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Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£700Lens mount:Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony EMaximum focal length:45 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):0.95Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:51.3 °

Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models
Score components

80%

6.7

Technical score

20%

7.6

User score

▲Better than 51% of camera-lenses
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components

35%

9.3

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.4

Build & Handling

20%

6.1

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

▲Better than 56% of camera-lenses
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

1.8

Number of reviews

Based on 2 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
▼Worse than 87% of camera-lenses
  • venus-optics-laowa-argus-45mm-f-0-95-ff
venus-optics-laowa-argus-45mm-f-0-95-ff

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components:

35%

9.3

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.4

Build & Handling

20%

6.1

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.7
User score
User score
7.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

1.8

Number of reviews

Based on 2 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.6
Popularity
Popularity
1.8/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models
Popularity:
Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF has a popularity score of 1.8 points, which is lower than 90% of camera lenses.
1.8
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components:

60%

6.9

Overall score

40%

6.8

Price

6.9
Lens type
prime
Lens mount
Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
72 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
▼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
45 mm
Maximum focal length
45 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
51.3 °
Minimum angle of view
51.3 °
Show more
Focus motor
N/A
Minimum focus distance
0.5 m
Minimum focus distance
0.5 m
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.5 m, which is farther than 70.1% of camera lenses and equal to 3.7% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.12xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.12x
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.12x, which is lower than 81.3% of camera lenses and equal to 5.3% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
▼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
▲ Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
▼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
913 g
Weight
913 g
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 913 g, which is heavier than 80.6% of camera lenses.
Lens length
110 mm
Lens length
110 mm
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 110 mm long, which is longer than 66.3% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
76.8 mm
Lens diameter
76.8 mm
▲ Better than 51% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 76.8 mm, which is slimmer than 50.5% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.2% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
▲ Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • 1.85 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    0.95
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    0.95 vs 2.8
  • Has aperture ring
    Aperture ring
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This camera lens has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.3% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    De-clickable aperture ring
    yes
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    This camera lens has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.3% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
    De-clickable aperture ring.
  • 6 more aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    15
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (15 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    15 vs 9
  • 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.
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2021
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    December 2021
    2021 vs 2016
  • 1.85 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    0.95
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    0.95 vs 2.8
  • 6 more aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    15
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (15 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    15 vs 9
  • Has aperture ring
    Aperture ring
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This camera lens has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.3% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    De-clickable aperture ring
    yes
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    This camera lens has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.3% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
    De-clickable aperture ring.
  • 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.
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2021
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    December 2021
    2021 vs 2016
  • 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.
  • 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.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
  • 403 g heavier
    Weight
    913 g
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (913 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    913 g vs 510 g
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 0.07 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.12 x
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.12 x vs 0.192 x
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 17.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    110 mm
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (110 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    110 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 3.94x less popular
    Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF is less popular than the average camera lens (1.85 vs 7.3).
    1.85 vs 7.29
  • 10.7% lower user score
    User score
    7.6/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF
    the average camera lens
    Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.55 vs 8.360).
    7.55 vs 8.36
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 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.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
  • 0.07 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.12 x
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.12 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.2 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.5 m
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.5 m vs 0.3 m
  • 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.
  • 403 g heavier
    Weight
    913 g
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (913 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    913 g vs 510 g
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • 17.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    110 mm
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (110 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    110 mm vs 92.25 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
petapixel.com
28/12/2021
Summary of the review
Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95 FF Review: Unique Focal Length and Unreal Bokeh
D
digitalcameraworld.com
05/03/2022
Summary of the review
Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95 FF review - Digital Camera World
M
malificent-images.com
04/08/2022
Summary of the review
Wide Open with the LAOWA Argus 45mm f0.95 FF Would you like to see sample images or a comparison with the 35mm f/0.95Go to product viewer dialogue for...
F
focus-review.com
13/08/2022
Summary of the review
Full Lens Review – Laowa Argus 45mm F0.95 FF II - Ultra-bright!
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 2 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF

  • Extreme f/0.95 maximum aperture provides ultra-shallow depth of field and excellent subject isolation.
  • Robust all-metal construction with a high-quality tactile feel.
  • Smooth, buttery bokeh with a 'creamy' and 'dreamy' quality.
  • Remarkable center sharpness even when used wide open at f/0.95.
  • Long focus throw (approx. 270°-300°) allows for very precise manual focusing.
  • Video-friendly features including a de-clickable aperture ring and internal focusing with low focus breathing.
  • Significantly better close-up performance compared to its 35mm sibling.

What we don't like about Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF

  • Fully manual lens with no electronic contacts, meaning no EXIF data is recorded to the camera.
  • Large and heavy design, weighing roughly 835g to 900g depending on the mount.
  • Low contrast at f/0.95, though it improves significantly by f/1.2 or f/1.4.
  • Significant vignetting and softer corners when shooting wide open.
  • Prone to noticeable lens flare and purple fringing (chromatic aberration) in high-contrast situations.
  • Lack of weather sealing makes it less suitable for harsh outdoor conditions.
  • Long focus throw can be frustrating for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Verdict

The Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95 FF is a fully manual ultra-fast prime lens designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, including Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon RF mounts. It features a complex optical design with 13 elements in 9 groups—including one aspherical, one ED, and three UHR glass elements—to deliver an incredibly shallow depth of field and unique 'dreamy' bokeh. Key characteristics include a durable all-metal build, a 300° long focus throw for precise manual control, and a switchable aperture ring that can be de-clicked for silent video operation. Its main pros are exceptional low-light performance, minimal focus breathing, and impressive central sharpness even at f/0.95. However, common cons include significant vignetting when wide open, a heavy weight of approximately 835g, and the lack of electronic contacts for EXIF data communication.

Compare Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF with other products in the Camera lenses category

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Graphic comparison of Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm F 0 95 FF and other products in the Camera lenses category

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