p.1 #1 · Ultrawide: Laowa 9mm or Brightin Star 9.5mm?
I'm thinking of replacing my CV 10 with one of the newer optics. My copy is somewhat decentered on the right side.
From what I've been able to see in reviews online:
Laowa 9 advantages:
- much closer focusing
- somewhat wider FOV (true 9mm, Brightin Star is 9.5)
- possibility to add 100mm square filters (through additional adapter)
- possibly slightly better sharpness
Brightin Star advantages:
- rear filters (ND)
- somewhat cheaper (especially including filters)
Trying to decide on the importance for me of close focus vs easier to use / cheaper filters. I think the overall angle of view difference is irrelevant. I'd go for the sharper optic if I was sure that Laowa is indeed better.
p.1 #4 · Ultrawide: Laowa 9mm or Brightin Star 9.5mm?
I haven’t tried the Brighton Star but I’ve enjoyed the Laowa 9. I had already purchased some Kolari clip in filters, so I have no interest in getting any rear filters that are specific to a single lens. These are compatible with every camera and lens I have. I still get some front filters in the common sizes for convenience but for specialty folders and specialty lenses and sizes, they really save a lot of money over time compared to buying specific for the lens. How important are filters to what your shoot? I actually chose the Laowa to be one of 3 lenses I took traveling for two months, the other two being the Sony 20-70 and the sigma 90 2.8. The Laowa didn’t get used as much as the Sony, but it made for some terrific pictures when it did, including in infrared (which were the only filters I brought).
