Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom
Announced November 21, 2024
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Mediocre
The Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 is a compact, metal-bodied zoom lens that brings rare tilt-shift capabilities to APS-C systems at an accessible price point. While it offers unique geometric control and a small form factor, users should expect some softness, vignetting, and a fully manual experience.
Weighted from 4 reviewer scores
Early scores
Pros
- Compact and lightweight build for a tilt-shift lens
- Durable all-metal construction
- Minimal geometric distortion
- Affordable pricing
- Unique zoom shift functionality
Cons
- Vignetting and corner fall-off issues
- Softness and optical imperfections when shooting wide open
- Difficult physical handling due to control ring layout or size
- Manual operation lacking EXIF data transmission
- Lack of weather sealing
- Launch price $699 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 12-24mm f/5.6
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount, Fujifilm X, Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 15 cm (0.4x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Manual focus only
- Weight & size 497g · 69.4 x 93.6 mm (2.73 x 3.69 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 4 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 5.5/10
While the lens is useful and affordable, it isn't the sharpest of lenses, leaving me feeling like it wasn't so much of an actual "dream" to use.
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The combination of those movements of the camera and of the lens can really change the geometry of images quite a lot, and it's a good enough lens that I wouldn't worry about the quality of it.
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[T]his is the lens for you and there's nothing that compares to it.
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The Laowa 12-24mm F5.6 Tilt-Shift lens is a blast to use and beautifully designed. I truly loved that this level of innovation is still happening for APS-C cameras – especially for those of us who don’t want to leave the system just yet.
