Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO
Announced May 3, 2021
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
Strong
The Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO offers APS-C users a capable, sharp prime lens with smooth bokeh and high-quality metal construction at an accessible price point. While its manual focus design and significant vignette at wide apertures may pose challenges for some, it remains a compelling tool for those prioritizing creative optical character.
Weighted from 12 reviewer scores
Pros
- Sharp optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration
- Smooth and attractive bokeh rendering
- Excellent build quality with all-metal construction
- Precise manual focus experience with long throw
- Affordable pricing for an f/0.95 aperture
Cons
- Significant vignetting at wide apertures
- Inconvenient de-clicked aperture ring
- Heavy and front-heavy design
- Susceptibility to flare and ghosting
- Lack of electronic coupling or weather sealing
- Launch price $499 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 33mm f/0.95
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Canon EF APS-C
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 35 cm
- Filter thread 62mm
- Autofocus motor Manual focus only
- Weight & size 590g · 71.5 x 83 mm (2.81 x 3.27 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 12 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 7.5/10
For photographers specifically, its quirks can be annoying, but perhaps worth it for the bokeh it produces.
- OpticalLimits 7.5/10
The Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is trying the seemingly impossible by providing shallow depth-of-field capabilities similar to full-format to APS-c class users. And, surprisingly, they succeeded in this quest - mostly at least.
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[T]his Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is a very well done optic.
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The lens is nice and sharp and if you are after a fast manual focus prime lens then it certainly ticks a lot of boxes without emptying your wallet.
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The bottom line is that if you’re interested in trying out such a lens, for creative exploration or for pushing the technical envelope, (or both at once!) then this $500 wonder could be your new favorite lens!
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If you are using a fullframe camera it is probably a better idea to get a good 50mm f/1.4 lens in the first place which will do the same thing in a more compact package.
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So if you're looking for something that's manual focus and extremely high quality, I highly recommend checking out the Venus Optics lenses.
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This lens is a very nice lens. A very capable lens that is very versatile.
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The construction is far superior and the resulting images have more character.
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As you might have noticed from the way that I've been talking about this lens, I've really, really enjoyed my time with it, and basically the only thing left for me at this point is to convince my wife that I need to put 500 into a new lens at this time.
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I’ve really enjoyed the month I’ve spent with this lens and am sad that I had to send it back to Laowa. It has definitely found its place on my wish list and I look forward to adding it to my kit.
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This is some of the best bokeh I've seen amongst the three f/0.95 lenses that are out on the market right now, so if you're someone that cares about that bokeh, this is the lens to get.
