Read the latest issue here

Laowa update ‘world’s widest’ 14-blade shift lens

Posted on Apr 25, 2022

The new and improved Laowa 15mm f/4.5R Zero-D Shift promises more artistic freedom for photographers.

Under their manufacturing arm ‘Laowa’, Venus Optics has launched the updated 15mm f/4.5R Zero-D Shift Lens. While the original 15mm already champions the TIPA-award-winning title of ‘world’s widest shift lens’, the updated f/4.5R could render greater flexibility with perspective and light bursts. It has been released in both ‘Blue Ring’ and ‘Red Ring’ editions, with architectural, cityscape, and interior photographers in mind.

An impressive start, but let’s go deeper. The new Red edition of the 15mm f/4.5R Zero-D Shift offers the cutting-edge 14-blade aperture, which promises stunning – yet more subtle – 14-point sunbursts. A particularly useful tool, especially when it comes to the challenge of a window reflection or a strong light source.

The f/4.5R is medium and full format-ready, with bokeh so smooth that night-view city scenes become visually stunning. Perspective distortion has been worked on (see: Zero-D), and there is greater control over chromatic aberration, flaring and ghosting effects.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects is how the +11mm Shift (full frame) delivers the ability to stitch multiple images together, expanding the room compositions and creating extraordinary perspective. This means crooked images are corrected by the lens itself (saving that precious space on memory cards!), and straight and sharp edges can be captured effortlessly.

Both Blue and Red versions are great options for close focusing distance with their user-friendly 360° rotation and special design lens support (but this is sold separately), while the new Fujifilm G mount allows greater accessibility for most cameras without the need for any adapters. The weight is 579g; dimensions are about Ø 79mm * 103mm.

The price point for both the Red and Blue ring versions of the Laowa 15mm f/4.5R Zero-D Shift is $1,199 – although this may vary in other countries.

To read more on the product, head over to the Venus Optics website.

Don’t forget to sign up to receive our newsletter below, and get notified about the new issue, exclusive offers and competitions.

Have you heard The Photography News Podcast? Tune in for news, techniques, advice and much more! Click here to listen for free.

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ex...

September 5th, 2024

Leica has officially launched the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200 f/2.8 ASPH telephoto zoom lens, which now...

Nikon Setting the Standard

January 7th, 2022

Travel light with this compact standard zoom for Nikon’s mirrorless Z system

Seeing the World in Constant Beauty

August 6th, 2024

Landscape photographer Leah Hennessey reveals her inspiration, images and why she trusts Tamron lenses...

Seize the day with OM System’s holiday...

November 23rd, 2022

Get your hands on new gear this season with OM System’s cashback deals

Sign up to the newsletter!

Subscribe to the Photography News newsletter to get the latest issue of the magazine, news, special offers, occasional surveys and carefully selected partner offerings delivered direct to your inbox.

You may opt-out at any time. Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy.