Laowa 9mm F2.8 Reviews

The Venus Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D is grabbing quite some attention lately and getting lots of very positive reviews, such as the one of Jonas Rask.

Venus Optics is now taking pre-orders on the Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D. First comes first, so order now to be high on waiting list.

To order, or not to order? That is the question.

Personally I do own the Samyang/Rokinon 12mm F2 as well as the Fujinon XF10-24, so actually I do not really “need” the Laowa 9mm F2.8. However, the lens performs well and looks so ridiculously small, that I can imagine it’s just a joy to travel with such a small and light super wide-angle lens.

Well, let’s try to make your decision if to order it or not a bit easier, so here are a 3 reviews, that might help you in your decision.

A busy day… shared earlier today on FujiRumors:

• Click here: Kai Reviews Fujifilm X-H1: “In Stills, Focus Sticks on Subject Like Glue, Quite Phenomenal”
• Click here: Fringer Smart Adapter Pro: Sigma 150-600 on Fujifilm X-T2 PDAF Autofocus Video Demo (Firmware 1.40)
• Click here: LOL: Fujifilm Already Sells Fujifilm X-H2… Fixing Bugs with New Cameras Instead of Firmware Updates Like Sony? ;)
• Click here: Hurry up! Save up to $50 on Fuji gear sold on eBay!
• Click here: Steelsring Smart Adapter Firmware Update for Canon EF to Fujifilm X (ver. 1.07) and Canon EF to Fujifilm GFX (ver. 1.06)
• Click here: Alien Skin Exposure X3 adds Fujifilm X-H1 Support and Fujifilm Film Simulations Profiles
• Click here: Don’t Skimp on the Grip

Laowa 9mm F2.8 Review:

UPDATE: Venus Optics is now taking pre-orders on their latest lens, the Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D (zero distortion). The first 100 people buying this lens will get a set of 49mm filters (ND 1000 + CPL +UV ) for free. First comes first, so order now to be high on waiting list. The lens is not yet available at BHphoto & Co.

Jonas Rask just published his Laowa 9mm F2.8 Review… and it comes with tons of stunning samples at jonasraskphotography.

Here some excerpts:

• absolutely tiny and stelar build quality
• rectilinear lens, nice straight lines right to the corners
• It is really sharp in the 3/4 central part of the frame, but it loses a little bit of sharpness towards the edges, there’s also a fair bit of vignetting when shot at f/2.8
• some gorgeous sun stars
• vibrant colours and some great contrast
• this lens is pure fun, fun, fun!
• It’s such and amazing performer, especially when you take the small size into account.
• suggest retail price of $499
• Easily one of the most usable lenses I’ve ever mounted on my X-series system (And I have mounted A LOT over the years!)

Don’t forget to check out all the fantastic samples Jonas Rask took with this lens at jonasraskphotography.

The Laowa 9mm F2.8 will be soon available for pre-order at VenusOptics, AmazonUS, BHphoto and Adorama

There is also a review of the Sony E-mount version at thephoblographer and an Interview/Review about the Laowa 9mmF2.8 Lens with lens designer Dayong Li at fujilove.

TODAY ONLY:

This one runs today only: You save 15% on eBay.com when using the promo code “PSPRINGTIME” on checkout (max $50). This is valid also on all Fuji gear (Click here).

Kai’s Fujifilm X-H1 Review

Kai reviewed the Fujifilm X-H1. Here are some of his findings:

• Fujifilm lied about IBIS wasn’t compatible with X mount ;)
• always loves the Fujifilm colors
• amazing shutter, super silent
• better weather sealed than X-T2
• X-H1 feels right in the hands, even with grip
• a proper Pro camera
• he loves the top Ink-screen
• AF and eye/face AF is pretty good in video
• video footage seriously good, solid amount of dynamic range
• in low contrast and low light he experienced situations where video focus was really bad
• focus sticks on your subject like glue in stills mode, quite a phenomenal camera
• no zebra and not so responsive touch screen
• tough choice between X-H1 and A7III

Check out the full video at Kai W youtube

Fujifilm X-H1: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
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Markus tests the ‘extraordinary’ Indirect Litemotiv 190 from Elinchrom and adapts it for the Flashpoint Xplor 600 Pro.

guest post & all images by Markus Klinko

If you already read my recent article on this site about cross brand adaptations, you know that the Elinchrom Zoom Spot 18–36° is one of my current favorite key lights.

In order to maximize my adaptation of these spots for Flashpoint XPLOR 1200 extension heads (Godox H1200) and the new AD600 PRO units, I made sure to add the small reflector that is a standard for all Elinchrom flash heads, to my adapters.

Initially, I combined the Phottix Elinchrom to Bowens adapter with the reflector from the Elinchrom Quadra adapter, by adding a custom, acrylic tube piece.

This solution proved to be not as durable as I hoped, and I since found a simpler solution. I now use the entire Quadra adapter, but added a Bowens low profile custom mount to the back of the Quadra adapter, and also eliminate the stand adapter piece entirely. This is by far more solid, and avoids struggling with the lesser Phottix adapter.

Elinchrom deserves much praise for keeping a theatrical follow spot in their line up, which they also sell at a very reasonable price. Both Broncolor and Profoto have sadly long discontinued their own versions of the theatrical zoom spots.

Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Octa 190cm