Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Ultra Wide-Angle Lens - Nikon F

Name: Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Ultra Wide-Angle Lens - Nikon F
Brand: Laowa
SKU: m4mfqc7ejb
Availability: InStock

The Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Ultra Wide-angle Lens for Nikon AI Cameras is the world’s...

Best current price£849.00from eBay

Best offers

Shopping.co.uk recommended and popular offers

Lowest priceMost popular

eBay£849.00Visit shop

Laowa 12mm F2.8 Zero-D Lens (Nikon Z). Ultra wide angle, manual focus lens

Visit shop

All Offers

10 offers from £849.00 - £949.00

View price history by clicking the chart icon.

eBayLaowa 12mm F2.8 Zero-D Lens (Nikon Z). Ultra wide angle, manual focus lens

Free delivery in 1–3 days

£849.00

Visit shop

OnBuy.comLaowa 12Mm F/2.8 Zero-D Sony Fe Lens Wide Milc/Slr 16/10 22-2.8 Manual Sony E Black 6940486700237

Free delivery in 1–3 days

£929.18

Visit shop

Wex Photo VideoLaowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Wide Angle Lens for Nikon Z

Free delivery in 1–3 days

£949.00

Visit shop

Used Offers

2 offers from £899.95

View price history by clicking the chart icon.

Wex Photo VideoLaowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Wide Lens for Sony E Mount - Black

Free delivery in 1–3 days

£899.95

Visit shop

Product Information

Full details

This guide is for photographers seeking an ultra-wide-angle lens with minimal distortion for Nikon AI cameras. The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D offers the widest f/2.8 view (122 degrees) with near-zero distortion, making it ideal for landscapes, architecture, interiors, and astrophotography. While its manual focus design is a hallmark, it requires user adaptation for precise focusing.

All features

Brand	Laowa

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Is this lens autofocus?

No, the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens is a manual focus lens. You will need to adjust the focus ring by hand.

What does 'Zero-D' mean?

Zero-D refers to the lens's 'Close-to-Zero Distortion' design, meaning it minimizes the bending of straight lines that is common in many ultra-wide-angle lenses.

Can I use filters with this lens?

Yes, you can use filters with an optional Laowa 100mm filter holder system, which accommodates two 100mm ND filters and one 105mm CPL filter without causing vignetting.

What is the main advantage of the f/2.8 aperture?

The f/2.8 aperture is very fast, allowing the lens to perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions and for astrophotography. It enables shorter exposure times and better image quality in dim environments.

What camera systems is this lens compatible with?

This specific version is designed for Nikon AI mount cameras. Other versions are available for Canon EF, Pentax K, Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z mounts.

How heavy is the lens?

The lens is remarkably lightweight, weighing only 609g (approximately 1.34 lbs).

What is the minimum focusing distance?

The closest focusing distance for this lens is 0.18 meters (18 cm).

Troubleshooting

Lens won't mount to camera.

Ensure you are using a compatible Nikon AI mount camera. Check if any debris is obstructing the mount on either the lens or the camera body. Verify the lens is aligned correctly before attempting to twist it into place.

Images appear blurry.

This is a manual focus lens. Carefully adjust the focus ring until your subject is sharp. For infinity focus, ensure the focus ring is set correctly, especially in very cold or hot conditions where expansion/contraction can occur. Use live view on your camera for magnified focus checking.

Significant vignetting at wide apertures.

While designed for minimal vignetting, extreme wide-angle lenses can sometimes show slight darkening at the corners, especially with filters. Ensure filters are properly seated in the optional filter holder system and not exceeding the recommended size (100mm for ND, 105mm for CPL).

Difficulty focusing in low light.

Utilize the camera's live view feature and zoom in on your subject to achieve precise focus. The f/2.8 aperture helps gather more light, but manual focusing still requires careful attention in very dark conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptional wide-angle view with minimal distortion.
Bright f/2.8 aperture excels in low-light and astrophotography.
Compact and lightweight for portability.
High optical quality delivers sharp images.
Versatile for various photography genres.

Cons

Manual focus only, requires user practice for accuracy.
Lens hood is not integrated; requires a separate filter holder system for certain filters.
May require a specific adapter for certain Nikon camera bodies beyond AI mount.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup: This is a manual focus lens designed for Nikon AI mount cameras. Ensure the lens is properly mounted onto the camera body by aligning the red dot on the lens with the corresponding mark on the camera mount and twisting until it clicks into place. You will need to set your camera to manual exposure mode (`M`) and manually adjust aperture and focus.

Compatibility: Primarily designed for Nikon AI mount cameras. While it may physically fit other Nikon F-mount cameras, full compatibility and functionality (especially with electronic communication) are best with cameras supporting AI mount standards. Always check specific camera model compatibility if unsure.

Care: Keep the lens cap on when not in use. Clean the lens elements gently with a microfiber lens cloth. For stubborn smudges or the front element's Frog Eye Coating, use a lens cleaning solution sparingly on the cloth. Avoid touching the glass surfaces with your fingers. Store in a protective case or bag to prevent dust and damage.