Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Overview

Venus Optics is offering photographers the first native option to get started in the world of wide-angle macro photography with the Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens, available here for full-frame Pentax K-mount cameras. Before now, wide-angle macro required the use of extension tubes and other workarounds, but now the Laowa 15mm Macro offers true 1:1 magnification without the hassle. The ultra-wide perspective on full-frame cameras allows users to get exceptionally close to their subjects with a minimum focus distance of just 4.7", and have them fill the frame, while still capturing the background for more informative scenes. Internal focusing further assists by not disturbing your subject, even when you reach the 0.2" minimum working distance.

Optically, it is designed to minimize distortion that plagues wide-angle lenses with the use of an advanced 12 element in 9 group construction with one extra-low dispersion and three high-refractive elements. A multi-layer low-reflective coating further improved image quality by reducing the appearance of flare and ghosting. Also, when used on APS-C cameras, or in crop modes, the lens offers +/- 6mm of vertical shift which can help correct for perspective when shooting objects such as buildings.

Full manual operation is required with this lens through the use of a physical aperture ring with a range of f/4 to f/32 and a large focusing ring. A flat front element provides room for a 77mm front filter thread for using a selection of specialized filters to enhance your scene. Additionally, it has a near circular 14-blade diaphragm for smooth out of focus elements and comes with a lens hood.

Ultra-wide 110° angle of view on full-frame cameras.

The wide-angle lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 22.5mm with an 85° angle of view when used on APS-C cameras bodies or in crop modes.

Wide aperture range of f/4 to f/32.

Lens construction features 12 elements in 9 groups with 3 high-refractive elements and on extra-low dispersion element.

Minimum focus distance of 4.7" with a minimum working distance of just 0.2".

Manual focus and aperture control.

When used with APS-C cameras, the Laowa 15mm Macro can utilize +/-6 mm of vertical shift to help correct perspective.

True 1:1 magnification allows photographers to capture life-sized images of their subjects while still providing infinity focus for use as a standard wide-angle lens.

Near-circular 14-blade aperture diaphragm provides smooth out-of-focus elements.

Accepts 77mm threaded filters.

Venus Optics Laowa 15mm F/4 Macro Specs

Focal Length15mm

Maximum Aperturef/4

Minimum Aperturef/32

Lens MountPentax K

Format CompatibilityFull-Frame

Angle of View110°

Tilt-Shift+/- 6 mm Shift

Minimum Focus Distance4.72" / 12 cm

Maximum Magnification1x

Macro Reproduction Ratio1:1

Optical Design12 Elements in 9 Groups

Diaphragm Blades14

Focus TypeManual Focus

Image StabilizationNone

Filter Size77 mm (Front)

Dimensions (ø x L)3.3 x 2.55" / 83.8 x 64.7 mm

Weight0.9 lb / 410 g

Packaging Info

Package Weight1.45 lb

Box Dimensions (LxWxH)6.95 x 5.25 x 5.2"

Key Features

• K Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/4 to f/32
• 1:1 Magnification Ratio; Internal Focus
• One ED & Three High-Refractive Elements
• Multi-Layer Low-Reflective Coating
• Manual Focus and Aperture
• Maximum Shift: +/- 6mm (APS-C)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 4.7"
• Front Filter Thread: 77mm
• Near Circular 14-Blade Diaphragm

In the Box

• Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens for Pentax K
• Lens Hood
• Front & Rear Lens Caps