Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£500
  • Avg. price in US: ~$550
  • Lens mount: Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E, L-Mount, Leica M
  • Maximum focal length: 11 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 4.5
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 126 °

Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.2

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%

6.3

Technical Score

20.0%

5.9

User score

Good
6.3

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%

6.5

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.2

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.4

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Good
5.9

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%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

1.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(3)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(3)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Good
  • 7.0
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.6

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 5.4
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.2

    Lens length

    25.0%

    8.7

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • venus-optics-laowa-11mm-f-4-5-ff-rl
venus-optics-laowa-11mm-f-4-5-ff-rl

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The Venus Optics Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL is an ultra-wide rectilinear prime designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, featuring a remarkable 126° angle of view and an optical construction of 14 elements in 10 groups, including two aspherical and three extra-low dispersion elements. Its main characteristics include an exceptionally compact, all-metal build weighing just 254g, a 19cm minimum focusing distance for close-up shots, and a 62mm front filter thread—a rarity for such a wide focal length. Major pros include its extreme portability, suppressed distortion, and the ability to produce clean 10-point sunstars via its 5-blade aperture. However, notable cons include significant corner vignetting, a relatively slow f/4.5 maximum aperture, lack of electronic communication for EXIF data, and a noticeable drop in sharpness toward the extreme edges of the frame.

Technical Specifications of Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL

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%

6.5

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.2

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.4

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.3
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a technical score of 6.33 points, which is lower than 85.8% 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%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

1.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(3)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(3)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

5.9
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a user score of 5.86 points, which is lower than 97.8% of camera lenses.
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.
1.3
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a popularity of 1.3 points, which is lower than 87.5% 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%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

7.9

Price

6.7
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is lower than 74.8% 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

Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E, L-Mount, Leica M
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

Full-frame
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

62 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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

11 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

11 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

126 °
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

126 °
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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

0.19 m
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL focuses as close as 0.19 m, which is closer than 86.5% of camera lenses and equal to 2.3% 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

0.1x
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.1x, which is lower than 90.5% of camera lenses and equal to 4% 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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

yes
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL supports internal focusing. 83.6% 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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

254 g
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL weighs 254 g, which is lighter than 81.6% of camera lenses.
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

58 mm
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is 58 mm long, which is shorter than 83% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.2% 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

63.5 mm
Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a diameter of 63.5 mm, which is slimmer than 85.7% of camera lenses and equal to that of 1.1% 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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

?
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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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL vs the average camera lens

  • Has aperture ring
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 271.4 g lighter
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is lighter than the average camera lens (254 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
    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

    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is lighter than the average camera lens (254 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.254 g vs 525.4 g
  • 34 mm shorter lens
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is shorter than the average camera lens (58 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is shorter than the average camera lens (58 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.58 mm vs 92 mm
  • 13.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is slimmer than the average camera lens (63.5 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is slimmer than the average camera lens (63.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.63.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.11 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.19 m vs 0.3 m
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.11 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 271.4 g lighter
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is lighter than the average camera lens (254 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 34 mm shorter lens
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is shorter than the average camera lens (58 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 13.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is slimmer than the average camera lens (63.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 4 fewer aperture blades
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 1.7 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • No rounded blades
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 0.09 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 4 fewer aperture blades
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.5 vs 9
  • 1.7 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
    When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.

    Importance: HIGH

    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.4.5 vs 2.8
  • No full-time manual focus
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No rounded blades
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    What it is: A blade design that keeps the aperture opening more circular for smoother out-of-focus highlights.
    When it matters: When you care about smoother bokeh and rounder highlight shapes in blurred backgrounds.

    Importance: HIGH

    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • 0.09 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL 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.0.1 x vs 0.192 x
  • 38.1% lower user score
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a lower user score than the average camera lens (5.86 vs 8.091).
    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.
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL has a lower user score than the average camera lens (5.86 vs 8.091).5.86 vs 8.09
  • 4.8x less popular
    Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is less popular than the average camera lens (1.33 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 11mm F 4 5 FF RL is less popular than the average camera lens (1.33 vs 6.383).1.33 vs 6.38

Graphic comparison of Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL?

  • Incredibly compact and lightweight, making it highly portable for travel and street photography
  • Solid metal build quality with smooth, well-dampened manual focusing
  • Includes a 62mm front filter thread, which is rare for an ultra-wide 11mm lens
  • Excellent center sharpness and high contrast in the middle of images
  • Impressive 126-degree ultra-wide rectilinear field of view for landscapes and architecture
  • Produces attractive 10-point sunstars when stopped down
  • Very close minimum focusing distance of 19cm allows for creative macro-style shots

What customers dislike about Venus Optics Laowa 11mm F 4 5 FF RL?

  • Noticeable drop-off in sharpness toward the corners, especially at wider apertures
  • Heavy vignetting (light fall-off) in the corners that often requires post-production correction
  • Slow maximum aperture of f/4.5 limits low-light performance without increasing ISO
  • Completely manual with no electronic contacts, meaning no EXIF data is recorded by the camera
  • The distance and Depth of Field (DOF) scales can be inaccurately marked or difficult to use
  • Visible barrel distortion is present, though it can generally be fixed in post-processing

Expert reviews

D
digitalcameraworld.com
02/09/2020
Summary of the review

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