Venus Optics Unveils the Laowa 14mm f/4 ‘Zero Distortion’ Lens for Full-Frame Mirrorless

Venus Optics has announced the new Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL ZERO-D, a new “zero distortion” ultra-wide-angle lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The Laowa 14mm f/4 is an RL (rectilinear) ZERO-D lens, meaning it’s marketed as being able to capture straight features in the scene as straight lines with virtually zero distortion from corner to corner in its 114° angle of view. Venus Optics says the Zero-D aspect is thanks to two aspherical elements and 3 extra-low dispersion elements that help suppress the distortion.

It’s an extremely small and light lens, measuring 2.28×2.32in (58x59mm) and weighing just 8.04 ounces (228g).

On the front of the lens is a 52mm filter thread for conveniently using compact filters while out and about. If you’d like to use 100mm filters for zero vignetting, there’s also a special magnetic filter holder (sold separately) that can be attached to the lens.

“The 5-bladed aperture creates perfect 10-point sunstar rendering,” Venus Optics says. “Simply stop down the aperture by 1 stop and can create the beautiful 10-point sunstars.”

“The Leica M mount of the 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D is equipped with rangefinder coupling to have a more accurate and easy focus,” Venus Optics says. “As for other mounts, there is a focus tab to improve the stability and speed when focusing.”

The Leica M version (left) and the version for all other mounts with a focus tab (right).

Other features and specs of the lens include 13 elements in 9 groups, a 52mm filter thread, and a minimum focusing distance of 10.62 inches (27cm).

Here are some sample photos captured with the lens:

The Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D comes in Leica M, Leica L, Canon RF, Sony FE, and Nikon Z mounts in black and silver colors and is available through the Venus Optics website and through authorized resellers. The price tag is $649 for the Leica version and $549 for all other mounts.

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