Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95 FF
Announced October 28, 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 45mm f/0.95 FF is a fast, manual-focus lens that delivers pleasing bokeh and unique image rendering for portrait and narrative work. While it offers impressive optical character for its price, the lens is notably large, heavy, and requires careful handling due to its substantial physical footprint.
Weighted from 9 reviewer scores
Pros
- Pleasing, soft, and smooth bokeh rendering
- Strong optical performance including good sharpness and contrast
- Highly usable manual focus system with long, smooth, and dampened throw
- Sturdy, metallic, and durable build quality
- Fast f/0.95 aperture with versatile clickless or clicked ring options
Cons
- Heavy, large, and cumbersome physical design
- Manual-only operation with long focus throw that complicates handheld shooting
- Presence of chromatic aberration, fringing, and coma
- Significant vignetting and corner softness at wide apertures
- Noticeable focus breathing and harsh lens flare patterns
- Launch price $799 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 45mm f/0.95
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Leica LTM Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 50 cm (0.12x)
- Filter thread 72mm
- Autofocus motor Manual Focus
- Weight & size 835g · 77 x 110 mm (3.03 x 4.33 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 9 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 7.5/10
If you are a hybrid shooter that does both video and still images, or, are simply an absolute bokeh-addict that needs the shallowest of shallow depth of field for their work, then the answer is yes, you should definitely look into buying this lens.
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[I]t is one of the sharper f/0.95 lenses out there, and I do like the look of its images, so if you can work around its limitations, then it does come recommended.
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In terms of sharpness this 45mm 0.95 actually has the edge. Off center performance at portrait distances is slightly better, which is very welcome, and the close up performance is significantly better.
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Once you've mastered the art of shooting with this lens, though, you will be rewarded with uniquely rich, deep and characterful images.
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It's not sharp, but a lot better than the super fast lenses of this price bracket. It's not a Noctilux nor not Noctilux, but it's not price like one, and the bokeh is really quite pleasing.
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The rendering need to have some special character, and this Laowa 45mm Argus lens can definitely deliver that to me. The bokeh is soft and the lens flare is very cinematic and overall the image captured by this lens just look very pleasing to my eyes.
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All right guys, so the Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95 FF lens is phenomenal. I loved using this lens.
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I think that if you're trying to add some creativity to your portrait photos or narrative films, as long as you have the time to make sure everything's in focus, this is an incredible lens.
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I am absolutely in love with some of the images that I was able to create; however, I probably wouldn't carry this lens around unless I knew that I was going to be using it, just because it is so big, heavy, and cumbersome.
