Venus Optics 'Laowa' 15mm f/4 Macro lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
  • Venus Optics are a new, Chinese lens manufacturer who are specializing in manual focus, macro lenses...often with special capabilities. This particular macro lens is multi talented - not only is it the widest angle 1:1 macro lens ever made, but it has a very interesting optical shift feature for correcting perspective. With the overall quality of lenses manufactured in China greatly increasing these days - this could be a really interesting offering.
    Find it here (Amazon affiliate link) (Be sure to get the right lens for your camera system):
    geni.us/laowa1...
    As always, this is a totally independent review.
    Support me on Patreon! www.patreon.co...
    This video includes my new test chart, as I've moved to a new place far away from all my old shooting locations. I've tried to make it a colourful one.
    My Canon 70D had to be sold as I was saving up for my wedding/ honeymoon, so I'm still using my old Canon 60D. It's kind of falling to pieces by now! All pictures and footage shot by me on Canon 6D and 60D cameras.
    Here's a link to Venus's site: www.venuslens.net/
    Equipment I use to make my videos (Amazon affiliate links):
    Canon EOS R5: geni.us/CanonE...
    Canon EF-RF Adaptor: geni.us/CanonE...
    Sigma 50mm f/1.4 'Art': geni.us/Sigma5...
    Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM: geni.us/CanonR...
    Marumi Fit and Slim CPL Filter: geni.us/Marumi...
    AudioTechnica AT2020USB+ Microphone: geni.us/AT2020...
    Rode Smartlav+ Microphone: geni.us/RodeSm...
    Rode SC3 adapter: geni.us/RodeSC...
    Zoom H1n Recorder: geni.us/ZoomH1...
    DJI Mini 2 Drone: geni.us/DJIMin...
    Music:
    'Opportunity Walks', Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
    Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
    creativecommons....

КОМЕНТАРІ • 200

  • @lorseyjones4807
    @lorseyjones4807 7 років тому +6

    I really enjoy this lens, I ordered a lens filter with it. Now I own both Laowa 60mm 2.8 and 15mm f/4. Best lenses in each categories.

  • @gur262
    @gur262 8 років тому +16

    definitely on my: " if i ever get a fullframe i need new lenses....damnit" wishlist now :D thanks for the review

    • @MrDuderivers
      @MrDuderivers 8 років тому +2

      It works better on aps-c, But if have a a7r ii, you can switch from full frame to aps-c on the fly

    • @gur262
      @gur262 7 років тому

      MrDuderivers you mean that it does get closer, or rather looks like it cause of the cropfactor right?

    • @fandyus4125
      @fandyus4125 4 роки тому +1

      @@MrDuderivers I don't think it's very worthy on an APS-C, you lose most of that wide angle goodness. At that point, I'd say it's better to get a 28mm vintage lens and a tiny extension tube. Way cheaper and the results will be similar. There are some dirt cheap wide angle primes, and the extension tube needs not to carry over any electrical signals so it can be as cheap as a piece of plastic gets.

  • @Zwiesel66
    @Zwiesel66 8 років тому +2

    I will put it on my wishlist. I like the creative potential of this lens - it is magic, it can turn a 1 carat diamond into a 2 carat diamond ;-)

  • @periurban
    @periurban 8 років тому +1

    Lovely wee lens. Your pics are good, but Thomas Shahan's pics are classics. I love the way the lens brings the background into play.

  • @GregThurtle
    @GregThurtle 8 років тому +23

    this looks like the perfect lego man macro lens :)

  • @johndennismacapagal7949
    @johndennismacapagal7949 7 років тому +1

    I got this lens a few months back. It is nice but i want more tips to use it more than usual. Great tips! Surely il hit outside as soon as i wake up! Thanks for sharing!

  • @johndennismacapagal7949
    @johndennismacapagal7949 7 років тому +1

    I got this lens a few months back. It is nice but i want more tips to use it more than usual. Great tips! Surely il hit outside as soon as i wake up! Thanks for sharing!

  • @kngharv
    @kngharv 6 років тому

    I once requested you to review this lens. Thank you for doing this finally!

  • @markacevedo441
    @markacevedo441 8 років тому

    This is such an interesting lens, it's focal length being a macro and the shifting feature are very unique. Cool stuff!

  • @johanvilhelm8032
    @johanvilhelm8032 8 років тому

    I got mine this week! (after this video caught my attention). I love this lens a lot. There will be a lot of challenges ahead with lighting, but I hope that I'll solve that soon. I really like the build quality and the focus ring.

  • @dionamuh
    @dionamuh 8 років тому

    Very interesting lens, especially on a full frame camera for that very wide field of view I think. Great review, as always. :)

  • @magnuslundborg8806
    @magnuslundborg8806 8 років тому +5

    This lens is amazing.
    Have you tried the new Laowa 105mm f/2 (STF)? I would love to see a review on that one!
    Venus optics are really interesting..

  • @HappyGrower
    @HappyGrower 8 років тому

    Thanks for the review Chris.

  • @EdwardHilvano
    @EdwardHilvano 8 років тому

    Great review Christopher!!! Thanks for bring this new lenses out of its hiding.

  • @mindprison88
    @mindprison88 8 років тому

    Very cool lens, I always wanted an ultra-wide angle macro lens, thanks for the info!

  • @tyroney2
    @tyroney2 8 років тому

    Great review. To the point, thorough, and you don't speak like an idiot. It's hard to find a review on anything that doesn't speak in a manic mixed-state of hyperbole and meiosis, with idiotic words like "awesomeness" peppered throughout. Amazing. Thank you.

  • @DrawCuriosity
    @DrawCuriosity 8 років тому +1

    This is quite nice :p
    I bought an Opteka 0.2x macro-fisheye thing which let me take some really cool pictures on my kit lens (though sadly it uses a threader which I got stuck to the front element, but then, I don't really use the kit lens other than with that fisheye attachment because it's so much fun that I don't really mine). Still, this lens definitely has way better quality and kinda makes me want to own one... :p

  • @claras_balls
    @claras_balls 8 років тому +2

    Great review as always I will definitely be pick up this Lens I've wanted a macro for ages, thank you

  • @elisabethm.lafontaine4835
    @elisabethm.lafontaine4835 4 роки тому

    Really like your reviews. Thank you.

  • @JoeJacksonJr
    @JoeJacksonJr 8 років тому +1

    O wow.. I didnt know that lens had a shift option to correct perspective.. Thats pretty huge for a lens under $500! Having to stop down the get the corners sharp is completely forgiving as you will have to stop down for slow apertures for macro work. If thats what you buy the lens for. Even landscape images will need to be at least stopped down to around f/6.3 as well. So it appears to be excellent value for the money..

    • @gerdstuemer2181
      @gerdstuemer2181 8 років тому +2

      +Joe's Photo & Video Channel actually Laowa only says that the shift mechanism is for APSC only. I guess he missed that one.

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому

      +Gerd Stuemer no, he didnt. he just did it anyway and it worked.

    • @gerdstuemer2181
      @gerdstuemer2181 8 років тому

      So why didn´t You mention it. I think it´s a pretty big deal. Anyhow, its a very good and complete review of this phantastic lens. Thanks

  • @AgnostosGnostos
    @AgnostosGnostos 7 років тому +4

    Tilt shift lens have much bigger image circle than other typical lenses. That leads to soft corners. It's unavoidable.

  • @janzagar2957
    @janzagar2957 7 років тому +1

    Would love it if you could review the Irix 15mm f/2.4. Looks great

  • @johnsmith-vz3vr
    @johnsmith-vz3vr 2 роки тому +1

    for perspective correction it should be "tilt" not "shift", I don't know how you took those pictures 1:39. Maybe with a different lens,

  • @rachelz8354
    @rachelz8354 8 років тому

    great! It can even achieve 1X magnification, and the shift mechanism is such a bonus!

  • @IKP1000
    @IKP1000 8 років тому

    Excellent review, thank you

  • @vividvulpe9842
    @vividvulpe9842 8 років тому +2

    wow, very cool lense.

  • @robin29991
    @robin29991 8 років тому

    Now this is a super interesting lens!

  • @UllalPrajwal
    @UllalPrajwal 3 роки тому +2

    Curious to know how wide will this lens be on APSc sensor, especially while framing insects or other macro subjects

  • @theskatebort
    @theskatebort 8 років тому

    Well done! Very interesting lens.

  • @move2aus965
    @move2aus965 8 років тому +1

    WOW!! at 2:09 I could see grease all over the tilt parts, is that the way it came from Venus? isn't that going to make a mess of the lens eventually?

  • @ΓιαχούδηςΧρήστος
    @ΓιαχούδηςΧρήστος 5 років тому +1

    Hey, have you seen the new Opteca 15mm f4 macro lens? it looks just like the Laowa but it costs about 90 pounds on amazon. I can bet my hand that its optics won't be as good as the laowa but I am pretty curious to see if it is any good. is it possible for you to review it? If it is any good it could be an awsome deal.

  • @KieranWrightPhoto
    @KieranWrightPhoto 8 років тому

    wow! what an awesome lens! thanks heaps for the review! I've shared it! :)

  • @charlesmcanany6806
    @charlesmcanany6806 8 років тому +1

    Thanks, Mr. Frost, for another nice review. Maybe I missed it, but can this rotate to shift in different directions? If so, I'm gonna forget that the TS-E 17mm exists because this is significantly wider and can take front filters. And do the whole macro thing. And it costs so much less!
    (Honestly, I'm a bit miffed that the image quality seems to be nearly as good as my TS-E 45mm, which doesn't have nearly as many cool features.)
    Did you notice much longitudinal CA? It's my biggest qualm with my TS-E 45mm.

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому +1

      +Charles McAnany It only shifts up and down. Good question about longitudinal CA - I didn't notice any in my tests at all, which is always a nice bonus

  • @dcanovas
    @dcanovas 2 роки тому

    Hi Chris! First, I REALLY LOVE your reviews!!! Please, could you tell me what is the exactly working distance of this lens in 1:1 and 1:3 magnifications? Thank you in advance!

  • @DynamixWarePro
    @DynamixWarePro 8 років тому

    Thanks for the review, that is an interesting lens. Always like seeing unusual or different than normal lenses and I like macro lenses a lot and although I am not too keen on the distortion, from the images you showed, it does produce some interesting images.
    If you can, could you do a review of the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8? I love photographing insects and have thought about getting this lens, but I read that it needs a lot of light, especially at x5 magnification and has to be quite steady to use, but the images I have seen taken with it are very detailed and sharp.

  • @medch9778
    @medch9778 8 років тому

    Thanks for all reviews you are doing a great job..can you please make a review for the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens .

  • @lorseyjones4807
    @lorseyjones4807 8 років тому

    I'm awaiting for my copy of the lens now, I hope I don't have any issue. I have the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 lens also.

  • @nickolasdewet4035
    @nickolasdewet4035 8 років тому

    Hi Christopher... I adore your reviews... thank you for putting in such effort educate us feeble beings. Do you have any idea WHEN Venus Optics will be sending you a Laowa 12mm Lens which recently finished its Kickstarter thingy to test and review? I'm currently in the market for a wide-angle lens predominately for video use in capturing simple wide shots of people and the like. Just curious to know how it will compare to this 15mm and which would seem a better choice? Thank you kindly and keep up the good work!

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому +1

      I've been in touch with them, so hopefully I can borrow a 12mm lens soon :-)

  • @創作嘘松のうっ亭うっ吉
    @創作嘘松のうっ亭うっ吉 7 років тому

    Nice Review!

  • @raunopakarinen4691
    @raunopakarinen4691 7 років тому

    I just received this lens today! I bought it second hand for 450 euros... What kind of flash would be the best for this lens, Chris? I'm thinking of buying the Rayflash RFU-L since I already have the Speedlite 403EX III for my Canon EOS 6D...

  • @mikemcglasson1286
    @mikemcglasson1286 8 років тому

    The flaring could probably be advantageous in making a stylized music video

  • @aurelienani204
    @aurelienani204 8 років тому

    Nice lens. They should make one with less distortion if possible, the 10-18mm STM has practically 0 distortion at 14-18mm, so it is possible I think.
    It's super cheap for a shift lens and great for architecture I bet. I see so many pictures on news sites of buildings falling over backwards, even though they had time to use a shift lens.

    • @tyroney2
      @tyroney2 8 років тому

      You're referring to an APS-C Canon lens that zooms and has a variable aperture. This is a full frame lens, which is why it appears to be such a fear of accomplishment (and the reason for its 15mm focal length). Also available in multiple mounts.

  • @Rezaroth
    @Rezaroth 3 роки тому

    Thank you for the review. Is the lens body metal or plastic?

  • @krishartsphotography5643
    @krishartsphotography5643 6 років тому

    Nice video :) How is the build quality ?

  • @SuryaFriends
    @SuryaFriends 8 років тому

    Very impressive lens indeed. It is a macro lens but can it be used for landscapes as its 15mm & how close it is to samyang 16mm lens if stoped down?

  • @marcocrescenzi4548
    @marcocrescenzi4548 7 років тому

    Wow! Against the bright light it's awfull!
    How was the aperture there? Is there any chance that at f/8-11 it acts better?
    Thank you for your reviews...

  • @jalendvenn7990
    @jalendvenn7990 8 років тому

    great video!!! and could u do a vid on the helios 81 h? that would be really cool!:)

  • @cardiacade
    @cardiacade 8 років тому +2

    That minimum focus distance though to get to 1:1, kinda hamstrings it somewhat for true macro use in the field. Damn hard to light too.

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому +1

      +cardiacade if you found a solution once, it probably works all the time. at least close working distance also means close to the lightsource you can mount on your camera. im sure a flash disc softbox will work. when i tilt my flashhead down it lights what is right in front of my cam. first samyang 135....then a fullframe...then this. .... its not ideal to get buggers, yeah, but if you do... its unique. and you got the depth of field. i heard 1:1 is about 5mm distance... so if you mount an UV filter that is 5mm away from your lens ( or stack just some stepuprings till its right, or put a sheet of glass on the lens) you could drop honey on it and get bees landing on it :D Or you could maybe mount your camera right over a road of ants. I think that will look impressive with 15mm. I once saw a reverse macro ultrawideangle video. if its a bright day or your camera is the a7s, i think for full hd video the f32 diffraction would be just fine as well. macro video.

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому

      +cardiacade difficult... but damn cool.

    • @cardiacade
      @cardiacade 8 років тому

      Joshua Mack
      With respect, how much photography in the field do you do with macro flash at 1:1 (or further)? And I don't mean close-up. At that close focusing distance it may also render the 15mm a tad obsolete.

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому

      quite often, i do portraiture and when i do so i also take 1:1 eyeshots. and closer. still this is my opinion. this is only slightly cropped like being 20 of 24mp facebook.com/joshuamackphotography/photos/pcb.1674228096195199/1674228032861872/?type=3&theater

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому

      i do not own ths wideangle lens, this are my ideas on it . if i was looking for bugs in a field or somewhere id use the 60mm first, and well, some bugs rely on camouflage and will not flee. if so id change lenses and get a wideangle shot. if i had this lens.

  • @rzlorlnd
    @rzlorlnd 8 років тому

    "jungle of wooden rods" like the tone of your voice xD

  • @darrylsooknanan904
    @darrylsooknanan904 8 років тому

    I'm new to photography but I would really like to get this lens for the lumix g7. Is t possible to get this lens without any adapters?

  • @rider2731
    @rider2731 5 років тому

    My camera is a Nikon D5300. Will this lens fit? Thank you for sharing. Great videos. Thumbs up, and I am a subscriber now.

  • @nflmedia2768
    @nflmedia2768 5 років тому

    Can this lens use procore adapter for sony? Im trying to combine this

  • @andreaskrappweis
    @andreaskrappweis 8 років тому

    Did you crop the shifted full frame oictures in any way, or is there really (almost-) no vignetting? How much was the shift?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому +5

      Shifted all the way. No, they're not cropped - that would be dishonest of me as it wouldn't properly represent the corner image quality.

  • @Rayradityaa
    @Rayradityaa 8 років тому

    how about vs samyang 14mm?which one better image quality?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому

      Take a look at my review of the Samyang lens

    • @Rayradityaa
      @Rayradityaa 8 років тому

      already.but i still cant decide which one sharper especially for interior photo?since you said both is very sharp at center

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому +1

      The Samyang lens is noticeably sharper in the edges

    • @marike1100
      @marike1100 7 років тому

      The barrel distortion of the Samyang is also extremely high, and on FF it's not easy to correct because it's actually of the mustache variety.

  • @hutchison15
    @hutchison15 8 років тому +1

    This is exactly what I've been looking for - and has a Sony mount! Too bad it costs extra.

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому +1

      +hutchison15 you mean the adapter? i see this as a bonus. I own an apsc as well as ultrawide and macro lenses already, so this is not too exciting for me right now. anyway, if you buy the A-mount version, as far as i understand it, you can adapt it to absolutely any mirrorless camera. thats great i think!

    • @gerdstuemer2181
      @gerdstuemer2181 8 років тому

      +Joshua Mack its directly available with FE mount

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому

      Gerd Stuemer yeah but that is just an adapter you cannot change. its more versatile if you adapt it.

  • @mikeikeda1208
    @mikeikeda1208 4 роки тому

    Is it made for Nikon or Canon?

  • @pinkeye00
    @pinkeye00 8 років тому

    To bad it shifts only up down vs. left right and you can't unscrew the mount to switch the shift perspective. Also the shift is only 6mm in either direction. This is very limited. The Rokinon (usually just 100-150$ more in the bargin bin shops) has a full shift and tilt of 12mm in each direction. This is the niche of the niche. Rokinon / Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ... you get better range / motion for dedicated architecture lens. Venus gives you macro 1:1 and wider angle lens. I wonder now if the wider angle + 6mm is about as good as the full shift from the Rokinon. Have to compare that. I still find it annoying not to be able to rotate the lends in position. You have to turn the CAMERA to do that .. which brings to bear an RRS style adapter / head system to really get the slide on easily .... bummer. I have one now, and its wide / sharp as expected, but the shift is disappointing at this price point still.

    • @gur262
      @gur262 7 років тому

      pinkeye00 my idea would be adapting it with a tilt Adapter;) although the image circle might wont be good enough when doing that on fullframe mirrorless

  • @louiseducator
    @louiseducator 8 років тому +1

    I have the lens and it is worth pointing out a couple of 'features' as used on full-frame Sony A7 series cameras. Firstly, the hood cannot be used in shift mode as it will appear in the frame(!). Secondly, although I obtained a thin WA lens protector it creates too much vignetting when added. I therefore use the lens without the hood and unprotected. Used carefully it creates astonishing and interesting photographs and as the video states certainly is 'something different' for the photographer.
    You can check out a sample here:
    www.flickr.com/photos/louisb/22423620081/in/dateposted-public/

  • @Wonosobo22
    @Wonosobo22 7 років тому

    Hi Christopher. I wonder if you can help. I recently bought the Laowa 15mm 4.0 macrolens. I have a problem with the lens. The front element is quiet loose. Perhaps because of the lenshood, which was very tight. Wonder if you have any idea of tightening it?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  7 років тому +1

      No idea I'm afraid! Get in touch with Venus, perhaps they can help.

    • @Wonosobo22
      @Wonosobo22 7 років тому

      Sure. Thanks.

  • @mcol3
    @mcol3 8 років тому

    What's the moustache pattern when you talk about barrel distortion?

    • @ronjenkins4257
      @ronjenkins4257 4 роки тому

      Somewhat like a section of a sine wave covering two crests.

  • @tothanh1994
    @tothanh1994 8 років тому

    Where can you get this? I've been looking for this thing but its hard to find it. Also what kind of flash do you need for this lens?

  • @dAytimejAmes
    @dAytimejAmes 5 років тому

    What mini-figurines are those you are using? What size are they? I am trying to find some good quality ones

  • @lorseyjones4807
    @lorseyjones4807 7 років тому

    Which lens is better the Laowa 15mm f/4 wide angle Macro or Laowa 12mm f/2.8

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  7 років тому

      They're quite different lenses but in terms of sheer image quality, the 12mm lens is certainly better

  • @samstechchannel7507
    @samstechchannel7507 8 років тому

    good video

  • @akeebpatni1
    @akeebpatni1 8 років тому

    hi ! do you think this lens would do well with a cannon 1000d?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому

      Take a look at this video - there's lots of information about how well the lens works on an APS-C camera :-)

  • @KotlyarOlevsky
    @KotlyarOlevsky 8 років тому

    Hi Christopher, I really like to watch you very systematic lens reviews!
    Could you please review lens: Oshiro 35mm f/2 LD UNC AL Wide Angle Full Frame Prime Lens? I have seen this lens on Amazon for 199 USD. And on the Internet there is very little information about it… In some place I have seen that it is made by the same Chinese manufacture as Venus Optics.
    Thank you in advance, Vadim.

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому

      +Vadim Kotlyar Never heard of it - no idea what it is really.

  • @A.A1995
    @A.A1995 5 років тому

    If I put an extension tube behind my Samyang 14mm AE lens, will that give me the same result? Or is 14mm too wide causing the focus point to be behind the lens?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому

      It might be worth a try, so long as the extension tube isn't too big

    • @Oanebeun
      @Oanebeun 5 років тому

      I managed to find an 8mm extension tube. The focus point was around 5mm in front of the lens but everything further than that couldn't be focused on.

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому

      @@Oanebeun Interesting - thanks for the info :-)

  • @harveyli6299
    @harveyli6299 8 років тому

    Why do the images seem to get brighter as you stop down the lens? I thought smaller aperture = less light

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому

      +Harvey Li You mean in the corners of the images? That's an effect called vignetting

    • @Slashplite
      @Slashplite 8 років тому

      +Christopher Frost Photography Hi Chris. Maybe try some of the Russian lenses? MC Rubinar 10/1000 maybe?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому +1

      +Slashplite Keep an eye on the channel...a couple of Russian lenses are coming up...

    • @Slashplite
      @Slashplite 8 років тому +1

      Christopher Frost Photography So hyped! But you know what they say: in Soviet Russia lens screws you!

  • @mrugala11
    @mrugala11 4 роки тому

    High CA in APSC, more bliks and flare

  • @moiaccaunt
    @moiaccaunt 8 років тому

    i'm curious how it will work on crop sensor cameras?

  • @marcelsbranchella735
    @marcelsbranchella735 3 роки тому

    Shift feature is only for macro range! it's not for architecture.

  • @43connor3
    @43connor3 7 років тому

    how does this compare to the rokinon 14mm f2.8?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  7 років тому

      Take a look at my review of the Samyang 14mm lens, and you'll be able to compare

  • @JacobDragyn
    @JacobDragyn 8 років тому

    How well would the sharpness and such compare to the Sigma 18-35?

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому

      uhm...why do you even ask? they are both pretty sharp and you can watch his review on both. also they are sooooo different from one another that the difference in sharpness is the absolute last thing that matters here.

    • @JacobDragyn
      @JacobDragyn 8 років тому

      The short answer is that I asked because I didn't know, and wanted the opinion of someone who has used both.
      I have watched both reviews. The "and such" was meant to encompass everything which was not sharpness, if that was unclear.

  • @chinafriends
    @chinafriends 3 роки тому

    Now the iPhone 13 pro has the ultra wide macro

  • @tsy1992
    @tsy1992 8 років тому

    Would it work on a Nikon APS-C d90?

    • @Fotznerwin27
      @Fotznerwin27 8 років тому

      There's a nikon version of this lens. It'll work but as the D90 does not include a built in light meter you have to shoot in manual mode.

  • @netowork3d
    @netowork3d 8 років тому

    Christopher >>>> The question that everyone wants to see ? If you were to buy only one, which one ? Venus Optics 60mm or 15mm..... ?!?!?!?!

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому

      +netowork3d you didnt ask me but him, i dont care. if macro is important to you , you will get the 60mm because of the 2:1 and because 15mm is difficult for most insects and everything in general at 1:1 . Also, other 1:1 macros give you the option to get closer with spacers and so on, that is not possible when you are already 5mm away from the lens. as im writing this, i think: wait, maybe it is. you could use a teleconverter. the remarkable thing is, the only thing that the 60 does better than having a 17-55 2.8 (except its maybe a little sharper) is being a macro. the 15mm is an ultrawide. you need no special reason to want an ultrawide. you get f4 instead of 2.8 with the 14mm samyang but all the features. so...if you are about macro, you get the 60mm. If you are really really serious about macro....get both.

    • @dxkhoi
      @dxkhoi 8 років тому

      +netowork3d They have 2 different focal lengths. 60mm can't be used for wide angle landscape/scenery shots. 15mm isn't very good for portraits and general photography.
      If you buy them for the macro ability, it depends on what you are shooting. If you shoot insects or live creatures, the 15mm will be too close and will scare them away, but like Mr. Frost said, the 15mm is more fun and creative to use (for other kinds of macro).

    • @netowork3d
      @netowork3d 8 років тому

      Question... your favorite !!!!

    • @dxkhoi
      @dxkhoi 8 років тому

      15mm is cooler. Very special. 60mm is normal and can be replaced my other lenses. I prefer the 15mm.

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому +1

      +netowork3d Hard question...very hard question actually...the creative side of my brain says the 15mm, the practical side says 60mm

  • @lavapanther
    @lavapanther 5 років тому

    Very instructive video, and pleasant voice too.
    Would you recommend this for photographing a flat 10ftx10ft surface from 6-7 feet away, if the surface requires edge to edge sharpness? (Think Bas relief, with some small 3 dimensionality to the surface) Would you recommend another lens for this exact shot, if not this lens? Thank you for your help. :)

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  5 років тому +2

      I can't get my head around the mathematics of that one, sorry! It sounds about right.

    • @lavapanther
      @lavapanther 5 років тому +1

      @@christopherfrost Thank you :)

  • @bent540
    @bent540 6 років тому

    whats would be the best cheap house for this?

  • @benjosafoura4925
    @benjosafoura4925 6 років тому

    can we use this on sony a6500?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  6 років тому

      If you get an appropriate adaptor (eg. Canon EF to Sony E) then yes

  • @CarlosMilan
    @CarlosMilan 8 років тому

    how it compares with the rokinon 14mm?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому

      +Carlos Milan Watch my review of the Samyang 14mm - you'll see all the info you need to know :-)

    • @CarlosMilan
      @CarlosMilan 8 років тому

      I did, good one btw. But I was looking more for your opinion between the two. I guess with the Laowa i got a wide angle + macro + tilt while with the rokinon sharpnes and 2.8 aperture. Some thoughts?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому

      +Carlos Milan You've pretty much hit the nail on the head there :-)

  • @ah1403abyadh
    @ah1403abyadh 8 років тому

    👍

  • @sisterluke432
    @sisterluke432 8 років тому

    Is there any way I can use this lens on a Sony A6000?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому

      If you can find an adapter, then sure

    • @needlesslycrispy
      @needlesslycrispy 8 років тому

      +Sister luke There seems to be an e mount version of the lens found on B&H website

    • @sisterluke432
      @sisterluke432 8 років тому

      +xtracrispy Many thanks, you are a star.

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому

      +Sister luke buy it in A-mount! consider this: any samyang that is available in other than mirrorless mounts gets just fitted with an protrusion. if you buy A/canon/Nikon mount the only disadvantage you have by using an adapter is 10-20 bucks price and if the adapter is bad, some wobble. BUT: you can use it then on any mirrorless camera! mft, pentax Q and of course the dslr´s in which mount you bought it. Makes sense, doesnt it? i shoot sony a65 and came to that thought because i dont know if i might get an a7 oneday and its really nice to know that i easily can use my samyang 85 with any mirrorless

    • @sisterluke432
      @sisterluke432 8 років тому

      +Joshua Mack Thanks Joshua, this is very helpful.

  • @shadowravyn2011
    @shadowravyn2011 8 років тому

    any word on a Sony version?

    • @gur262
      @gur262 8 років тому

      +shadowravyn2011 im with sony A-mount and own the Samyang 85 1.4 and the Tamron 10-24 and they are equal in results as far as i see it to what his review on the canon version showed. Ive seen an A-mount version and you do not need an E-mount version. Look closely at the samyang lenses that are available for sony A and E, i think its just like a built in adapter. all you need is an aditional cheap adapter. you loose nothing. added bonus: you can adapt the sony canon etc dslr version of a samyang not only for sony E but also for Fuji or MFT as far my understanding goes.

    • @shadowravyn2011
      @shadowravyn2011 8 років тому +1

      +Joshua Mack sweet... thank you

    • @gerdstuemer2181
      @gerdstuemer2181 8 років тому

      +shadowravyn2011 I bought it with FE mount

  • @lorseyjones4807
    @lorseyjones4807 8 років тому

    I brought this lens for the wide angle and extreme sharpness not the macro 1:1 on my D500

    • @gur262
      @gur262 7 років тому

      Lorsey Jones hope you appreciate the shift and macro. because for wideangle on apsc There are Better lenses

    • @lorseyjones4807
      @lorseyjones4807 7 років тому +1

      Joshua Mack I'm sure there are always better lenses, I simply chose the best one for the money 💰
      I'm really pleased with this lens and it does give more creative options. I was at a social gala last Saturday and this lens allowed me to take large group shots of 12 people while on the red carpet. 😊

    • @jc4448
      @jc4448 7 років тому

      Joshua Mack what better lenses are there ?

  • @muzzamilali5518
    @muzzamilali5518 8 років тому

    for how much?

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому

      +Muzzamil Ali As I mention in the review, a little under $500. Check their website. All the best :-)

    • @muzzamilali5518
      @muzzamilali5518 8 років тому

      +Christopher Frost Photography Thankyou Sir!

  • @rhettmorgan6708
    @rhettmorgan6708 8 років тому +1

    Fifteena millimeta

  • @Archontasil
    @Archontasil 2 роки тому

    Ah i thought i could do serious architecture photography with this cheap shift lens

  • @AstroEdge
    @AstroEdge 8 років тому

    I have the lens, it is indeed unique, but as many noted it is hard to use at high magnification because the working distance is so small plus the lens barrel is so huge - so very hard to illuminate properly. Here is my project - an LED ring flash (with LEDs facing down) which should work well with this lens (for now it is at a design stage): www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57229373

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому

      +pulsar012 That's an interesting idea - you should tell Venus! The only possible problem I suppose might be the light catching and flaring.

    • @AstroEdge
      @AstroEdge 8 років тому

      +Christopher Frost Photography Thanks - I probably will, once I build a prototype. (Still waiting for the step up ring and LEDs from China - it is new year there...) Regarding flaring - I hope by placing a black diaphragm in the middle, and using very small LEDs (3mm diameter) one can completely eliminate light bleeding into the lens. One might need to sacrifice the shifting ability with this flash though, to minimize the light bleeding.

    • @TheDyingFox
      @TheDyingFox 8 років тому

      +pulsar012
      How's the white balance with the LED's? I've heard it's difficult to get good white balance with LEDs, (I had some problems with our chrismas tree, a mix of yellow and green even though they all looked white to me, only the tree was lit).
      Anyway, noticed some strange "macro-twin-flash" at their own page: www.venuslens.net/product/premier-package-laowa-60mm-f2-8-macro-laowa-15mm-f4-macro-macro-twin-flash/

    • @AstroEdge
      @AstroEdge 8 років тому

      +TheDyingFox It depends. There are pretty good LEDs out there, with high CRI (95+). The ones I ordered probably not very good, but I can calibrate the light using my ColorChecker Passport (of course, this will make background uncalibrated). Regarding the twin flash from Laowa - it is not very good for the 15mm lens, because it is too big, you need much more narrow source of light when using 1:3 and higher magnifications. Plus it is very expensive.

    • @TheDyingFox
      @TheDyingFox 8 років тому

      +pulsar012
      Thanks for the detailed answer :D, three key informations in one go ^_^
      That makes sense, it's not like they would put expensive/good LEDs in "your-every-day-store-before-christmas-cheap-light-coil" in my case hahaha.
      ColorChecker Passport, I have to look into that one, maybe even add it to my list.... or maybe a grey card... hmm...
      and to: "you need much more narrow source of light when using 1:3 and higher magnifications."
      Oh... that might explain why it was so difficult to get enough light no matter what I tried with the close-up lenses, several lights and the tripod xD, it got quite difficult to balance everything to get an "ok image", not sure what magnification I ended up with, when mixing focal length and different close-up lenses hahaha.

  • @GrandHuevotes
    @GrandHuevotes 8 років тому

    you need an outdoor test. these indoor close ups of a paper poster are meaningless. see if you can find an outdoor scene so focus is at infinity

  • @BULLSHXTYT
    @BULLSHXTYT 8 років тому

    Build quality seems really bad

  • @Foxystorm11111
    @Foxystorm11111 6 років тому

    review doesnt cover just how close you have to get to a subject in order to get the desired effect. Its all good to use this lens on inanimate subject but if you're interested in shooting anything alive you're going have to get your subject with mm of the front lens itself. This is not only tricky but potentially dangerous as well.

  • @bambooalvir7500
    @bambooalvir7500 8 років тому

    i think it is very hard to use

  • @TheMro777
    @TheMro777 7 років тому +1

    Has anyone seen oil on sensor from this lens?

  • @calypsoacidcult
    @calypsoacidcult 8 років тому

    finalmenteeeee

    • @BruceLeroyUK
      @BruceLeroyUK 8 років тому

      Pardon?

    • @calypsoacidcult
      @calypsoacidcult 8 років тому +1

      Finally I wait for came out this video , I was expecting from the video of 60mm laowa

    • @BruceLeroyUK
      @BruceLeroyUK 8 років тому

      +OrlandoZeta Photo oh okay. 😀

  • @leonardophotographystudios8847
    @leonardophotographystudios8847 6 років тому

    I made an Adobe Camera RAW lens profile for this lens (non tilit shifted) can be downloaded here www.leonardo-studios.com/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-venus-15mm-f4-lens-profile

  • @tenow
    @tenow 8 років тому

    I think Canon10-18 can focus almost as close. You can check video on my channel where I filmed snail at 10mm with that lens almost touching it

    • @christopherfrost
      @christopherfrost  8 років тому +6

      +tenow The maximum magnification of the Canon 10-18, as published by Canon and tested by myself, is 0.15x. This macro lens is 1x. That's a huge difference, especially considering that with the 10-18 you have to be zoomed in to 18mm to get that close, the full-frame equivalent of 28mm (and the 10-18 is not a full-frame lens)

    • @GinoFoto
      @GinoFoto 8 років тому

      +tenow I agree, on 10mm you can hide an object "inside the sun hood" and corectly focus it.
      Ofcourse is no huge magnification there as macro lens, but perspektive is probably same

  • @netowork3d
    @netowork3d 8 років тому

    👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃

  • @sergeyshorokhov2167
    @sergeyshorokhov2167 8 років тому

    Useless for architectural shooting, because of noticable distortion.

  • @moreow1144
    @moreow1144 7 років тому

    gj

  • @Ivlodded
    @Ivlodded 4 роки тому

    I just bought this lens for less than 100€. Other than Venus mine is called Opteka. I think those are the same lenses.