PetaPixel Laowa 10-18mm: The World’s Widest Rectilinear Full-Frame Zoom Lens


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The Chinese lens manufacturer Venus Optics has revealed the full details of its new Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE lens for Sony mirrorless cameras. It’s the world’s widest rectilinear full-frame zoom lens.

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The lens was first unveiled back in April 2018, but details were slim and there was no word on pricing and availability.

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Venus says that the lens was created in response to mirrorless camera shooters wanting a compact wide-angle zoom lens. The 10-18mm is the smallest lens in its class, measuring just 3.5 inches long, weighing just 17.5 ounces (

“It is a welcome relief for landscape, adventure or travel photographers that are traveling over long distances and struggling to find a compact wide-angle zoom to pair up with their cameras,” Venus says.

The lens has a field of view that ranges from 102° (18mm) to 130° (10mm), allowing for “many impossible shots.”

A rear filter thread on the lens supports 37mm UV/ND filters.

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There’s also an optional 100mm magnetic filter holder system.

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Features and specs of the Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE include a 5-blade aperture, 14 elements in 10 groups, a minimum focusing distance of just 0.5 feet (15cm), 0.25x magnification for macro photos, and a switch that toggles click/clickless aperture adjustments.

Here are some sample photos captured using the lens:

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In 2016, Venus Optics unveiled the world’s widest f/2.8 rectilinear lens in the Laowa 12mm f/2.8. Prior to this latest Laowa 10-18mm lens, the previous “widest” title holder for this class of lenses was the Canon 11-24mm f/4L.

The new Venus Optics Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE will hit store shelves in late November 2018 with a price tag of $849. Pre-orders can be placed now.

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