I have been told that Laowa is developing a new firmware so that the lens can use the Sony in-camera lens profile correction to correct/minimise vignetting.
Great review, Richard. Bravo for comparing it to the 10-20. I think a lot of people looking for this extreme field of view are cross shopping these two.
Zero "D"? Chromatic aberration? Astigmatism? Coma? Vignetting? Orthogonal(ity) - a choice in design, by the way? Flare (visible artefacts)? Glare/haze (loss of contrast through reflection between element surfaces across entire frame)? All of these were in the "distortion class" in photography school. Firmware update via the camera body? Did Nikon sanction this brand/lens? Because if it is merely tolerated, then Nikon may close this route in the next firmware release, intentionally or accidentally. Still, nice review. As to "in-camera lens correction profiles" my understanding is that these are applied to SOOC JPEGs, but in the case of raw images, are encapsulated as metadata for the specific lens, not used to alter the raw data. Which means that as a raw shooter you can be indifferent to these being present in camera, if you can apply them in post, more or less automatically.
Thank you for your thorough review of this Laowa 10mm f:2.8 super wide and super fast lens. I especially appreciate the comparison to the Canon 10-20 mm f:4 zoom lens, because it gives us a good benchmark to measure the various characteristics by. Very helpful review. I will be getting this Laowa lens!
Excellent review. I for one appreciate the length and comprehensiveness. The comparison with the Canon RF 20-20/4 was ideal and very fair in my view. I think the conclusion for that comparison is that this Laowa has the corner sharpness advantage for stopped down usage due to the lower distortion which means that the pixels in the corners are not stretched as much, although I was surprised that the Canon appeared better at f/4. You could have tested the lens flair performance when stopped down too, where it may have better matched up with the Canon, as in your sunstar comparison it appeared that the rainbow flair disappeared at f/4.
i just put my old Sigma 12-24 on sale and had a hard choice between Laowa 9 mm 5.6 and 10 2.8. 1 mm is not much but you can clearly see with samples. Finally I made my decision to get 10 2.8 for AF, 77 mm filters and 2,8... I do believe I made the right choice.
Thank you for the great review and comparison! Exactly what I was looking for. I wondered how it stacked up against the standard Canon, Nikon and even Tamron & Sigma offerings. Years ago I bought the IRIX 11mm f/4 Blackstone for tight spaces and unfortunately that lens is not as great optically as I hoped. Lots of CA and even a bit more distortion. It works OK on a 24 megapixel sensor, but it can't seem to resolve a 45 megapixel sensor. It also seems to have some color cast and low contrast. This Laowa is going to replace that lens to use with my Nikon Z8. The autofocus is very important to me even on a lens this wide, because I plan on using it while shooting some sports! It was hard to manual-focus the IRIX in fast-paced situations, so AF is a great addition. I look forward to receiving it in the mail, hopefully soon.
This lens is really impressive. Also 1 stop brighter than the canon to compensate no ois. What is the minimum shutter speed you can realistically use handheld?
The optics look superb, but why have AF for other brands but not Canon RF? If it's technical, I'd really expect to have the MF-only versions to be at least cheaper. Even though there is no AF, is there electronic contacts on RF version so that EXIF data is written?
One thing I wish you had done. Especially with the close focus distance is to do a focus stack. I can see the potential for landscape with a spectacular close-focus stack. Also, did you use a Nikon version or just a Canon version? If you used Nikon, what camera did you use?
It would have been nice to see a choice of aperture blade design in the autofocus version too, as I would prefer the less obvious sunstar look for consistency with my other autofocus lenses.
I would like to be able to change the aperture blade! Like swap out the whole aperture blade module. Probably impossible to do, maybe I'll ask Mr Li (Laowa's founder) when I chat to him next time
@@TheRealRichardWong I imagine user-interchangeable aperture modules is not worth the engineering effort and resulting complications, but apart from SKU proliferation I don't see why offering a choice of aperture designs independent of the auto/manual focus versions is unreasonable.
I have the Laowa 7.5mm 2.0 for my micro four thirds cameras and it's my favorite wide angle lens. I'm more than likely going to buy this 10mm AF for my Sony A7RV. Love Laowa lenses!
Hola Richard, me ha gustado mucho la review de este objetivo, no se inglés asi que solo lo puede leer en la traducción, pero , le agradezco su esfuerzo por comunicarnos y enseñarnos, me gustaría aprovechar para preguntarle algo, ya que seguro que lo compro, jaja: Si con esta lente quiero enfocar a la hiperfocal, siendo automática es complicado o no, porque si es un objetivo manual es mucho más fácil buscar la hiperfocal, Muchas gracias espero que pueda traducir mis palabras jajaj y a partir de ahora lo seguiré, mas a menudo.
Hello Jose. thank you for watching my video! For hyperfocal, in theory, it would be easier to do that with a manual focus lens as you can set the focus distance accurately using the focus scale on the lens. However, a lot of manual focus lens from China do not have accurate focus distance scale on the lens so you need to do a lot of trial and error to find out what works for you. It's still relatiely easy with an ultra wide angle lens like this Laowa because of it's very deep depth of field, no matter with manual or auto lens
@@TheRealRichardWong hola Richard, de acuerdo muchas gracias por la información , se lo agradezco, y volveré a verle en los nuevo video, un saludo y mucha suerte y empeño, desde España.
haha yes sorry my reviews are usually quite a bit longer than average. I like to present as many test results and discussions for potential buyers to help them with their purchase decision
The af commands and software update protocol for l-mount alliance lenses are different from Sony and Nikon. You cannot put an Android app on an iPhone. They did put a menichacal adapter with manual focus. Canon does not allow any use of its protocols by any company, and l mount may have limitations for only certain vendors or may not allow lens firmware update through the body for Chinese manufacturers. Who knows. If it was as easy as you say , they would have done it.
Great review as always. Lego bee pics stood out to me. Both have an oof rendering that gives a pleasent, surreal look. The distortion looks like motion blur... Title says 10-20 _f2.8_ L btw Cheers
The 9mm would be a bit wider, but to be honest 10mm is already insanely wide, so the advantage with autofocus + 2 stops faster make the Laowa 10mm a much more practical lens
No AF for RF mount. so it's not an advantage for Canon shooter. 2 stops faster and 77mm front filter thread is nice, but brightin star is also 2x cheaper @ only $400
Thanks I am interested in the L mount for my Sigma fp. I really like the “vanishing point” look I can see. It should be fun for macro type and buildings etc….. Laurie. NZ. 😊
Do you have any experience with the stabilisation performance of this Laowa on the Z6 compared with the Canon RF 10-20/4 on the RP, as Canon supposedly optimised the lens IS for the ultra-wide angle of view for photos? So which lens was better stabilised in the image periphery?
Great video! I am a bit disappointed about the price of the MF lens, because I want this lens for L mount (but with autofocus haha). Does the manual version give exif data and has weather sealing and aperture ring? If not I`m considering the z mount version for my Nikon ZF, although I prefer my Lumix for this kind of photography.
@@TheRealRichardWong that cant be just it. How come Meike can do AF L-Mount lenses without joining the L-Mount Alliance? Nothing but cheap excuses from Laowa in this case. Same from Viltrox. I am highly disappointed by this behaviour. Any chance to adress this at them?
Unfortunately there is still no third party AF lens for L-mount yet. I do know a few brands are looking into it. Meike is supposed to be releasing their AF 85 1.4 lens in L-mount very soon.
i have samyang 14mm f2.8(totally satisfied), and i tempted to buy laowa 10mm f2.8... do u think its 10mm is overkill for ultrawide portrait/Human Interest? I rarely shoot architecture and landscape
I have been told that Laowa is developing a new firmware so that the lens can use the Sony in-camera lens profile correction to correct/minimise vignetting.
Amazing news, I like that Laowa is listening and hard at work.
Nice. Please keep us updated!
this will be the new standard for real estate filming...
as i am crazy bout wide angle lenses - its a must buy for me.
Great review, Richard. Bravo for comparing it to the 10-20. I think a lot of people looking for this extreme field of view are cross shopping these two.
As a nikon user, I'm very glad the firmware update is through the body. Good work Laowa.
Totally agree! I am also very surprised that Laowa managed to do that with their first AF lens!
@@TheRealRichardWong This is the first 10mm review I saw mentioned about the firmware update. Nicely done.
@@ericxin-lp7jd i'm surprised. It is such an important/special thing for this lens
Much needed comparison, thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Zero "D"? Chromatic aberration? Astigmatism? Coma? Vignetting? Orthogonal(ity) - a choice in design, by the way? Flare (visible artefacts)? Glare/haze (loss of contrast through reflection between element surfaces across entire frame)? All of these were in the "distortion class" in photography school.
Firmware update via the camera body? Did Nikon sanction this brand/lens? Because if it is merely tolerated, then Nikon may close this route in the next firmware release, intentionally or accidentally.
Still, nice review.
As to "in-camera lens correction profiles" my understanding is that these are applied to SOOC JPEGs, but in the case of raw images, are encapsulated as metadata for the specific lens, not used to alter the raw data. Which means that as a raw shooter you can be indifferent to these being present in camera, if you can apply them in post, more or less automatically.
Thank you for your thorough review of this Laowa 10mm f:2.8 super wide and super fast lens. I especially appreciate the comparison to the Canon 10-20 mm f:4 zoom lens, because it gives us a good benchmark to measure the various characteristics by. Very helpful review. I will be getting this Laowa lens!
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes exactly i thought the Canon would be a good benchmark, even if you are not shooting with Canon camera
Excellent review. I for one appreciate the length and comprehensiveness. The comparison with the Canon RF 20-20/4 was ideal and very fair in my view. I think the conclusion for that comparison is that this Laowa has the corner sharpness advantage for stopped down usage due to the lower distortion which means that the pixels in the corners are not stretched as much, although I was surprised that the Canon appeared better at f/4.
You could have tested the lens flair performance when stopped down too, where it may have better matched up with the Canon, as in your sunstar comparison it appeared that the rainbow flair disappeared at f/4.
thanks for watching Bayonet and support as usual. And thanks for the suggestion!
i just put my old Sigma 12-24 on sale and had a hard choice between Laowa 9 mm 5.6 and 10 2.8. 1 mm is not much but you can clearly see with samples. Finally I made my decision to get 10 2.8 for AF, 77 mm filters and 2,8... I do believe I made the right choice.
Thank you for the great review and comparison! Exactly what I was looking for. I wondered how it stacked up against the standard Canon, Nikon and even Tamron & Sigma offerings. Years ago I bought the IRIX 11mm f/4 Blackstone for tight spaces and unfortunately that lens is not as great optically as I hoped. Lots of CA and even a bit more distortion. It works OK on a 24 megapixel sensor, but it can't seem to resolve a 45 megapixel sensor. It also seems to have some color cast and low contrast. This Laowa is going to replace that lens to use with my Nikon Z8. The autofocus is very important to me even on a lens this wide, because I plan on using it while shooting some sports! It was hard to manual-focus the IRIX in fast-paced situations, so AF is a great addition. I look forward to receiving it in the mail, hopefully soon.
Thanks for watching and enjoy your laowa 10mm !
The lens is *not* AF on the Canon RF mount.
Laowa confirmed this to me yesterday.
Correct! No AF on RF and L mount. I have also mentioned it in the review 😀
This lens is really impressive.
Also 1 stop brighter than the canon to compensate no ois.
What is the minimum shutter speed you can realistically use handheld?
around 1/4s I still get good percentage of sharp photos
The optics look superb, but why have AF for other brands but not Canon RF? If it's technical, I'd really expect to have the MF-only versions to be at least cheaper. Even though there is no AF, is there electronic contacts on RF version so that EXIF data is written?
One thing I wish you had done. Especially with the close focus distance is to do a focus stack. I can see the potential for landscape with a spectacular close-focus stack.
Also, did you use a Nikon version or just a Canon version? If you used Nikon, what camera did you use?
He said the two cameras he used were the Canon RP and the Nikon Z6 at 5:00. Only the Sony and Nikon versions have autofocus.
Tempting...looks very nice for my z ff camera
It would have been nice to see a choice of aperture blade design in the autofocus version too, as I would prefer the less obvious sunstar look for consistency with my other autofocus lenses.
I would like to be able to change the aperture blade! Like swap out the whole aperture blade module. Probably impossible to do, maybe I'll ask Mr Li (Laowa's founder) when I chat to him next time
@@TheRealRichardWong I imagine user-interchangeable aperture modules is not worth the engineering effort and resulting complications, but apart from SKU proliferation I don't see why offering a choice of aperture designs independent of the auto/manual focus versions is unreasonable.
I have the Laowa 7.5mm 2.0 for my micro four thirds cameras and it's my favorite wide angle lens. I'm more than likely going to buy this 10mm AF for my Sony A7RV. Love Laowa lenses!
Enjoy!
Great review. A comparison with the 7artisans/brightin star 9mm would be great, since they share almost the same fov
Unfortunately i have already sent the Laowa 10mm back to them so can't do any more comparisons
@@TheRealRichardWong well,, you could always take shots of the same subjects 😁
Hola Richard, me ha gustado mucho la review de este objetivo, no se inglés asi que solo lo puede leer en la traducción, pero , le agradezco su esfuerzo por comunicarnos y enseñarnos, me gustaría aprovechar para preguntarle algo, ya que seguro que lo compro, jaja: Si con esta lente quiero enfocar a la hiperfocal, siendo automática es complicado o no, porque si es un objetivo manual es mucho más fácil buscar la hiperfocal, Muchas gracias espero que pueda traducir mis palabras jajaj y a partir de ahora lo seguiré, mas a menudo.
Hello Jose. thank you for watching my video! For hyperfocal, in theory, it would be easier to do that with a manual focus lens as you can set the focus distance accurately using the focus scale on the lens. However, a lot of manual focus lens from China do not have accurate focus distance scale on the lens so you need to do a lot of trial and error to find out what works for you. It's still relatiely easy with an ultra wide angle lens like this Laowa because of it's very deep depth of field, no matter with manual or auto lens
@@TheRealRichardWong hola Richard, de acuerdo muchas gracias por la información , se lo agradezco, y volveré a verle en los nuevo video, un saludo y mucha suerte y empeño, desde España.
There is a 10mm of another brand for about 245 us$ also 2.8
Really well thought review. It may be longer than usual but I appreciate giving context and making comparison.
haha yes sorry my reviews are usually quite a bit longer than average. I like to present as many test results and discussions for potential buyers to help them with their purchase decision
The af commands and software update protocol for l-mount alliance lenses are different from Sony and Nikon. You cannot put an Android app on an iPhone. They did put a menichacal adapter with manual focus. Canon does not allow any use of its protocols by any company, and l mount may have limitations for only certain vendors or may not allow lens firmware update through the body for Chinese manufacturers. Who knows. If it was as easy as you say , they would have done it.
Great review as always.
Lego bee pics stood out to me. Both have an oof rendering that gives a pleasent, surreal look. The distortion looks like motion blur...
Title says 10-20 _f2.8_ L btw
Cheers
Thank you for watching. Yes there is a usual look/background blur. And I have fixed the title thanks for pointing out
Which do you prefer, the 12mm or the 10mm? I plan to buy one of them because I love the perspective distortion (for create filming).
I prefer 12mm more for practical reasons just easier to shoot with. But 10mm give you crazy perspective distortion
Great review, very detailed and well thought out - thank you!
Nah manual focus version should cost less at maybe 699 to 599
Thank for a great review. How about this lens compare with brighting star 9mm 5.6? Cloud you please give some though.😊
The 9mm would be a bit wider, but to be honest 10mm is already insanely wide, so the advantage with autofocus + 2 stops faster make the Laowa 10mm a much more practical lens
No AF for RF mount. so it's not an advantage for Canon shooter. 2 stops faster and 77mm front filter thread is nice, but brightin star is also 2x cheaper @ only $400
@@TheRealRichardWongThank.
Thanks I am interested in the L mount for my Sigma fp. I really like the “vanishing point” look I can see. It should be fun for macro type and buildings etc….. Laurie. NZ. 😊
Manual focus is fine for myself thanks.
Voigtlander 10mm f/5.6 for Sony
Great review, Richard.
Thanks Victor!
Canon - you get what you pay.
Laowa seems overprized.
Thanks for the review.
It is an interesting auto-focus ultra-wide angle lens of 10mm f2.8 from Laowa, thank for nice review of it!
thank you!
7artisans 10mm F2.8 Full Frame Ultra Wide Angle Fisheye Lens 178°Manual Focus for Leica/Panasonic/Sigma L Serise Mirrorless Camera
Do you have any experience with the stabilisation performance of this Laowa on the Z6 compared with the Canon RF 10-20/4 on the RP, as Canon supposedly optimised the lens IS for the ultra-wide angle of view for photos? So which lens was better stabilised in the image periphery?
I haven't done any side by side image stablisation comparison sorry
given the degree of focus breathing the Laowa lens has, I wonder how focus stacking would work?
it still has a bit of focus breathing at/around minimum focus distance
I believe the Canon has a back filter pocket
Yes true! Actually i mentioned that too in my canon 10-20 review.
Laowa will surely join the l mount alliance at point, and we can expect an autofocus when that happens. Sad that it’s not available on launch
I hope so!
Need to see sunstars from both 5 and 14 blade versions!!
Excellent test and excellent lens from Laowa!
Thank you very much!
Making Walking Vlog with it
Great video!
I am a bit disappointed about the price of the MF lens, because I want this lens for L mount (but with autofocus haha). Does the manual version give exif data and has weather sealing and aperture ring? If not I`m considering the z mount version for my Nikon ZF, although I prefer my Lumix for this kind of photography.
I'm pretty sure there is no EXIF data with the L mount version. I have suggested Laowa to consider joining the L-mount alliance
Why isnt it AF for L-Mount Richard? I think its a very weak decision to not do it for L-Mount.
They are not part of the L mount alliance, but I believe laowa is interested. Things take time unfortunately
@@TheRealRichardWong that cant be just it. How come Meike can do AF L-Mount lenses without joining the L-Mount Alliance? Nothing but cheap excuses from Laowa in this case. Same from Viltrox. I am highly disappointed by this behaviour. Any chance to adress this at them?
Good job, Thank you!
A little bummed out that the RF is only MF. But non the less very good review. Might have to get it for my Nikon z30
yeah well, hopefully one day Canon will allow third party lens manufacturers to create RF autofocus lens !
Wow 10mm zero D! thats epic an lens for some creative music video shots!
oh yes indeed!! crazy distortion!
Great review!
Thank you!
Image quality test with 2 sub 30mpx cameras?
Yeah, im not taking you seriously when the bar is that low
looks like an amazing lens, will buy one if I gather enough cash 🙂
money is always a problem isn't it!
@@TheRealRichardWong it kinda is indeed 🙂
Nice video!!!💯💯
hey Dala! Thank you!
best review so far
thank you!
zooms vs primes like apples vs bananas.
There is a typo in the title .. no RF 10-20mm F2.8 😁 it’s F4
Ah 😯 I've proof-watch my video so many times and missed the big title mistake lol. Thanks 👍
im not spending $2300 for a lens when one does the same for $900. Canon is on crack with its pricing
Loud! It is loud! Impossible for video! Loud! :D
Another disappointing lens with no AF for L mount shame on you lowa not buying this lens now
Unfortunately there is still no third party AF lens for L-mount yet. I do know a few brands are looking into it. Meike is supposed to be releasing their AF 85 1.4 lens in L-mount very soon.
@@TheRealRichardWong ooooo 85 f1.4 in l mount with af awesome
@@harryvlogs7833thank Canon for not allowing af third party lenses
@@carlosandreviana9448 has nothing to do with Conon as that is rf not L mount
It's laowa's first af lens. I am sure they will add l mount in the future as they gain experience with af. I am sure it was a marketing decision
i have samyang 14mm f2.8(totally satisfied), and i tempted to buy laowa 10mm f2.8... do u think its 10mm is overkill for ultrawide portrait/Human Interest? I rarely shoot architecture and landscape
Hard to answer overkill or not, I can tell you 10mm is a lot wider than 14mm. Big difference. So it really depends on if that's what you want
@@TheRealRichardWong i just order a used 7artisan 9mm F5.6(350USD) because i dont need AF and F2.8