A Review of the Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift Lens

A shift lens is a uniquely useful optic for a variety of applications, particularly for architecture, where the ability to correct perspective and keystone distortion allows you to make buildings look more natural. This excellent video review takes a look at one such lens available for a variety of lens mounts, the Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift.

Coming to you from DP Review TV, this great video review takes a look at the Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift lens. The 15mm f/4.5 comes with a wide variety of helpful features, including:

  • +/- 11 mm of shift adjustment for correcting perspective and keystone distortion
  • 65 mm-diameter image circle to ensure full coverage of full frame sensors even at extreme shift without vignetting
  • 360 degree of rotation for applying shift in any direction, with 15-degree stops along the rotation control
  • Two aspherical elements for reduced distortion and increased sharpness
  • Three extra-low dispersion elements for reduced chromatic aberrations and increased clarity

  • Anti-reflective coating for reduced flares and ghosting

  • Minimum focus distance of 7.9 inches

  • Five-blade diaphragm for 10-point sun stars when shooting with narrow apertures

Altogether, the Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift looks to be a highly useful lens. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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3 Comments

I know it's boring, but the one place this lens will actually make most sales is with real estate photograpers. Can the next video cover off all the issues we deal with on a day to day basis, mainly indoors, often in tight spaces, or avoiding obstructions.

Thank you for posting this video appreciate the comparing it with the Canon. As I am considering this lens for specif projects.

I shoot live music video and photography. I can see this working well to correct that distortion of the ultra wide shot of the whole band up close shot . If you do that or like that shot . I do ! I like up close , in your face with what I call a “back story” the story behind the main performer