Introduction
Laowa introduced 3 ultra wide angle lenses at roughly the same time in Summer 2020. This 11mm 4.5 FF-RL is in the one in the middle in terms of focal length and maximum aperture, but is it the goldilock’s lens in this set or should you rather stick to the record breaking 9mm lens or the low distortion 14mm lens? Let’s have a closer look!
Sample Images
Most of the sample images in this review can be found in full resolution here.
Contents
Disclosure
The Laowa 11mm 4.5 FF-RL was kindly provided free of charge by Venus Optics / Laowa for reviewing purpose for a few weeks.
Specifications / Version History
Apart from the Irix 11mm 4.0 I think this is the first 11mm prime lens and so far it comes for Sony E-mount, Leica-M mount and Nikon Z. I have a look at the E-mount version here which has the following specifications:
-
- Diameter: 63.5 mm
- Field of view: 126° (diagonally)
- Length: 58 mm
- Weight: 254g
- Filter Diameter: 62 mm
- Number of Aperture Blades: 5 (straight)
- Elements/Groups: 14/10
- Close Focusing Distance: 0.19 m
- Maximum Magnification: 1:10
- Mount: Sony-E
You can order this lens directly from the manufacturer’s homepage | B&H | amazon.de | amazon.com | ebay.com for $799 (M-mount) and $699 (E/Z/L-mount) (affiliate links)
Handling / Build Quality
The lens looks and feels like it is an all metal construction, all the markings are engravend and filled with paint and the new laser engraved Laowa logo on the non removable hood looks pretty cool, too.
The focus ring has perfect resistance and travels 120° from the minimum focus distance (0.19 m) to infinity. The focus ring also features a focus tab.
The aperture ring has full-stop click stops and travels ~80° from f/4.5 to f/22.
I was a bit surprised that the click stops are not equidistant. This won’t bother the most of you, but it kinda spoils the whole picture.
The lens does not feature electronic contacts to communicate with your camera but if features a 62mm filter thread, making it the widest lens with a normal filter thread.
Unfortunately the non removable hood spoils the game a bit, as it makes attaching a screw-in filter (especially a polarizer) very hard and the usage of a generic filter system impossible (Laowa will offer a 100mm magnetic filter holder for this lens as was already the case for the 9mm 5.6 and 10-18mm 4.5-5.6).
Vignetting
light falloff
Because of the non removable hood we cannot get decent values on light fall off with our usual method. As we have seen in the past with these small wide lenses there also isn’t much improvement on stopping down.
Wide open you get roughly 3.0 EV light falloff in the corners of the A7rII sensor.
color cast
Like with other small ultra wide angle lenses there is a slight color cast in the corners. It is similar to what we have seen with the Laowa 9mm 5.6.
You can check out my article How to: Correcting Color Cast in Lightroom where I explain different methods to fix this.
Sharpness
infinity (42mp Sony A7rII)
Similar to the Laowa 9mm 5.6 there is a slight midzone dip at wider apertures visible. The corners look good from wide open, best across frame performance is reached around f/8.0.
The corners seem to show a bit more astigmatism and/or coma compared to the 9mm 5.6, we will have a closer look in the coma section.
The lens compares favourably to the Voigtlander 10mm 5.6 E, another obvious competitor is the Voigtlander 12mm 5.6 E III, which I did not test personally and we only have 24mp sharpness charts from.
Looking at the review of the 12mm 5.6 III this 11mm 4.5 looks like it performs similarly while being slightly wider and faster.
close (0.19m, 1:10)
Sony A7rII | Laowa 11mm 4.5 | 100% crops from center
A minimum focus distance of 0.19 m is good for an 11mm lens and an improvement over the Voigtlander 10mm 5.6 with 0.3 m and 12mm 5.6 III with 0.3 m as well.
The performance in the center and also in the midframe is good, but the border and corner regions suffer due to astigmatism and field curvature.
The Laowa 9mm 5.6 focuses even closer and also has a flatter field at closer distances, but at the cost of increased distortion.
Flare resistance
As always evaluating flare is a complex matter since you can get any lens to look bad if you push it hard enough and a slight change of scenario can affect results a lot.
The sample above is the worst I could create. With the sun close to the corner you can create a line of ghosts and rainbow artifacts.
Many lenses look worst with the sun just outside the frame close to the corner and this one is no exception:
A very slight change of framing will make this go away though. Very often you can shoot straight into the sun and only encounter little issues, if any at all:
The lens performs slightly better than the Laowa 9mm 5.6 here and slightly worse than the Voigtlander 10mm and 12mm ultra wide angle lenses.
Coma
100% crops from extreme corner, focused on corner
There is a bit of coma visible in the corners at maximum aperture, but it mostly goes away on stopping down to f/5.6.
The parameters do not make this Laowa 11mm 4.5 an obvious choice for astro photography, there are better options available for this task.
Distortion
Sony A7rII | Laowa 11mm 4.5 | f/8.0
The Laowa 11mm 4.5 shows some wavy distortion that is easily noticeable with straight lines running through the frame.
Laowa does provide a correction profile but towards the corners it isn’t doing a great job. I tried some other profiles and – while not perfect – the one for the Laowa 15mm 2.0 does seem to do a pretty good job.
Sunstars
50% crops from center, A7rII
No sunstars at f/4.5 but well defined 10-stroke sunstars between f/8.0 and f/22 as we have also seen on the other recent Laowa ultra wide angle lenses.
If you want to learn more about sunstars have a look at this article.
Chromatic Aberrations
lateral
100% crops from border, Sony A7rII
Not too uncommon for ultra wide angle lenses the Laowa 11mm 4.5 shows a noticeable amount of lateral CA. These are still easily corrected either in camera (for Jpegs) or in a raw developer like Lightroom by one click.
longitudinal
As this is a very wide and rather slow lens longitudinal CA (loCA) are nothing to worry about.
Alternatives
If you are still undecided what you are looking for our Guide to Ultra Wide Angle Lenses for the A7 Series is a good address to learn more about ultra wide angle lenses.
Laowa 9mm 5.6 FF-RL:
The 9mm is even wider which can make finding good compositions a little harder. Optically, comparing the copies I had, I tend to rate the 9mm slightly higher, but the 62mm screw-in filter thread and the slightly better flare resistance may make this 11mm more desirable to some.
buy from manufacturer’s homepage | B&H | ebay.com | ebay.de for $799 (affiliate links)
Voigtlander 10mm 5.6 E Hyper Wide Heliar:
My ultra (or hyper?) wide angle lens of choice for the past years until it has been replaced by the Laowa 9mm 5.6.
It is slightly better in terms of flare resistance, but resolution (especially in the corners and at wider apertures), performance near minimum focus distance, lateral CA and coma it is noticeably worse.
buy from CameraQuest | ebay.de | amazon.de | ebay.com | amazon.com | B&H for 1099$ (affiliate links)
Laowa 10-18mm 4.5-5.6 C-Dreamer FE:
If you value flexibility and compact size over image quality and you don’t know yet what focal length is the right one for you this may be worth a look.
buy from manfucaturer’s homepage | amazon.com | B&H (affiliate links) for $849
Canon TS-E 17mm 4.0L:
To get the same angle of view as the TS-E 17mm (when taking a shift panorama) you need a 10.2mm lens, so you are pretty close with this 11mm lens. This 11mm has some handling advantages (less bulky, takes 62mm screw in filters) and flare resistance is a bit better, but you will obviously also end up with less pixels for the same framing. With today’s high resolution sensors this might be a trade off you are willing to take though.
buy from amazon.com | amazon.de | B&H | ebay.com | ebay.de for $2150 new or $1500 used (affiliate links)
Samyang 10mm 3.5 XP:
I don’t enjoy using a big DSLR lens on a mirrorless camera when there is a smaller alternative, therefore I didn’t try this lens and cannot tell you much about it.
Conclusion
good
|
average
|
not good
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The Laowa 9mm 5.6 offers a record breaking focal length and on top of that the optical performance pleasantly surprised us.
Based on this the 11mm 4.5 has a bit of a hard time, as it may not look as sexy as the 9mm at first sight.
But actually, we have a record here, too: this 11mm is the widest lens with a normal filter thread. This is a clear benefit over the Voigtlander 10mm 5.6, 12mm 5.6 and the Laowa 9mm 5.6 as it makes using a polarizer (which I used for many of the sample images) easy and convenient, but unfortunately the non removable lens hood makes using a generic filter system impossible.
The overall optical performance is similar to the Laowa 9mm 5.6 and the Voigtlander 12mm 5.6 at shared apertures and slightly better than Voigtlander 10mm 5.6, compared to the Voigtlander lenses you are not getting electronic contacts and exif readout here though.
All in all a very solid ultra wide angle lens and an interesting alternative to Voigtlander’s 10mm and 12mm offerings.
You can order this lens directly from the manufacturer’s homepage | B&H | amazon.de | amazon.com | ebay.com for $799 (M-mount) and $699 (E/Z/L-mount) (affiliate links)
Further Sample Images
Most of the sample images in this review can be found in full resolution here.
Further Reading
- Sony FE lenses: Our comprehensive and independent guide
- Guide to the best 85-135mm Portrait Lenses for Sony a7 series
- 35mm comparison Leica, Zeiss, Voigtlander
- Review: Sony FE 24mm 1.4 GM
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thanks for the review, great to see laowa delivering another decent UWA.
11mm is such an extreme FOV. i really cannot see myself using <16mm on a regular basis as i don't do architecture/interiors much. But i'm always quite impressed by what you manage get out of those pretty extreme focal lengths.
I find vignetting/lightfalloff quite distracting here as it seems to creep in from the sides in many of the shots, completely altering the mood. I'm not sure if you used this artisticly or just weren't able to correct it…
I’d love to read a guide on composition techniques and considerations for such wide lenses – I can’t imagine myself shooting so well when the field of view is so extreme, and I have no idea how to begin!
Thank you!
I already wrote a bit here maybe it is a good starting point 🙂
Hi, what polarizer do you use for this lens and when I can buy it? Thank you..
I was using this comparably cheap Hoya Slim 62mm polarzier.
Integrating the non-removable hood on a lens like this – a really strange decision, it only brings inconvenience and increases length. Looks like they’ve reused a barrel from some wider/faster lens to reduce costs.
Do they still use the standard lens cap, or, there’s some fancy one, covering the hood?
It comes with fancy one covering the hood!
Seems I did not mention that, will add this information to the handling section.
The distortion and vignetting reminds me of Samyang 18/2.8. Before it had correction profile included in Lightroom, the closest I got to fix it was using profile for another “moustache” lens, like Canon EF-M 11-22mm for example, and playing with the Distortion amount and Manual Distortion amount. Can’t test it here with a small JPG, but this would be the way I’d try.
I stopped reading at “non removable hood”. I guess now I’ll be waiting for the 15mm shift at least the the non removable hood there will have a reason to exist
The non removable hood was the main reason why I did not buy the Voigtlander 12. This maybe the same. I hope the 14mm is different
Sorry to disappoint, but the 14mm is the same…
Thanks for the review! Have you tried using the magnetic mount that came with the Laowa 9mm 5.6 with this lens?
Won’t fit, 11mm has higher diameter.
too bad…
Hi Bastian,
Great review as always! Wasn’t really into the UWAs offering (5.6/9 & 4.5/11) and was planning to wait for the 4/14 but now I’m interested after your reviews 😄 If the filter thread is not of concern, would you advise getting the 9mm and crop to get the 11mm POV since the 9mm is slightly sharper?
Have never used anything wider than 18mm and appreciate your input!
Ah that is an interesting question, isn’t it?
If you mainly intend to shoot at 11mm I would clearly get the 11mm.
The resizing of a 9mm picture will cost more details than the slightly better performance of the 9mm can make up for.
Ah I see, that’s a good point! How about the composition using both lenses? Would the 9mm require more careful thought and adjustments to get the ‘right shot’ although both lenses are in the UWA focal lengths?
Here I would say “slightly” but if so far your widest lens was 18mm it may end up being a similarly interesting experience 😊
That’s nice to know, thanks for the input Bastian! I think I will go for the 11mm once it’s available locally where I live (often slightly cheaper than purchasing directly from Laowa’s website), can’t wait to try it out though 😊
Hi
I just wanted to let you know I’ve seen that PetaPixel has used some/most of the photos you have published in this article.
https://petapixel.com/2020/08/28/venus-optics-unveils-laowa-11mm-f-4-5-rl-lens-for-full-frame-mirrorless/
I was always the frist one to complain when a manufacturer has only bad sample images available when he releases a lens, therefore I allow them to use my pictures for that purpose these days.
Thank you for that!
Hi, I am already the proud owner of a voigtlander 21 3.5 color skopar and the tamron 28-75. In addition to my profession as a graphic designer, I am thinking of practicing and then orienting myself towards architectural photography to offer my clients, then a very wide angle could be useful. Do you recommend this Lens or another for this purpose? Other question, I love the small 21mm voigt but since tamron released the 17-28, do you think replacing it with this tamron would make me lose quality (but gain in zoom flexibility and be able to go down to 17)? Thank you so much and love your website.
I would not carry the 17-28mm and the 21mm at the same time.
Question you should ask yourself: is 17mm wide enough?
If not I would not buy the zoom lens and go for 11/21.
Well that’s a good question. I find that 21 mm is sometimes too tight especially when it is necessary to straighten the verticals. Even though I’ve never tried 17mm it shouldn’t be too different. So I think your advice for an 11/21 seems to support my choice. thank you!
while the numbers 21 vs 17mm suggest being close together, it is infact a vastly different FOV.
And 11mm is a really extremely wide FOV with so much information in the image that it’s quite challanging to compose an appeling image.
If you’re not sure, maybe the Laowa 10-18 is the right choice, especially check out the FL overview.
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-laowa-10-18mm-4-5-5-6-fe-c-dreamer/#Focal_length_overview
I like the review.
The lens looks promising, I especially appreciate the filter threads. But as you said, the location of it will make it very annoying to use a polar filter.
On a serious note, I notice that you don’t have your usual disclosure section that you include when reviewing new lenses. Did you purchase this lens yourself?
Ah well spotted!
I simply forgot to add that paragraph, which I just did.
I did buy the 9mm, so no need for the 11mm 🙂
Ich habe Angst, dass sich der Polfilter sehr festdreht und ich ihn nicht mehr losschrauben kann. Berechtige Angst?
Der Polfilter ist ja sehr tief drin.
Vielen Dank.
Generell empfiehlt es sich, jegliche Art von Filter nicht unbedingt mit 120 Nm festzuziehen, dann sollte das auch kein Problem sein.
Hello Bastian, thank you very much for your review. You mentioned the upcoming 14mm, which I’m eagerly awaiting. Is it coming this year? What’s your guess? I love slow and small UWAs, I just hope this one will have a lesser degree of vignetting
It will also be released this year and it will be smaller.
In my 9mm review there should already be a picture of it in the alternatives section.
Vignetting won’t be much lower though.
Thank you!
Great Review. It is also a pleasure to recognize Stuttgart, Tübingen and other well known places of our region, South West of Germany, by new perspectives. Super wideangle lenses definitly offer you new kind of sights.
I am always looking for interesting architecture to take pictures of.
Reviews are a good excuse for that 🙂
Bastian & Co, I know you don’t usually write about Fuji lenses, but it would be interesting to read your views of the coming 50 mm f/1. Are you planning to review it?
No, and a 50mm 1.0 for APS-C is not something nearly as great as the numbers suggest.
Awesome review and photos as always.
How do you track the EXIF data on your sample images without the lens being able to do this? Do you make notes as you shoot?
Thanks!
I am not taking notes, but with a lens like this, there is a limited number of aperture values I will use. Mostly f/8 or f/11, if I need shorter shutter speeds f/4.5 or f/5.6, that makes it easier.
How do you feel about this lens with filter vs using, say, one of the 2 12-24 lenses with a filter system. Obviously the savings in bulk and weight are extensive, but otherwise, how would you say they compare?
The old f/4 version never convinced me for its flare resistance.
The new f/2.8 looks like a real winner and it better be for 4 times the price.
Do you feel like there would be a massive difference in this lens with filter vs the sony with filter?
I do not understand the question.
There is already a massive difference between the lenses without even thinking of filters.
Yes, poorly worded. I guess I am just wondering if there would be a fairly large difference in sharpness/other between a bulky 12-24 GM with nisi filter system vs this lens. Trying to decide if this lens is something I’d want to consider just for the filter use and just keep the GM as an all purpose.
For that purpose they are different enough to consider the 11mm as a ligther alternative and it is surely convenient to just leave a small filter on the 11mm and put it in the bag like that.
I do expect the GM to be a bit better with regards to across frame performance though.
Thanks so much!
Dear phillipreeeve team,
I want to purchase this lens but I´m unshure to order by a local dealer 835€ or via international homepage 699$. I live in germany.
The price difference is a lot.
Could you give me an advice?
Kind regards
Mario
You have to pay Import duties, you need to calculate if it will still be cheaper (it is likely it will be).
Any news on when you’ll have the review of the Laowa 14mm lens ready? It would be great to have your thorough review before I decide if I should get one…:-)
We still did not get a replacement, so better not hold your breath…
Thanks for the reply. Not good that you are still waiting for a second suitable copy of the 14mm lens to test. I guess I will stick with just my 9mm for now. 🙂 The first copy I had of that lens was terrible and I got no support (just a short very delayed disinterested response to my emails) from Laowa to replace it either.
Shouldn’t the comment regarding sunstars state “from f5.6 onwards” rather than f8 onwards?
Lacking EXIF data, one can easily record audio (video) verbal information about aperture and other things immediately after taking a photo.
Hi Bastian
I am currently using the TTArtisan 11mm f2.8 z mount on a Nikon z7ii body. I find this is really good as a wide angle when shot level, impressed by the sharpness across the frame and colour too.
-how do you think that lens stands up to this Laowa 11mm in image quality terms?
Many thanks for both reviews by the way. Andy
In terms of optical performance they are not that different.
Fisheye lenses obviously show more Distortion but Vignetting is also lower.
Compared to the 11mm Laowa the 9mm is a more complex and simply better lens though.
Since the price reduction of the 9mm I find the 11mm even harder to recommend.
I just saw this info about lighter versions of the 11mm and 14mm:
https://photorumors.com/2023/12/23/venus-optics-announced-new-lightweight-versions-of-their-11mm-f-4-5-and-14mm-f-4-lenses/
I wonder if the optical formula is the same…
Optics are the same, just the casing is lighter for drone use.
Dear Bastian,
I would like to remove the focus-tab from the lens because it tends to get stuck when stored in the bag.
Can you recommend a screwdriver that will fit the screws (cruciform, Phillips? Japanese? size(s)?) that hold the focus-tab in place? They are tiny and the middle one of the 3 screws might be even smaller.
Any advice would be very welcome.
Thank you … especially for so many lens reviews that are always a joy to read.
By the way: I bought a copy of this lens which dissapointed quite a bit because it seemed to be well centered but not sharp, not even at f/8. I then received a second copy which I could test side by side and was noticably better from wide open.