Venus Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Lens for GFX Medium Format System

2022-01-09T11:07:52

The Laowa 17mm f4 lens for the GFX system is breathtaking. You can go on the internet and watch endless videos on the details of its focusing ability, chromatic aberration, distortion, contrast, and even ease of use but none of those videos will do it justice. I recently received my lens and placed it onto my GFX 100S. If the camera was already a beast of a powerhouse, this lens just made it even better. At the moment, Fujifilm has no equivalent focal length allowing for as wide a view as this lens, so if you are looking for the widest view possible, with the best image possible, without breaking the bank, stop wasting your time looking around. This lens will impress you! I started with film over 35 years ago and have been shooting digital for 20 years now. I have had my share of cameras, camera systems and lenses. I tell you this so you know this review does not come from someone using a lens for the first time. Remember that this lens is manual focus. If this will impede a good workflow for you, then this lens is not for you. I use it mostly for landscapes with occasional street photography (this is not the best camera to be lugging around town), and I have had absolutely no issues. The construction is tough; made of metal and glass, you will not find much plastic here. There is rubber for the focusing ring and that is about it. I won't dwell on the details of what is inside as you can get that from the specs. Just know that it is difficult to find quality like this for the price asked. A couple more things to keep in mind before buying: 1. Filter size is 86mm and you won't want to buy cheap filters for a medium format camera/lens combo so expect to spend some money. I put on a permanent circular polarizer since it is perfect for landscapes and the camera will most likely be on a tripod. 2. The mark on the mount that helps you align it with the camera is on the inside instead of being on the outside like most lenses. Doesn't seem like a big deal but it can be annoying when trying to mount it in a hurry. Not a deal breaker but wish they had marked it on the outside. That said, you can take a dot of nail polish and do it yourself. 3. It is a heavy lens but when paired with a medium format camera, the balance is perfect. Don't worry about the lens being front heavy. It's not. Other than these points, I love the lens. Even if Fujifilm comes out with a wider lens, I will probably just keep this one. If you end up needing autofocus, you may decide to buy another lens later on but if you don't, you will never look back. Buy it and enjoy it. Have fun. I hope my review helps you make up your mind.

Juan L.

2020-06-13T19:50:52

Ultra wide angle of view on a 44mm X 33mm system that has nearly zero distortion and a reasonable f/4 aperture: Amazing. The single reason I bought into the Fujifilm system. I haven't experienced the Fujifilm 23mm but IMO it's not wide enough to offer unique perspectives - my iPhone has a wider angle of view but when I read about this lens it's single biggest reason I bought into the Fujifilm system. I'm coming from Pentax 645Z and Canon. The Canon always left me wanting for resolution and the Pentax always left me wanting for a wider angle of view. Now I've solved both problems with this sytem. I had considered the hasselblad system since they offer a 21mm; although this is not as sharp I can manipulate the image a little using the superior resolution of the GFX100 and get great results.

Paul S.