Laowa vs VILTROX

Overview of the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 and VILTROX 85mm F2.0 Z Lens

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens and the VILTROX 85mm F2.0 Z lens cater to distinct photography needs, with the former excelling in ultra-wide-angle shots and the latter focusing on portraiture. Priced at $799.00, the Laowa lens offers a unique perspective with minimal distortion, while the VILTROX lens, priced at $275.00, is designed for stunning bokeh and sharp portraits. This comparison will highlight their respective advantages and help you decide which lens aligns with your photography style.

Design and Build Quality

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 is compact and lightweight, measuring only 7cm in length and weighing 0.93 lb, making it highly portable for landscape and architectural photography. In contrast, the VILTROX 85mm F2.0 Z lens weighs 360g and has a more traditional design suitable for portrait work. This lens measures φ69mm x 78mm, allowing for easy handling during extended shooting sessions. While both lenses are designed with user comfort in mind, the Laowa's ultra-portable nature might be more appealing for travel photographers, whereas the VILTROX is aimed at those who prioritize ergonomics during long portrait sessions.

Optical Performance

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 features a remarkable optical design with 15 elements in 9 groups, including aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion glasses, ensuring outstanding sharpness and control over chromatic aberration. This advanced design allows it to maintain a close-to-zero distortion level, preserving the integrity of lines in your images. The VILTROX 85mm, with its 10 elements in 8 groups, also emphasizes sharpness and color accuracy, thanks to its use of ED elements and high refractive index lenses. While both lenses deliver impressive optical performance, the Laowa lens may be more suitable for wide-angle shots without distortion, while the VILTROX excels in creating beautiful, sharp portraits.

Aperture and Low-Light Capability

The Laowa lens boasts a fast f/2.8 aperture, which is beneficial for capturing landscapes and architecture in low-light conditions. This aperture opens up creative possibilities for photographers looking to work in challenging lighting. Conversely, the VILTROX 85mm features a wider f/2.0 aperture, making it an excellent choice for portrait photographers who want to achieve a strong background blur and highlight their subjects. This difference in aperture size gives the VILTROX a slight edge when it comes to low-light performance and creating that coveted bokeh effect, essential for portrait photography.

Autofocus Features

Autofocus is a crucial feature for many photographers, especially in dynamic shooting situations. The Laowa 10mm f/2.8, while designed primarily for manual focus, provides excellent control over composition and detail, making it ideal for landscape shots. On the other hand, the VILTROX 85mm utilizes a Stepping Motor (STM) for smooth and precise autofocus, catering to both photography and video needs. This feature is particularly valuable for portrait photographers who require quick and accurate focusing to capture fleeting moments. In terms of autofocus capabilities, the VILTROX clearly stands out.

Close Focusing Distance

Close focusing capabilities differ significantly between the two lenses. The Laowa 10mm can focus as close as 12cm, allowing for creative wide-angle macro-style shots that separate the subject from the background. This feature is particularly useful for capturing intricate details in landscapes or architecture. In contrast, the VILTROX 85mm has a minimum focusing distance of 0.74m, which, while not as close as the Laowa, still enables beautiful detail in portrait photography. Photographers who prioritize versatility in close-up shots may find the Laowa lens more advantageous.

Price Comparison

The Laowa 10mm f/2.8 is priced at $799.00, making it a premium option for photographers seeking high-quality ultra-wide-angle performance. In comparison, the VILTROX 85mm comes in at a more budget-friendly $275.00, approximately 66% cheaper than the Laowa lens. This significant price difference can be a decisive factor for many photographers, especially those starting in the field or those focusing on portrait work without breaking the bank.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 and the VILTROX 85mm F2.0 Z lens ultimately depends on your photographic needs. If you are seeking an ultra-wide-angle lens with minimal distortion for landscape or architectural photography, the Laowa 10mm is a fantastic choice. However, if your focus is on portrait photography with beautiful bokeh and sharpness, the VILTROX 85mm is the more suitable option at a significantly lower price. Both lenses have their strengths, so consider your shooting style and budget when making your decision.