The new Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens introduces a groundbreaking approach to lens design, combining zoom functionality with shift technology. This innovation by Venus Optics overcomes the common limitations of traditional shift lenses, including fixed focal lengths and the lack of autofocus. Shift lenses, or tilt-shift lenses, have traditionally catered to photographers needing precise perspective control, primarily in architectural and landscape photography. However, until now, manufacturers have generally avoided adding zoom capabilities, believing it an engineering impossibility for shift lenses.
Laowa’s 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens, however, breaks that convention. Crafted with an all-metal body, this lens is compact yet durable, measuring 98.9mm in length and 80mm in width, and it weighs just 575 grams. Laowa offers the lens in multiple mounts, including Sony E, Leica L, Canon RF and EF-M, Fujifilm X, and Nikon Z APS-C. Notably, this lens features a curved front glass with small petal-like ridges that act as a lens hood. A detachable hood also accommodates a 77mm filter thread, making it compatible with standard filters for added convenience.
Design and Functionality of the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Lens
The focus ring sits at the distal end of the lens, allowing smooth control and a clear view of markings. Below it, a narrower zoom ring adjusts focal lengths from 12mm to 24mm. An aperture ring with distinct clicks provides options from f/5.6 to f/22, while a shift-control ring closest to the camera allows an additional 7mm shift. A friction control knob enables fine-tuning, and a rotating button grants a 360-degree range for the shift axis, allowing photographers to shoot from almost any angle.
When it comes to image quality, the Laowa lens performs reliably at the center, maintaining sharpness across its range. Minimal softening occurs towards the edges, particularly noticeable at wider apertures, although f/8 offers optimal sharpness. The lens generates a soft starburst effect without overwhelming visuals, proving suitable for diverse lighting conditions. Laowa’s design also results in slight barrel distortion, though not severe enough to affect most images, particularly when corrected in post-processing.
The lens operates with an impressive 7mm shift capability in any direction, thanks to its rotatable axis. This function supports the addition of screw-on filters without introducing noticeable vignetting. On a full-frame body, however, users may experience some limitations. At the 12mm setting, the lens covers the full frame without issue, but the shift feature works only up to 3mm before the image edges appear. Shifting fully to 7mm requires a 16mm focal length, though at the expense of slight edge sharpness. This distinction confirms the lens’s primary suitability for APS-C sensors, where it achieves an effective 18-36mm range.
Image Quality and Performance for APS-C and Full-Frame Cameras
The Laowa 12-24mm’s design showcases an intriguing concept that signals further possibilities in photographic tools. This lens offers remarkable flexibility, especially when paired with higher-resolution APS-C cameras like Fujifilm’s X series. Its standard filter compatibility is convenient, and the lens hood doubles as a filter mount, reducing flare from stray light. One minor ergonomic note: the narrow rings may feel less distinct without visual inspection, so wider rings would aid usability.
Despite minor shortcomings, the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens stands as a versatile choice for APS-C photographers. Ideal for architectural, real estate, and landscape work, it accommodates panoramas and other compositions that benefit from consistent perspective. Though unmarked as “Zero-D,” this lens demonstrates Laowa’s commitment to innovative optics and a promising future for shift lenses. With these capabilities, the lens meets both professional and enthusiast needs, setting a new standard for shift lenses in the market.