Laowa vs Nikon NIKKOR Z

Overview of the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D and Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D is priced at $699.00, while the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S comes in at $796.95, making the Laowa lens about 17% cheaper. While both lenses cater to different photography styles, they are built with distinctive features that appeal to various photographers. The Laowa lens excels in ultra-wide photography, providing a remarkable 122° field of view, making it ideal for landscapes and architecture. In contrast, the Nikon lens specializes in portraiture, offering a flattering 85mm focal length with a bright f/1.8 aperture, perfect for achieving soft bokeh and sharp subject focus.

Build Quality and Design

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D is designed to be lightweight, weighing only 377g, which facilitates extended shooting sessions without fatigue. Its compact construction makes it portable, an essential feature for landscape photographers who often travel. On the other hand, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is constructed with durability in mind, featuring a dust and drip-resistant design. This extensive sealing ensures that the lens remains protected against moisture and dust, making it suitable for various shooting conditions. While the Laowa focuses on portability, the Nikon emphasizes ruggedness, providing peace of mind for outdoor and event photographers.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D boasts virtually zero distortion, allowing for stunningly accurate representations of landscapes and architecture. This lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, offering excellent low-light performance and the ability to create beautiful background blur. Conversely, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S features a nine-blade diaphragm that contributes to its exceptional bokeh quality. This lens incorporates two ED glass elements and Nano Crystal coating, enhancing lifelike accuracy and sharpness. While both lenses deliver strong optical performance, the Laowa focuses on wide-angle clarity, whereas the Nikon excels in portrait rendering.

Focusing Mechanism

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D features an autofocus system that ensures quick and precise focusing, making it ideal for capturing spontaneous moments in landscape photography. This lens also provides dual aperture options, allowing photographers to choose between a 5-blade design for distinctive sunstars or a 14-blade version for smoother bokeh effects. In contrast, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S offers a customizable control ring that can be tailored to the photographer's preferences, enhancing the shooting experience. Both lenses offer unique focusing capabilities tailored to their respective focal lengths, with the Laowa providing versatility in aperture choices and the Nikon offering user-friendly control.

Ideal Use Cases

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D is ideally suited for landscape and architectural photography, thanks to its ultra-wide angle and minimal distortion. Photographers looking to capture expansive scenes or intricate details in architecture will find this lens invaluable. Meanwhile, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S shines in portrait photography, street photography, and any situation that emphasizes the human form. Its flattering perspective and ability to create stunning bokeh make it a favorite among portrait photographers, particularly in weddings and fashion shoots. Each lens caters to specific photography genres, ensuring that users can select based on their creative needs.

Price Comparison

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D is priced at $699.00, while the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is available for $796.95. This price difference of approximately $97 indicates that the Laowa lens is a more budget-friendly option for photographers, particularly those focused on landscape and architectural work. However, the investment in the Nikon lens may be justified for photographers seeking premium portrait quality and features. The choice of lens should align with the photographer's primary focus area and budgetary considerations.

Brand Reputation and Warranty

LAOWA and Nikon both have strong reputations within the photography community, but Nikon is particularly well-known for its extensive history and reliability in producing high-quality lenses. Nikon's products often come with solid warranty support and customer service, ensuring user confidence in their investment. LAOWA, while a newer company, has made a name for itself with innovative designs and specialized lenses. Photographers may prefer the established reputation of Nikon for long-term use, whereas those looking for unique optical characteristics may be drawn to LAOWA's offerings.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S ultimately comes down to your photography style and needs. If you are focused on landscape or architectural photography and require a lightweight, portable lens with a wide field of view, the Laowa lens is the superior choice, especially given its lower price point. However, if your primary focus is portrait photography and you seek a lens that delivers exceptional bokeh and sharpness with robust build quality, the Nikon lens would be worth the investment. Each lens offers unique advantages tailored to different photographic disciplines.