Name: Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT
Brand: Venus Optics

5.9

▼Worse than 85% of camera-lenses

5.3

▼Worse than 84% of camera-lenses

8.1

▼Worse than 60% of camera-lenses

6.5
Low-light photography
Low-light photography
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for low-light photography performance.
When it matters
When image quality, high display fidelity, and reliable cameras are essential for your daily workflow.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
70.0%
8.9
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
6.0
Travel
Travel
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for travel performance.
When it matters
When prioritizing long battery endurance, compact weight, and dependable on-the-go connectivity.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
10
Lens length
25.0%
10
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

Technical Specifications of camera lens Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT

5.9

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Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

wide-angle prime

Lens mount

Micro Four Thirds

Sensor format coverage

Micro Four Thirds

Filter thread size

58 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

Optics & Aperture

6.4

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Minimum focal length

6 mm

Maximum focal length

6 mm

Optical zoom

N/A

Maximum angle of view

121.9 °

Minimum angle of view

121.9 °

Focus & Controls

2.8

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Focus motor

N/A

Minimum focus distance

Maximum reproduction ratio

Full-time manual focus

Internal focusing

Stabilization

1.0

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Optical image stabilization

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

N/A

Build & Handling

6.9

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Weight

Lens length

Lens diameter

Weather sealing (splashproof)

Metal mount

Lab Scores

8.0

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DxOMark overall score

DxOMark sharpness score

DxOMark transmission

DxOMark distortion

DxOMark vignetting

Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT vs the average camera lens

Why is Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT better than the average camera lens?

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0.8 lower f-number at telephoto end
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
2
▲ Better than 66% of models
Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
2 vs 2.8
322 g lighter
Weight
188 g
▲ Better than 88% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (188 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
188 g vs 510 g
Has focus distance scale
Focus distance scale
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
40.25 mm shorter lens
Lens length
52 mm
▲ Better than 87% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (52 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
52 mm vs 92.25 mm
2 more low-dispersion elements
Low-dispersion elements
4
▲ Better than 82% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
4 vs 2
16 mm narrower lens barrel
Lens diameter
61 mm
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (61 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
61 mm vs 77 mm
Newer release date
Release date
2022
▲ Better than 87% of models
Market range: <2k – >2k
This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
December 2022
2022 vs 2016

0.8 lower f-number at telephoto end
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
2
▲ Better than 66% of models
Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
2 vs 2.8
2 more low-dispersion elements
Low-dispersion elements
4
▲ Better than 82% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
4 vs 2

Has focus distance scale
Focus distance scale
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.

322 g lighter
Weight
188 g
▲ Better than 88% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (188 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
188 g vs 510 g
40.25 mm shorter lens
Lens length
52 mm
▲ Better than 87% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (52 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
52 mm vs 92.25 mm
16 mm narrower lens barrel
Lens diameter
61 mm
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (61 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
61 mm vs 77 mm
Newer release date
Release date
2022
▲ Better than 87% of models
Market range: <2k – >2k
This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
December 2022
2022 vs 2016

Why is Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT worse than the average camera lens?

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Not weather-sealed
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
4 fewer aperture blades
Aperture blades
5
▼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <7 – >9
This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
5 vs 9
No full-time manual focus
Full-time manual focus
no
▼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens 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
Rounded aperture blades
no
▼ Worse than 88% of models
This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
5 blades.
No internal focusing
Internal focusing
no
▼ Worse than 84% of models
This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
30.6% less popular
Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT is less popular than the average camera lens (5.58 vs 7.3).
5.58 vs 7.29
7.5% worse value for money
Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.41 vs 6.9).
6.41 vs 6.89
0.01 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.18 x
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
0.18 x vs 0.192 x

30.6% less popular
Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT is less popular than the average camera lens (5.58 vs 7.3).
5.58 vs 7.29
7.5% worse value for money
Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.41 vs 6.9).
6.41 vs 6.89

4 fewer aperture blades
Aperture blades
5
▼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <7 – >9
This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
5 vs 9
No rounded blades
Rounded aperture blades
no
▼ Worse than 88% of models
This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
5 blades.

No full-time manual focus
Full-time manual focus
no
▼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens 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
Internal focusing
no
▼ Worse than 84% of models
This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
0.01 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.18 x
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
0.18 x vs 0.192 x

Not weather-sealed
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

opticallimits.com

01/03/2023

Summary of the review

Laowa 6mm f/2 Zero-D MFT Review - OpticalLimits

The Laowa 6mm f/2 Zero-D MFT is an ultra-wide, manual-focus prime lens for Micro Four Thirds systems that delivers a dramatic 112° field of view and unique close-up capabilities down to 9cm. In terms of optical performance, the lens produces highly impressive center sharpness even at f/2, which becomes truly excellent alongside very sharp corners when stopped down to the f/2.8–f/5.6 sweet spot. True to its "Zero-D" moniker, geometric distortion is remarkably low for such a wide focal length. Furthermore, its choice of 5 straight aperture blades allows it to render beautifully defined sun stars starting early at f/2.8. Mechanically, it features an excellent, compact all-metal body with a buttery smooth focus ring and electronic contacts that seamlessly transmit EXIF data and enable aperture control through the camera body. However, the lens does suffer from a few notable drawbacks. It exhibits very high raw vignetting, peaking at 3.1 EV at f/2 and remaining at ~1.9 EV even when stopped down, requiring software auto-correction to tame the heavy light falloff. Lateral chromatic aberrations (color shadowing) are also a bit high and...

lenstip.com

14/03/2023

Summary of the review

LensTip.com

in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside You sent: 1 tab and said: 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside Venus Optics LAOWA 6 mm f/2 Zero-D MFT review - Image resolution - LensTip.com 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside

micro43italia.it

20/02/2023

Summary of the review

Laowa 6mm f/2.0 Zero-D MFT - Micro 4/3 Italy

The Laowa 6mm f/2.0 Zero D MFT is an ultra-wide rectilinear lens designed for the Micro Four Thirds system, delivering a massive 121.9° angle of view (12mm full-frame equivalent) in an incredibly compact and lightweight metal build. A major upgrade highlighted in this review is the inclusion of electronic contacts, which allow for EXIF data transfer, camera-body aperture control, and automatic focus-peaking activation—features missing from older Laowa models. The lack of a manual aperture ring makes the lens highly ergonomic, ensuring natural finger placement near the built-in metal lens hood while focusing. It features a standard 58mm front filter thread and boasts a remarkably close minimum focusing distance of just 9cm, making it highly versatile for creative tight-space compositions and indoor photography. In terms of performance, the reviewer praises its excellent center sharpness even wide open at f/2.0, with exceptional, "spectacular" sharpness across the entire frame when stopped down to around f/5.6. Vignetting is light, gradual, and easy to correct in post-processing. However, the lens is not without its drawbacks; notable chromatic aberration (purple fringing) was observed in high-contrast indoor...

bertolinimarco.it

19/11/2023

Summary of the review

Venus Laowa 6mm f/2 Zero-D MFT Review

The Venus Laowa 6mm f/2 Zero-D MFT is a compact, ultra-wide-angle manual focus lens designed for Micro 4/3 systems, weighing just 188g and featuring a 58mm filter thread. Tested primarily in nature and wide-angle macro-photography, the lens provides an expansive 121.9° angle of view and boasts an impressively short minimum focusing distance of just 9 cm with a 0.18x reproduction ratio. It is built with electronic contacts that allow aperture control directly from the camera body, and it delivers highly detailed, sharp images with pleasant colours and well-controlled chromatic aberrations, especially at apertures ranging from wide open up to f/11. The review highlights several core strengths and weaknesses of the lens. The main advantages (pros) include its excellent image quality, small and lightweight form factor, a smooth and precise manual focus ring, and built-in electronic contacts for aperture control, making it highly effective for environmental close-up photography. On the downside (cons), the reviewer noted noticeable image distortion along the outer edges when shooting at the minimum focusing distance, requiring users to keep key subjects centered. Additionally, the lack of autofocus...

focus-review.com

21/12/2022

Summary of the review

Laowa 6mm F2 Zero-D MFT Review: Extreme Ultra-Wide Lens for Micro Four Thirds

The Laowa 6mm F2 Zero-D MFT is an exceptionally compact and lightweight rectilinear ultra-wide-angle lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, offering a massive 122-degree angle of view without fisheye distortion. Unlike older or cine versions, this photography-centric model features built-in electronic contacts. These contacts automatically transmit crucial EXIF data to the camera body, ensuring that in-camera image stabilisation works optimally and allowing users to change the aperture directly through the camera rather than via a manual lens ring. Built with a robust all-metal housing and a smooth, mechanically linked focus ring, the lens boasts a minimum focusing distance of just 9 cm and a 5-blade aperture that creates distinctive 10-point sunstars when stopped down. Optically, it performs impressively with sharp center resolution even at its wide-open F2 maximum aperture, making it an excellent tool for architectural, interior, astro, and landscape photography. The core advantages of this lens include its extreme 121.9° focal breadth, excellent low-light capabilities at F2, and negligible optical distortion achieved purely through optical design rather than software manipulation. Furthermore, its tiny footprint (61x52mm), 188-gram lightweight build,...

Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT Review | 54 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of camera lens Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT

Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT vs the average camera lens

Why is Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT better than the average camera lens?

Why is Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT worse than the average camera lens?

Expert reviews

Third-party reviews

What we like about Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT

What we don't like about Venus Optics Laowa 6mm F 2 Zero-D MFT

Verdict

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