Laowa AF 12mm F/2.8 FF II Zero-D

Specifications01

MountNIKON Z

Focal length12mm

Max aperturef/2.8

TypeCinema · Wide · Prime

Weight390 g

Filter size72 mm

Physical length77 mm

Min focus distance0.14 m

Aperture blades5

Optical elements16

Groups9

Lens hoodpetal-shaped, bayonet mount, included

Additional Info02

Category["Nikon Z (Full Format)"]

Review AuthorKlaus

Review Rating7

Review VerdictNo ultra-wide lens is capable of delivering perfect results on high-resolution image sensors. However, the Laowa AF 12mm f/2.8 FF II Zero-D does a pretty good job within its scope. As with most lenses of its kind, the center quality is downright superb, but it fades quickly beyond - not helped by some astigmatism. This is most obvious at f/2.8, of course. Stopping down to a medium aperture setting, the results are actually pretty sharp and that's where you'd use it the most anyway. Image distortions are minimal - by design, not because of autocorrection. The latter helps somewhat in taming vignetting, though. Lateral CAs are quite good. The quality of the bokeh is also decent for such a lens, and if sun stars are your thing, it does excel in this category. The flare resistance could be better, though. In terms of mechanical quality, the AF 12mm f/2.8 FF II Zero-D feels great. Laowa uses an all-metal body down to the lens mount and up to the lens hood. The gunmetal finish, the texture of the focus ring with its diagonal grooves with a flattened part showing the Laowa logo are certainly stylish. The AF is decently fast and essentially noiseless. Weather-sealing has not been implemented, though. Overall, an attractive option that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Review Criteria{"Optical Quality":7,"Mechanical Quality":9,"Price / Performance":10}

Review Published2025-06-26T20:51:15+00:00

Optical Construction16 elements in 9 groups (2x glass aspherical, 4x ED)

Field Notes02

Laowa AF 12mm F/2.8 Zero-D is an APS/FF-compatible 12mm ultra-wide autofocus lens for Nikon Z, intended for landscape and interior use with a fast f/2.8 aperture for low-light. It targets reduced distortion.

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Catalog note · source: opticallimits

Sources03

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Other Mounts03

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