 12cm for creative subject isolation. Main advantages include its fast T2.1 aperture for low-light performance, near-zero distortion for architectural work, and a robust all-metal build that includes a protective hard-shell case. However, its fully manual design lacks autofocus and electronic communication with the camera, and some users note visible vignetting and a slight loss of sharpness at the extreme corners when shooting wide open.

Technical Specifications of Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

?

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

?

Build & Handling

20.0%

?

Focus & Controls

10.0%

?

Lab Scores

8.0%

?

Stabilization

3.0%

?

Mount & Format

6.5
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a technical score of 6.54 points, which is lower than 78.3% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
1.0
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 90% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

7.7

Price

6.9
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is lower than 69.2% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

prime
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Micro Four Thirds
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Micro Four Thirds
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

49 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

7.5 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

7.5 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

110 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

110 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.12 m
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine focuses as close as 0.12 m, which is closer than 97% of camera lenses and equal to 1.3% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.111x
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.111x, which is lower than 86.7% of camera lenses and equal to 3.7% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

no
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

no
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

46 mm
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine is 46 mm long, which is shorter than 89.5% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

56 mm
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a diameter of 56 mm, which is slimmer than 97.8% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

no
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine vs the average camera lens

  • Has aperture ring
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
    What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
    When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
    De-clickable aperture ring.
    What it is: An aperture ring that can switch from stepped clicks to smooth rotation for video work.
    When it matters: When you shoot video and need smooth aperture changes without audible or visible click steps.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
    When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 46 mm shorter lens
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine is shorter than the average camera lens (46 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine is shorter than the average camera lens (46 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.46 mm vs 92 mm
  • 21 mm narrower lens barrel
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine is slimmer than the average camera lens (56 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine is slimmer than the average camera lens (56 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.56 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.18 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.12 m vs 0.3 m
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.3 vs 2
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • Has aperture ring
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.18 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 46 mm shorter lens
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine is shorter than the average camera lens (46 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 21 mm narrower lens barrel
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine is slimmer than the average camera lens (56 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No internal focusing
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • 0.08 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
    What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
    When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
    When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

    Importance: HIGH

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No internal focusing
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
    When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

    Importance: HIGH

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
  • 6.38x less popular
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).1 vs 6.38
  • 0.08 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
    What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
    When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.111 x vs 0.192 x
  • 6.5% worse value for money
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.90 vs 7.346).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
    Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.90 vs 7.346).6.9 vs 7.35

Graphic comparison of Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine?

  • Ultra-wide 110-degree view is useful for landscapes and interiors
  • Very compact 170g body suits gimbals and drones
  • Fast T2.1 aperture and cine-standard 0.8 MOD gears

What customers dislike about Venus Optics Laowa 7 5mm T2 1 MFT Cine?

  • Focus is entirely manual
  • Corners are soft at T2.1
  • No electronic communication or EXIF data

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