Laowa announces 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D lens

Venus Optics has released a new, more compact version of its popular ultra-wide lens — the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D.

Designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, it offers the same 122° field of view and low-distortion design as the original, but in a smaller, lighter package.

One of the key updates is the addition of autofocus for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts, a first for this lens series. 

Weighing in at around 377g, the lens is well-suited to handheld shooting and travel. It focuses as close as 14cm and includes a built-in 72mm filter thread.

There are two aperture versions available: a 5-blade design that produces crisp 10-point sunstars, and a 14-blade version aimed at smoother bokeh. Unfortunately though, autofocus is only available on the 5-blade versions for Sony and Nikon.

Interestingly, the lens hood can't be removed from the lens - something we can see being a frustration in some situations.

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D is available now for $699 USD ($1,060 AUD) across Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and L mounts.

You can find out more here.