Seeking thoughts on Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

[weinhous]

I'm considering the purchase of a Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Lens for Sony E (VE1540SFE), http://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-15mm-f4-wide-angle-1x-macro-lens/ for use on my a7R (and eventually on an a7RII).

 

Before making the purchase I'm seeking the wisdom of forum members. Thoughts and comments please…

 

Thanks,

[Maruchino]

I've also been looking at this lens

 

Not shot on a Sony, but you might find this review helpful: 

 

The shift feature essentially converts the frame to APS-C size, which has caught a few people out

[weinhous]

Thanks - have seen that video. Makes the lens look appealing :-)

 

Not concerned about the vignetting when using shift. Doesn't apply to my kind of shooting.

[JonathanStewart]

The lens does look pretty cool and if you get it I hope you post a review and some samples here.  Just my feedback dealing with Venus Lens about 2 years ago, when I ordered their super macro for A-mount.  They took payment, then delayed, and delayed, and delayed and kept telling me they were about to ship.  Finally I asked for a refund. They tried to talk me out of it, encouraging me to wait a little bit more, but I insisted.  They then promptly refunded the money.  So take that for what it's worth. 

[weinhous]

The lens does look pretty cool and if you get it I hope you post a review and some samples here.  Just my feedback dealing with Venus Lens about 2 years ago, when I ordered their super macro for A-mount.  They took payment, then delayed, and delayed, and delayed and kept telling me they were about to ship.  Finally I asked for a refund. They tried to talk me out of it, encouraging me to wait a little bit more, but I insisted.  They then promptly refunded the money.  So take that for what it's worth. 

Point taken - thanks. If I choose to buy the lens, I would do so from in-stock at a firm like B and H or Amazon, etc.

[tboydva]

I have this lens and I really like it. I was looking (quite a while) for a Voight 15mm III within my price range (under $600) but never could seem to find one... Thoughts on the lens:

 

1) It isn't a pancake lens so the profile is quite large. 77mm filter size. The tilt "box" is well integrated, but it's still a pretty large lens to take in a small day bag (unlike the 35/2.8)

2) The aperture is de-clicked. I personally don't like this as I always end up changing it rather than the focus ring (if I always used just this lens, I would probably learn, but it's not on the camera really often).

3) The macro capability is really great.

4) The tilt mechanism works without vignetting if you remove the hood. Haven't played with this too much, but a few tests in the yard at my house show less distortion when using the tilt (as it should...)

5) I created a lens profile using the Adobe utility and it helps (in LR). Probably can be done better...

 

Here are some photos (scenics and various depth of field): https://goo.gl/photos/Eyie7CPpcsfCHTNV6.

[weinhous]

I have this lens and I really like it. I was looking (quite a while) for a Voight 15mm III within my price range (under $600) but never could seem to find one... Thoughts on the lens:

 

1) It isn't a pancake lens so the profile is quite large. 77mm filter size. The tilt "box" is well integrated, but it's still a pretty large lens to take in a small day bag (unlike the 35/2.8)

2) The aperture is de-clicked. I personally don't like this as I always end up changing it rather than the focus ring (if I always used just this lens, I would probably learn, but it's not on the camera really often).

3) The macro capability is really great.

4) The tilt mechanism works without vignetting if you remove the hood. Haven't played with this too much, but a few tests in the yard at my house show less distortion when using the tilt (as it should...)

5) I created a lens profile using the Adobe utility and it helps (in LR). Probably can be done better...

 

Here are some photos (scenics and various depth of field): https://goo.gl/photos/Eyie7CPpcsfCHTNV6.

 

Thanks for your report. It's helpful.

[dierk]

I got one of the very first lenses.

On Steve Huff you will find images and descriptions (I would not call it a review):

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2015/11/06/laowa-15mm-f4-wide-angled-11-macro-lens-on-the-sony-a7rii-by-dierk-topp/

 

and my album with Laowa images is here on flickr (including some shifted and stitched images)

 

 

regards

dierk