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Archive 2018Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
p.14 #1Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
So UV filter is a must. And NDs will be stackef on it? How many filters can it take then?
Sep 23, 2018 at 08:48 AM
p.14 #2Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
FWIW- I find the CV 10 sunstars to be amazing.
Sep 23, 2018 at 09:40 AM
p.14 #3Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
nandadevieast wrote:
So UV filter is a must. And NDs will be stackef on it? How many filters can it take then?
Since the lens is designed with the UV filter as part of the optical system it can just take one filter. If you want to use a ND filter, you have to remove the UV filter first. And you should get a ND filter which has exactly the same thickness as the originial UV filter. If not, this can have an impact on corner sharpness and field curvature.
@Fred: I'm also very interested in your tests, especially wide open corner sharpness, field curvature and coma.
Boris
So UV filter is a must. And NDs will be stackef on it? How many filters can it take then?
Since the lens is designed with the UV filter as part of the optical system it can just take one filter. If you want to use a ND filter, you have to remove the UV filter first. And you should get a ND filter which has exactly the same thickness as the originial UV filter. If not, this can have an impact on corner sharpness and field curvature.
@Fred: I'm also very interested in your tests, especially wide open corner sharpness, field curvature and coma.
Boris
Sep 23, 2018 at 10:23 AM
p.14 #4Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
In addition, there will be a huge focus shift.
Bobu wrote:
Since the lens is designed with the UV filter as part of the optical system it can just take one filter. If you want to use a ND filter, you have to remove the UV filter first. And you should get a ND filter which has exactly the same thickness as the originial UV filter. If not, this can have an impact on corner sharpness and field curvature.
@Fred@: I'm also very interested in your tests, especially wide open corner sharpness, field curvature and coma.
Boris
Bobu wrote:
nandadevieast wrote
So UV filter is a must. And NDs will be stackef on it? How many filters can it take then?@Fred@: I'm also very interested in your tests, especially wide open corner sharpness, field curvature and coma.
Boris
Sep 23, 2018 at 11:48 AM
p.14 #5Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
Fred Miranda wrote:
<table border="0" align="right" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"><tr><td><a href="https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1541118"><img border=0 src="https://www.fredmiranda.com/Buzz/Screen Shot 2018-04-20 at 7.28.15 AM copy.png" width="175" height="172" alt="Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams" title="Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams"></a></td></tr></table>Venus Optics officially announced two new lenses today: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom and Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (SLR lens that can be adapted for the E-mount)
Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom
This lens is currently the widest zoom lens available for Sony full frame E-mount cameras. Designed primarily for travel photography, Venus optics have managed to compress the size to smallest in its class,...Show more →
FRED, above latter date is erroneous
Sep 23, 2018 at 11:53 AM
p.14 #6Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
garydavidjones wrote:
Venus Optics officially announced two new lenses today: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom and Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (SLR lens that can be adapted for the E-mount)
Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom
This lens is currently the widest zoom lens available for Sony full frame E-mount cameras. Designed primarily for travel photography, Venus optics have managed to compress the size to smallest in its class, less than 10 inch (<10cm) and only 1.1 pounds (<500g). The 102° (18mm) to 130° (10mm) angle of view provides flexibility for photographers to compose landscape or architecture photos with ease. The lens houses with 14 elements in 10 groups with 2 aspherical elements & 1 extra-low dispersion element to deliver exceptional performance. It can focus as close as 15cm for some mini-macro shooting. A rear filter slot is included to fit with 37mm filter. Click/clickless aperture can be toggled by the switch on the lens barrel.
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
Followed by the success of the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro, the 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro is the 2nd member of Laowa 2:1 macro line-up. This new 100mm lens can cover full frame sensor size and focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity. The wide magnification range allows macro photographers to capture subject at any sizes. This 100mm portrait lens also features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic that no chromatic aberration can be found. The 12 elements in 10 groups optics design delivers a crystal sharpness image in both macro and tele distances. Canon EF / Nikon AI / Pentax K / Sony FE mounts are available.
All lenses will be available for trial at Venus Optics’ booth (T225) in Beijing P&E Imaging fair during 3rd-6th May 2019. They are expected to be shipped in mid/late 2018. Exact shipping date and pricing are to be confirmed.FRED, above latter date is erroneous
Yes, that was their prior schedule which changed because of delays. I've updated it. Thanks!
Both lenses will be featured at Photokina 2018.
Fred Miranda wrote
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Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom
This lens is currently the widest zoom lens available for Sony full frame E-mount cameras. Designed primarily for travel photography, Venus optics have managed to compress the size to smallest in its class, less than 10 inch (<10cm) and only 1.1 pounds (<500g). The 102° (18mm) to 130° (10mm) angle of view provides flexibility for photographers to compose landscape or architecture photos with ease. The lens houses with 14 elements in 10 groups with 2 aspherical elements & 1 extra-low dispersion element to deliver exceptional performance. It can focus as close as 15cm for some mini-macro shooting. A rear filter slot is included to fit with 37mm filter. Click/clickless aperture can be toggled by the switch on the lens barrel.
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
Followed by the success of the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro, the 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro is the 2nd member of Laowa 2:1 macro line-up. This new 100mm lens can cover full frame sensor size and focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity. The wide magnification range allows macro photographers to capture subject at any sizes. This 100mm portrait lens also features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic that no chromatic aberration can be found. The 12 elements in 10 groups optics design delivers a crystal sharpness image in both macro and tele distances. Canon EF / Nikon AI / Pentax K / Sony FE mounts are available.
All lenses will be available for trial at Venus Optics’ booth (T225) in Beijing P&E Imaging fair during 3rd-6th May 2019. They are expected to be shipped in mid/late 2018. Exact shipping date and pricing are to be confirmed.
Yes, that was their prior schedule which changed because of delays. I've updated it. Thanks!
Both lenses will be featured at Photokina 2018.
Sep 23, 2018 at 11:58 AM
p.14 #7Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
Update: I've tested the Laowa 10-18mm at infinity distance and the zoom didn't do well. However, my copy is decentered and I can't be sure if it's how the lens performs or if my copy is subpar.
There is significant lateral CA and astigmatism towards the corners and in comparison, my CV 12 and CV 15 lenses perform noticeably better at infinity. (center, mid and especially corners)
Laowa is currently busy at Photokina and I will wait for them to send me another copy before posting samples. Thanks for your patience.
There is significant lateral CA and astigmatism towards the corners and in comparison, my CV 12 and CV 15 lenses perform noticeably better at infinity. (center, mid and especially corners)
Laowa is currently busy at Photokina and I will wait for them to send me another copy before posting samples. Thanks for your patience.
Sep 24, 2018 at 10:37 AM
p.14 #8Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
Cheers Fred
I would have thought they would have tested it before sending to you, knowing you would be testing it and publishing results in a popular Sony forum.
Not good signs 🙁
I would have thought they would have tested it before sending to you, knowing you would be testing it and publishing results in a popular Sony forum.
Not good signs 🙁
Sep 24, 2018 at 11:44 AM
p.14 #9Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
johnahill wrote:
Cheers Fred
I would have thought they would have tested it before sending to you, knowing you would be testing it and publishing results in a popular Sony forum.
Not good signs 🙁
This happens with all lenses though. If I don't have a good copy, I prefer not posting anything. Having said that, I don't believe the 10-18mm will have high resolution, especially when compared to primes on its range.
Cheers Fred
I would have thought they would have tested it before sending to you, knowing you would be testing it and publishing results in a popular Sony forum.
Not good signs 🙁
This happens with all lenses though. If I don't have a good copy, I prefer not posting anything. Having said that, I don't believe the 10-18mm will have high resolution, especially when compared to primes on its range.
Sep 24, 2018 at 11:47 AM
p.14 #10Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
Was hoping it would be an answer to the ultra wide with filters question, might just stick with cv12 and the stacking method you mentioned in another thread 
Sep 24, 2018 at 12:52 PM
p.14 #11Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
johnahill wrote:
Was hoping it would be an answer to the ultra wide with filters question, might just stick with cv12 and the stacking method you mentioned in another thread
The CV 12/5.6 is my only lens that can't take the Seven5 system. So, I usually take about 16-36 consecutive images and 'mean' average them in post when mimicking the ND effect.
Was hoping it would be an answer to the ultra wide with filters question, might just stick with cv12 and the stacking method you mentioned in another thread
The CV 12/5.6 is my only lens that can't take the Seven5 system. So, I usually take about 16-36 consecutive images and 'mean' average them in post when mimicking the ND effect.
Sep 24, 2018 at 12:55 PM
p.14 #12Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
Looks like Mike may be correct after all.
Sep 24, 2018 at 02:01 PM
p.14 #13Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
Here is how the aperture shape looks at f/5.6....it's weird (pentagon) but it yield nice 10-point sunstars. 
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Sep 24, 2018 at 02:04 PM
p.14 #14Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
Fred Miranda wrote:
Here is how the aperture shape looks at f/5.6....it's weird (pentagon) ...
Ha! The Rollei SL66 lenses had five-blade apertures. Gave some rather unusual OOF highlights...
Rollei SL66 80mm adapted to Sony
Here is how the aperture shape looks at f/5.6....it's weird (pentagon) ...
Ha! The Rollei SL66 lenses had five-blade apertures. Gave some rather unusual OOF highlights...
Rollei SL66 80mm adapted to Sony
Sep 24, 2018 at 02:44 PM
p.14 #15Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
So, stupid question, but since this lens doesn't talk to the camera at all I guess I can't use IBIS unless I set it to some average focal length? Really not smart to leave out the electronics on a lens like this in my opinion.
Sep 27, 2018 at 08:49 AM
p.14 #16Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
I have a pre production lens for testing and you will find the revenue here at sonyalpharumors
find the test images here in my flickr album in 4k resolution
and more images in full 42 MPixel resolution
I compared the Laowa 10-18 with
Voigtlander Heliar-Hyper Wide 10mm f/5.6 Aspherical
Voigtlander (elder version) Ultra Wide-Heliar 12mm M mount with Novoflex adapter
Leica TRI-ELMAR-M at 16 and 18mm with Novoflex adapter
Sony 16-35 Vario-Tessar FE at 16 and 18mm
regards
dierk
Edited on Oct 03, 2018 at 01:06 AM · View previous versions
find the test images here in my flickr album in 4k resolution
and more images in full 42 MPixel resolution
I compared the Laowa 10-18 with
Voigtlander Heliar-Hyper Wide 10mm f/5.6 Aspherical
Voigtlander (elder version) Ultra Wide-Heliar 12mm M mount with Novoflex adapter
Leica TRI-ELMAR-M at 16 and 18mm with Novoflex adapter
Sony 16-35 Vario-Tessar FE at 16 and 18mm
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regards
dierk
Edited on Oct 03, 2018 at 01:06 AM · View previous versions
Oct 02, 2018 at 12:10 PM
p.14 #17Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom @ 10mm prototype on Sony A7R 720nm infrared
with infrared I don't see a problem with hot spot
but the infinity focus is not possible. At f/11 the results are very acceptable. It is the same problem with the Voigtlander Heliar-Hyper Wide 10mm f/5.6 Aspherical.
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with infrared I don't see a problem with hot spot
but the infinity focus is not possible. At f/11 the results are very acceptable. It is the same problem with the Voigtlander Heliar-Hyper Wide 10mm f/5.6 Aspherical.
Oct 02, 2018 at 12:43 PM
p.14 #18Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
flare test shots
on this one it is ok. for me
but with the sun from any side you may get heavy and unwanted flares
looking from the side you - and the sun - can see the front lens!
picture at the bottom left side
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on this one it is ok. for me
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but with the sun from any side you may get heavy and unwanted flares
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looking from the side you - and the sun - can see the front lens!
picture at the bottom left side
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Oct 02, 2018 at 01:17 PM
p.14 #19Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
architecture
playing with close foreground may result in very interesting images
the shadow at a distance of less than 50cm
and the cakes at minimum distance of about 6cm from the front lens
but with 10mm the closer you get to the edges you get severe geometrical distortions like the left plate
playing with close foreground may result in very interesting images
the shadow at a distance of less than 50cm
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and the cakes at minimum distance of about 6cm from the front lens
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but with 10mm the closer you get to the edges you get severe geometrical distortions like the left plate
Oct 02, 2018 at 01:31 PM
p.14 #20Official: Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom at 496 grams
Have you tested the CV10mm?
I know it has the same distortion, just wondering how it compares to the 10-18 Laowa
I know it has the same distortion, just wondering how it compares to the 10-18 Laowa
Oct 02, 2018 at 01:54 PM