Venus Optics Laowa GFX 17mm f/4 Zero-D for Fujifilm Medium Format

2022-03-04 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: distortion, Fujifilm, Fujifilm medium format, medium format, optics, Venus Optics Laowa GFX 17mm f/4 Zero-D

Wondering if there is a high quality ultra-wide for Fujifilm medium format? Me too. So far the widest lens from Fujifilm is the Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R WR, a terrific lens so long as you get a good sample.

The Venus Optics Laowa GFX 17mm f/4 Zero-D will be here soon for testing. Will it be as good as performer as claimed?

CLICK TO VIEW: Wide Angle Lenses for Fujifilm Medium Format

I’m skeptical (on price alone), especially since the tiny sample images (~1.5 megapixels) could have been done with an iPhone for all I know. And because it is really a 12mm f/2.8 with the Venus Optics Magic Format Converter built-in. I don't see how stretching an image bigger can possibly maintain resolution. And when the detail blow-ups blow on the web site show a section from a 1.9 megapixel image—seriously? Low distortion is a key feature (and yet no distortion graph is shown...WTH? Well, you get the idea.

Still, I thought it would be worth a gander, to see if it might perform well enough to be a viable lens for the Fujifilm GFX100S. Or at least to show how badly or not so badly it performs.

Venus Optics Laowa GFX 17mm f/4 Zero-D
for Fujifilm Medium Format

Venus Optics LAOWA 17mm f/4 ZERO-D Overview

Exceptionally wide, the Laowa 17mm f/4 GFX Zero-D from Venus Optics is an impressive ultra-wide prime designed for FUJIFILM G-mount mirrorless medium format cameras.

With a broad 113° angle of view, this lens is well-suited to a range of subjects, including architecture, interiors, landscapes, and astrophotography. The optical design incorporates a series of extra-low dispersion and aspherical elements, which correct a variety of aberrations in order to produce high sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy.

As part of the Zero-D series, this lens also offers notable distortion control for accurate subject portrayal. A Frog Eye coating has been applied to the front element, as well, which protects the lens from dust and moisture. Additionally, its manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as 7.9" away and a five-blade diaphragm contributes to producing 10-point sun stars.

• Ultra-wide 17mm prime is designed for use with FUJIFILM G-mount medium format mirrorless cameras where it provides a 13mm equivalent focal length.
• Two aspherical elements and three extra-low dispersion elements are featured to minimize spherical and chromatic aberrations for sharper, clearer, and more color-accurate imagery.
• Part of the Zero-D series, the optical design helps to reduce distortion for improved geometric accuracy, making it suitable for interior and architecture photography applications.
• Frog Eye Coating has been applied to the front element to help repel water and dust.
• Manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as 7.9" away.
• Five-blade diaphragm produces clean 10-point sun stars when photography point light sources and specular highlights.
• Front 86mm filter thread accepts screw-in filters.