Canon Photography News and Rumors

Laowa 8-15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye: Venus Optics / B&H Photo

The Laowa 8-15mm f/2.8 Fisheye is a unique and fun lens, according to PP’s latest review, which you can watch above or check out the summary of their review below:

Laowa 8-15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens Review
Chris Nichols took the new Laowa 8-15mm f/2.8 full-frame fisheye lens for a spin at the Calgary Stampede. Known for its music scene, the Stampede, also called “Cowella,” provided a vibrant backdrop for testing this unique lens.

Lens Features and Design
The Laowa 8-15mm is a fisheye zoom lens designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, available for Z, RF, Sony E, and L-mounts. At 15mm, it provides a full-frame image, while at 8mm it creates a circular fisheye effect with 180-degree coverage. A key drawback is the lack of electrical connections, meaning no EXIF data is recorded and in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is not fully supported. The lens is also not weather-sealed and weighs 650 grams.

Performance and Image Quality
Nichols suggests that while fisheye lenses can be seen as “one-trick ponies,” this Laowa offering is a solid choice for mirrorless shooters, especially with the limited options available. For the best results, he recommends using the lens at its extremes: 8mm for the full circular effect or 15mm for a diagonal fisheye look, as intermediate focal lengths can produce awkward-looking image.

The lens produces round, “soap bubble” specular highlights in its bokeh, though it’s not typically a lens used for shallow depth of field. For optimal sharpness, especially when subjects are off-center, stopping down the aperture is advised. Flare is described as “fun to use” with interesting concentric ring effects when the sun is in the center of the frame, but sun stars are “mediocre”.

Video and B-Roll
Jordan Drake, who shot the B-roll for the review, notes that for video, the lens is best used for a specific “wacky” effect. The review’s B-roll was shot using Wescott’s rustic wood panels as a background to match the Stampede’s aesthetic.

Conclusion
Despite the lack of electrical connections, Nichols enjoyed his time with the Laowa 8-15mm lens at the Stampede, highlighting its 180-degree coverage and impressive optical performance when stopped down. He recommends it as a “cool choice” for those looking for a fisheye lens for their mirrorless camera system.

Follow Canonaddict on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube