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Venus Optics Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D gallery and user impressions

04 Sep

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Venus Optics, a Chinese lens manufacturer established in 2013, has released several interesting manual focus lenses, but perhaps none as intriguing as the Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D. This lens, for Sony Full Frame E-mount cameras, strikes a unique balance with its small size, wide field of view (110 degrees) and fast aperture. Even more impressive is its promise of almost zero distortion. Venus Optics claims that it is ‘the world’s fastest 15mm rectilinear lens for full-frame.’

See our Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D gallery

At $ 850 MSRP, it’s also priced competitively. So how does it hold up in the field? Read on.

Handling

The build quality of this lens is very good. At 500 g (17.6 oz) it’s not too heavy but has some heft to balance out the weight of the camera (I shot mostly with a Sony a7R II). The body and lens mount are all made of metal, as is the accessory lens hood. In hand, it has a reassuringly dense and sturdy feel to it.

‘It has a reassuringly dense and sturdy feel to it.’

The focus ring is slightly stiffer than I’d expected, but still rotates smoothly. Perhaps with a little use, it will loosen up. A focus scale is helpful for hyperfocal focusing, but for absolute accuracy you’ll want to use the camera’s focus magnifier. I programed a button on our a7R II to this function. The focus rings turns slightly past infinity but on our copy, infinity lined up pretty closely with the center of the infinity symbol on the lens.

The Venus 15mm F2 is a nice complimentary size and weight to the a7r II.

The Venus 15mm F2 has a 72mm filter thread, which is a nice feature, especially for videographers who might want to attach a neutral density filter. Speaking of video, the lens has a toggle switch to turn on/off the click stops on the aperture ring.

Only full stop apertures are marked on the ring and there are no click stops for third stops. However, you can still set the aperture in between the full stops. One major drawback of this lens is the lack of electronic contacts, meaning no EXIF data is communicated to the camera. Whereas some manual focus lenses will automatically bring up focus assist when the ring is turned, this 15mm will not.

Image quality

Distortion is very well-controlled.

As the name would suggest, distortion on this lens is VERY well controlled, though not quite ‘zero’ as there is a tiny bit of barrel distortion. Still, this is an excellent choice for architectural or interior photography. It also focuses quite close: 15cm (6 in).

Even when shooting wide open, this lens is impressively sharp dead center. And by F4-5.6 it’s sharp throughout the whole field of view. In general, I found it to offer the best results between F4-8 ; as we’d expect, diffraction becomes an issue at F11 and beyond.

The 7-blade aperture results in sun stars like the one above.

Flare is well controlled and while lateral chromatic aberration is present in some of the sample photos, it’s easily correctable. The Venus 15mm uses a 7-blade aperture resulting in sun stars that look pretty good – see the example above.

If you’re planning to use this lens predominantly for landscape work, it’s worth noting there is moderate vignetting throughout the aperture range. You can see an example of this in our aperture progression at the end of the sample gallery.

As well as stills work, this is an excellent lens for videographers, thanks again to its almost non-existent barrel distortion and the versatility of its fast maximum aperture of F2.

Takeaway

The Venus Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D is a great lens for a variety of applications, if you don’t mind manual focus and the lack of electronic communication with your camera. Sharp, fast, light and wide, it is capable of outstanding results, especially once stopped down a little.

What I like:

  • Distortion is very well controlled
  • Fast, wide and reasonably small
  • Good build quality
  • Sharp, even wide open
  • 15cm (6 in) minimum focus distance
  • 72mm filter thread

What I don’t:

  • No electronic communication so no EXIF info
  • Vignettes moderately throughout aperture range

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics’ long-awaited Laowa 15mm F2 for Sony FE is finally available

20 Aug

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Venus Optics has finally announced the price and delivery date of the second lens to join its Zero-D line up: the 15mm F2 for Sony’s E-mount that was first announced last September, and which the company has called “the world’s fastest 15mm rectilinear lens for full-frame.” The lens is due to ship at the end of August or early September, and will cost $ 850. First orders will include UV, ND1000 and polarizing filters for free.

The Zero-D in the name denotes the company’s claim that even though these lenses are very wide-angled, they exhibit almost no curvilinear distortion – or barreling. And at its angle of view of 110°, Venus Optics claims the new 15mm is the widest available rectilinear F2 lens for the Sony E system.

Here are a few official sample shots captured with the new lens:

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The manual focus lens is constructed using 12 elements in nine groups, with three extra-low dispersion elements and two aspherical lenses.

Venus Optics says that it has tried to keep the design compact and lightweight, achieving dimensions of 66x88mm and a weight of just 500g/1.1lbs. Unusually for such a wide lens, a filter thread (72mm) is actually built-in, and the lens’ closest focus distance is just 15cm. The nine-bladed aperture runs to F22, and users have the choice to operate with or without clicked stops.

For more information or to pre-order the long-awaited lens check out our hands on with the Laowa 15mm F2 FE from its debut last September, or visit the Venus Optics website.

Press Release

Venus Optics announces the Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D, the world’s widest f/2 native lens for Sony full frame E-mount cameras

Featuring a 110° Angle of View, Ultra-fast f/2 aperture, 72mm filter thread, Super light & compact & close-to-zero distortion

Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of unique Laowa camera lenses, is proud to announce the world’s widest rectilinear f/2 native lens for Sony Full Frame E-mount cameras, Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D.

Super Light & Compact
The Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D is currently the widest f/2 rectilinear lens in the market which comes with a native E mount (i.e. Does not require additional adapters). It is an ultra-wide & ultra-fast prime lens which covers both 35mm full-frame & APS-C sensors. Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics has successfully minimized the weight of the lens to around 500g (~1.1 pounds) and 8cm long. This compact and light lens comprises of 12 elements in 9 groups with 2 pcs of aspherical elements and 3 pcs of Extra-low dispersion elements. The patented optical design successfully minimizes the distortion and chromatic aberrations to its lowest but at the same time, delivers a superb optical performance from corners to corners.

72mm Filter Thread
Ultra-wide & fast lenses in the market tend to be huge and have a dome-shaped front element. It is a headache for landscape photographers who need to use filters very often. Venus Optics understand their needs and manage to design a flat front surface and include a 72mm filter thread into the lens. 72mm screw-on filters can be used and no more investment on bulky filter holder is required.

Ultra Wide & Fast
The extreme 110° angle of view and ultra-fast f/2 aperture allow photographers to create impressive astro-photography shots with ease. It also gives photographers a fast and wide-angle option for landscape photography and low-light shooting.

Close focusing distance
Photographers can take advantage of the super close focusing distance (i.e. 15cm) and the f/2 aperture to create some bokeh shots and wide angle close-up shots.

Close-to-Zero Distortion
The Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D is the second member of the Close-to-Zero distortion line-up from Venus Optics, followed the launch of 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D last year. The lens is specially designed to remove the optical distortion commonly exist in wide angle lenses at infinity focus. Any straight lines will be retained.

Added feature for videographers
The new Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D is specially designed with an aperture switch which allows users to quickly switch between click-less and clicked aperture. This added feature will be extremely useful for videographers.

Availability
The Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D is currently available to pre-order in the official website of Venus Optics (http://www.venuslens.net/) and their authorized resellers..
Recommended Retail Price in US (without tax) is USD 849/pc. Pricing may vary in different countries. Shipping will start from late Aug/early Sept.

Supplementary Information

Flickr gallery with full size sample images

Video Introduction of Laowa 15mm f/2

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic Leica DG 15mm F1.7 shooting experience

22 Jul
The Panasonic Leica DG 15mm F1.7 is a sharp-looking lens that also happens to be very sharp optically as well.

Whenever I see a lens with the name ‘Leica’ stamped on the front, I assume two things; first, it will be at least ‘good’ optically. Second, it will be a little pricey. The Panasonic Leica DG 15mm F1.7 reinforces both of those assumptions.

This 15mm F1.7 prime lens is for the Micro Four Thirds system and offers a unique 30mm-equivalent field of view. This made it especially exciting to me, as I’m a fan of both the 28mm and 35mm focal lengths, but I can never really decide which I like better – so maybe something in the middle will be just right.

This is the only 30mm-equivalent focal length prime lens on the market today, and that makes it pretty special.

It features a dedicated aperture ring, and is very compact despite offering nine elements in seven groups – with three of those elements being aspherical. It has seven aperture blades, and the diameter of the lens barrel is among the smallest available for the m43 system, meaning it matches particularly well with Panasonic’s (discontinued, sadly) GM1 and GM5 ultra-compact cameras.

The diminutive Panasonic Leica 15mm F1.7 pairs magnificently with Panasonic’s equally diminutive, though discontinued GM5.

And compactness is something I value pretty highly when it comes to camera gear, despite having a general affinity for full-frame sensors. After all, a smaller kit means I’ll bring it along more often and take more pictures, and I do find that the Micro Four Thirds system comes with an excellent balance of portability, speed, features and image quality.

This lens launched at an MSRP of around $ 600, but it’s been on the market long enough that it’s quite likely you’ll get a better deal than that, especially if you’re buying used.

On the camera and in the hand

The build quality of the 15mm F1.7 is nothing short of superb. It feels dense without being heavy, and it offers that pleasant coolness-to-the-touch that indicates mostly metal construction. There’s a ring on the front of the lens that detaches to allow the use of an optional bayonet-mount hood.

Here’s all the controls you get: an AF/MF switch, aperture control, and a nicely damped manual focus ring.

Handling is fairly straightforward. There’s an aperture control ring near the front of the lens, which offers great ‘click feel’ when you change your settings. Unfortunately, it’s only functional when the lens is mounted on one of Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds cameras, so you’ll need to use a command dial for aperture if you put it on an Olympus, for example. The AF / MF switch takes a good amount of effort to move, so you won’t likely bump it accidentally, and the manual focus ring is exceedingly smooth and well-damped.

While the build quality of the lens inspires some confidence, be aware that Panasonic makes no claims of weather sealing, and there are no signs of any either; not even a rubber gasket around the mount.

Time to start shooting

The Panasonic Leica 15mm F1.7 focused fast enough to grab a sharp shot of this adorable and potentially vicious creature. Processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw.
Olympus PEN-F | ISO 2000 | 1/80 sec | F1.7

This lens is fast; not only in terms of maximum aperture, but in operation. All recent Panasonic lenses have been designed to support the company’s Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) technology, which results in the use of very lightweight and very fast-moving autofocus elements.

This lens is fantastic for environmental portraits and casual documentary photography.

You’ll still get good autofocus speeds on Olympus m43 cameras, but when you mount the 15mm F1.7 on any current Panasonic camera, the autofocus speeds are downright impressive under just about any lighting conditions (this contributed to my getting a huge number of keepers of furry and feathered critters over my weeks of shooting).

‘Please don’t bark at the other dogs. Please don’t bark at the other dogs. Please just sit there and be cute.’
Olympus PEN-F | ISO 200 | 1/80 sec | F1.7

Having shot many 28mm-equivalent and 35mm-equivalent lenses, I found the 30mm-equivalent focal length of the 15mm F1.7 was comfortable for me to use. I tend to find shooting 28mm a little more challenging than 35mm; I end up getting a little closer to my subjects to exaggerate perspective with the former, and I tend to layer compositional elements more with the latter. With this Panasonic, I was doing a bit of both, and I liked it.

But let’s move on to image quality; as I mentioned earlier, with that name stamped on the front of the lens, I had some high hopes for the 15mm F1.7, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The quality of blur, both in the foreground and background, was something I really enjoyed about the 15mm F1.7. And quality of blur is obviously of tantamount importance when shooting portraits of chickens. Processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw.
Panasonic GX85 | ISO 200 | 1/125 sec | F1.7

With the Micro Four Thirds sensor size, this lens isn’t going to be an absolute bokeh machine at F1.7 – but that’s not the point. If you want to obliterate your backgrounds into blurry swaths of color, well, you’ll probably want both a longer lens and a larger sensor, and so this isn’t quite the setup for you. That said, I found the quality of the blur that you can get with this lens to be pleasing on both sides of the focal plane.

The Panasonic 15mm F1.7 is just plain fun.

You can shoot this lens close to wide open all the time and still find your images are sharp enough, with enough of your scene in focus to provide some context. It’s a fantastic option for environmental portraiture and casual documentary photography, where its small size will let you blend in a little more and keep your subjects from being too intimidated.

Processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Panasonic Lumix GX85 | ISO 200 | 1/500 sec | F4

Stopping the lens down a bit gets you great sharpness across the frame, though for landscape photography enthusiasts, you may find the sunstars to be slightly lacking. I’ve also found some occasional weirdness with the flare this lens produces, but it didn’t happen often enough to be a major concern.

Sunstars look decent, but at F11 (F22 equiv) this is a little further stopped-down than I usually like to go on Micro Four Thirds. Funky flare. It’s a unique look I didn’t mind too much, but it won’t be to everyone’s personal taste.

Wrapping up

The Panasonic Leica 15mm F1.7 is a lens I can wholeheartedly recommend to just about anyone with the requisite cash. It may not be weather-sealed, but the build quality is still excellent, and the straightforward handling and lightning autofocus both do their parts to keep your kit from getting in the way of your photography. It’s also just plain fun to use.

Most importantly, this is (so far as I can find) the only 30mm-equivalent focal length prime lens on the market today,* and that makes it pretty special. For ‘walk around’ purposes, this lens slots right in the middle of my go-to focal lengths of 28mm and 35mm, and just feels right. If you enjoy this focal length range on the Micro Four Thirds system, the Panasonic 15mm F1.7 is definitely worth a look.

It may be a little pricey for some folks, but as a carry-everywhere walk-around lens, I found the Panasonic Leica 15mm F1.7 hard to beat. Processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw.
Olympus PEN-F | ISO 200 | 1/1250 sec | F1.7

* There is, of course, the Pentax 31mm F1.8 Limited, but 31mm isn’t 30mm. That said, I definitely want to give the 31mm a go on the Pentax K-1.

Additional sample images

We’ve updated our earlier sample gallery with more images from the Panasonic Leica DG 15mm F1.7. Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter / magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review), we do so in good faith, please don’t abuse it.

Panasonic GX85 | ISO 1000 | 1/125 sec | F1.7

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Panasonic Lumix G Leica 15mm F1.7 sample gallery

55 images • Posted on Jun 23, 2017 • View album
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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics shows off footage captured with forthcoming Laowa 15mm F2

09 Jul

Venus Optics has a new lens on the way – the 15mm F2, for Sony’s E mount. Billed as the world’s fastest 15mm lens, Laowa claims zero distortion. And stabilized footage shot with the new 15mm certainly looks nice.

We got our hands on a prototype version of the 15mm last year at Photokina, and we’re expecting a reviewable sample to arrive in our office very soon. Watch this space for sample images!

Read our hands-on with the Laowa 15mm F2 (Sept 2016)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm F1.7 sample gallery

23 Jun

Sure, it’s been a minute since the Panasonic 15mm F1.7 was introduced. But three years later it’s still a solid option for a Micro Four Thirds shooter looking for a fast, compact, wide-angle prime. And what better time to travel light than the longest days of the year? We spent some of our long hours of sunlight with the 15mm F1.7 in hand – by land, and by sea.

See our Panasonic Leica Summilux
15mm F1.7 sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Going wide: Irix 15mm F2.4 sample gallery

02 Oct

Swiss company Irix recently released two versions of their 15mm F2.4 prime to the consumer market. The Irix 15mm is offered in two varieties: ‘Blackstone’ and the ‘Firefly.’ The Irix Blackstone features a magnesium and aluminum body able to withstand ‘extreme conditions,’ while the Irix Firefly model is, according to the company, the lightest lens in its class. Both versions of the lens are available in Canon EF-, Nikon F- and Pentax K-mount. 

The lens is composed of 15 elements in 11 groups and produces a really nice sunstar and some, well, very interesting lens flare. Interestingly enough although the lens states its widest aperture is F2.4, the best we could do on the Canon 5DS R was F2.5. In any case we put the lens to the test over a few weeks of shooting and here are the results. 

Irix 15mm F2.4 real-world sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

25 Sep

Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

Venus Optics is showing off two brand new lenses at Photokina – the Laowa 15mm F2 FE for Sony E-mount and 7.5mm F2 MFT for Micro Four Thirds.

Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

The 15mm F2 is being billed as the world’s widest F2 lens, and Venus Optics claims that it is virtually distortion-free. Designed for Sony’s full-frame FE-mount A7-series, the new 15mm could prove very attractive to videographers, as well as stills photographers.

Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

The mount is fully mechanical, so don’t expect to get automatic aperture indexing or focal length reporting. As such, metering is limited to the stop-down method. Videographers will be used to this way of working.

Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

Here’s the 15mm F2 attached to a Sony A7R II. As you can see, it’s not a small lens, but actually balances very nicely with the camera. At 500g in weight (~1.1lb) it is substantial without being too heavy, in normal use. 

Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

The minimum focusing distance of the 15mm F2 is around 6 inches, which equates to a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.25X. Pricing has yet to be announced but the lens should become available in early 2017.

Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

Next up is the 7.5mm F2 MFT, for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. Designed to appeal especially to drone photographers this lens is absolutely tiny. Offering an equivalent focal length of 15mm, it weighs 170g (~0.4lb).

Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

Again, this is a fully mechanical mount with no electrical contact between camera and lens. 

Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

Interestingly, despite its ultra-wide focal length, the 7.5mm F2 can be used with screw-in filters (49mm) which could prove very handy to videographers who want to work with ND filters.

Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 MFT

As with the 15mm F2, the 7.5mm F2 will be available in early 2017, and no pricing information has yet been released.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics unveils Laowa 7.5mm F2 for MFT and 15mm F2 FE Zero-D

14 Sep

Venus Optics has announced a pair of manual focus lenses – a 7.5mm F2 for Micro Four Thirds and a 15mm F2 FE Zero-D designed with full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras in mind. Both of these 15mm equivalent lenses are rectilinear. 

Venus calls the Laowa 15mm F2 the ‘world’s fastest 15mm rectilinear lens for full-frame’ and includes it in its ‘Close-to-Zero Distortion’ series along with the 12mm F2.8 Zero-D. It offers a 72mm filter thread. Claiming another ‘world’s first’ achievement, Venus calls the Laowa 7.5mm F2 the widest F2 rectilinear lens for Micro Four Thirds.  

The Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 will be available in early 2017 – no pricing is given yet.

Anhui China, Sept 14, 2016 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of quality lenses with ‘World’s First’ specifications, is proud to unveil two premium lenses with extreme specifications and impressive performance, the Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D & the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT.

Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D

Featuring a 110° Angle of View, Ultra-fast f/2 aperture and 72mm filter thread, LAOWA 15mm f/2 becomes another member in their ‘Close-to-Zero Distortion’ lineup.

Laowa 15mm f/2 FE is currently the World’s Fastest 15mm rectilinear lens for Full Frame cameras. It features a close-to-zero optical distortion, allowing photographers to take landscape or architecture shots with straight lines retained.

Dedicated to fulfill the need of photographers, Venus Optics have managed to add a 72mm filter thread onto the 15mm f/2 lens. Photographers can easily install standard screw-in filters without paying for an expensive yet bulky filter holder system.

Designed specially for the Sony Full Frame Mirrorless cameras, Venus Optics has successfully controlled the size and weight of the lens to the minimal. Weighing less than 1.1 pounds (500g) and 82mm in length, the portability and compactness of the Sony E-mount Mirrorless cameras can be maintained when used with the Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Lens.

Featuring the fastest f/2 aperture ever built with a 15mm lens, the new Full Frame E-mount lens is engineered for professionals to shoot impressive landscape, architecture and primary astro photos with great details. This is an every-day and must-buy lens that every Sony Full Frame Mirrorless camera user should have one in his bag.

Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT

The Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT is the Widest f/2 rectilinear lens ever designed for Micro Four Thirds Cameras. Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics has successfully minimized the weight of the lens to a merely 0.37 pounds (170g) and 55mm long. The extreme 110 angle of view, ultra-fast f/2 aperture and featherweight make this lens an ideal option to pair up with drones for aerial photography. It also gives photographers a fast and wide-angle option for low-light shooting as well as landscape photography.

Availability

The Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D and the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT will be available to the market in early 2017. Engineering prototype will be available to test in Venus Optics’ Photokina debut. Venus Optics’ booth is in Hall 2.1, Booth A-045.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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TH Swiss releases pricing for its Irix 15mm F2.4 manual focus lenses

07 Sep

Optical new-comer TH Swiss has announced pricing for the two versions of its Irix 15mm F2.4 manual focus lens designed for full frame cameras. The lens was originally announced in March this year, but the company now says the lenses are ready for sale and will be priced from €475 (about $ 535) for the Firefly model. There are two versions of the lens, the Blackstone and the Firefly. The Blackstone offers a more solid build and better water resistance, while the Firefly is said to be lighter and more affordable. The Blackstone version will cost €695 (about $ 780).

The company claims that the lenses offer exceptional protection from flare and color aberrations via its ‘neutrino’ coatings and ‘sophisticated optical construction.’ Both lenses feature electronic aperture control via the camera body and a click-stop indicator at the infinity focus mark on the focusing ring. The lenses can be focus-calibrated to match individual camera bodies if needed, offer a focus lock at any focus position and the Blackstone version uses fluorescent paint in the body markings to make operation in low light easier.

Users will need 95mm filters to screw into the mount around the forward element and the petal-shaped lens hood has a sliding door to allow access to filters that need rotating. Those who prefer rear mounted filters will find a square holder behind the rear element. TH Swiss says that the nine-bladed iris provides attractive out-of-focus highlights too.
The lens will be available initially in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, but we should expect Pentax K users to be accommodated by the end of the month.

For more information, including full specification, MTF charts and optical schematics, see the Irix Lens website.

Press release

Irix 15/2.4 is ready for sale!

First deliveries of Blackstone and Firefly are on their way to distributors and retailers.

“The Irix 15mm f/2.4, both the Blackstone and the Firefly versions, is ready for sale”, announces TH Swiss Company. Starting from today, first deliveries of products have been shipped to distributors and retailers. Soon the customers will be able to enjoy the quality of Irix.

Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens is designed to deliver the best optical performance and match the demands of full frame DSLR cameras. Providing a focal length of 15mm, this new lens model is ideal for outdoor and indoor photography whether it is photojournalism, landscapes or architecture. The new special features such as focus lock, infinity click! and focus scale calibration set a new level of manual focus lens functionality. Thanks to sophisticated optical construction and special neutrino coating formula, colour aberration, ghosting and flare effects have been reduced to the absolute minimum. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 metre (0.92 ft) and 9 rounded shaped aperture blades, the lens stands for supremely smooth out-of-focus areas. The design of the lens allows the use of 95 mm screw-in filters at the front and gelatin filters at the back of the lens.

Blackstone, the Premium version, has durable body made with aluminium-magnesium alloy, that ensures foolproof protection of the lens, even in extreme situations. Its construction is equipped with four seals, that protect the camera mount and focusing mechanism against the dust and moisture, as well as front or side accidental water splashes. Engraved fluorescent markings enable easy read-out and operation in low light conditions.

Firefly is the standard version equipped with three seals that protect camera mount and focusing mechanism against dust, moisture and side accidental water splashes. Ergonomic focusing ring with rubber grip offers the freedom to operate with the camera. It is the most lightweight lens in its class.

Recommended retail prices are:
695 EUR for Irix Blackstone
475 EUR for Irix Firefly

Both versions are available for Canon EF and Nikon F cameras. By the end of September there will be also a Pentax K mount available.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Go wide or go home: Voigtlander 15mm Super-Wide-Heliar lens gallery

18 May

Sony shooters took note in October when Voigtlander announced it would release three ultra-wide-angle primes for full-frame E-mount cameras. When we managed to borrow a 15mm F4.5 Super-Wide-Heliar for a few days, we handed it right over to DPR staffer and veteran landscape photographer Chris Williams. Read some quick impressions on the lens and take a look at a small selection of his images.

As a professional landscape photographer I’ve shot a number of wide-angle lenses and to say that I was impressed by the Voigtlander 15mm prime is a bit of an understatement. The lens excels in sharpness throughout the frame and maintains a high level of performance across nearly every aperture. Being that it is a super wide prime, it does suffer from barrel distortion (as most ultra and super wides do) but the amount of lens that you get for the money is impressive.

Chromatic aberration really only becomes apparent wide open where the corners also tend to soften up a bit. Overall the lens performed very well, so well in fact that I may pick one up for myself at some point.

The other really nice thing about the Voigtlander 15mm is that it accepts traditional screw on filters. The Tokina 16-28mm F2.8, Nikon 14-24mm F2.8 and the Canon 11-24mm F4L all require external filter systems like those designed by Fotodiox. The Voigtlander accepts standard 58mm threaded filters, which is rare for a prime (or even a zoom) this wide.

Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 real-world sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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