Laowa vs Sony E

Overview of the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite and Sony E 11mm F1.8

When comparing the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite and the Sony E 11mm F1.8, both lenses offer unique advantages suited for different photography styles. The Laowa is priced at $699.00 while the Sony comes in at $698.00, making the latter about $1 cheaper. Despite this minor difference, the choice between these two lenses hinges on their design and intended use rather than just price.

Design and Build Quality

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite is recognized for its lightweight design, weighing only 377g, which makes it highly portable for photographers who are on the go. This compact construction is ideal for extended shooting sessions, especially in landscape and architectural photography. On the other hand, the Sony E 11mm F1.8 lens is also designed to be compact and lightweight, making it a perfect match for APS-C and Super35 E-mount cameras. Both lenses prioritize portability, but the Laowa has a slight edge in weight, which may appeal to those looking for the lightest option for travel photography.

Optical Performance

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite boasts an impressive 122° field of view with virtually zero distortion, making it a top choice for landscape and architectural photography. It features a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture that excels in low-light conditions. In contrast, the Sony E 11mm F1.8 offers a slightly narrower field of view but compensates with a larger f/1.8 aperture, providing excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh. This makes the Sony lens particularly appealing for video content creators and vlogging, where depth of field can enhance storytelling.

Autofocus Capabilities

When it comes to autofocus, the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite offers autofocus capabilities that are fast and efficient, but it does not emphasize the advanced autofocus technology that the Sony E 11mm F1.8 provides. The Sony lens features two linear motors that enable impressively fast, precise, and quiet autofocus, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects whether in video or still photography. This edge in autofocus technology could be a significant factor for those who prioritize speed and accuracy in their work.

Versatility and Use Cases

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite is designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, allowing for a broader range of applications in both wide-angle and close-up photography, with a close focusing distance of just 14mm. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for photographers who enjoy both expansive landscapes and intricate details. Meanwhile, the Sony E 11mm F1.8 is optimized for APS-C sensors, offering dynamic perspectives with corner-to-corner sharpness. It is particularly suited for video content creators, thanks to its reduced focus breathing and angle of view shifts, which ensures smooth footage during filming.

Bokeh and Aesthetic Quality

The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite has dual aperture options, providing a choice between a 5-blade design for distinct 10-point sunstars or a 14-blade version for smooth bokeh effects. This versatility is beneficial for photographers who want to experiment with different aesthetic qualities in their images. On the other hand, the Sony E 11mm F1.8 creates naturally rendered bokeh due to its large aperture, making it an ideal choice for those who want professional-looking backgrounds in their vlogs or portraits. Both lenses provide unique bokeh characteristics, but the Laowa's dual options offer more creative freedom.

Price Comparison

The price of the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite is set at $699.00, while the Sony E 11mm F1.8 is available for $698.00. This makes the Sony lens about 0.14% cheaper, which is a negligible difference. For many photographers, this small price gap may not be a deciding factor, but it could sway budget-conscious buyers toward the Sony lens, particularly since it also offers advanced features that enhance usability for video creators.

User Experience and Handling

Both lenses are designed with user experience in mind, but they cater to slightly different audiences. The lightweight design of the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite allows for comfortable handling during long shoots, making it appealing for landscape photographers. In contrast, the Sony E 11mm F1.8's refined internal focus mechanism keeps the lens length constant while focusing, which adds to its balance and handling. This can be particularly beneficial for videographers who need to maintain a steady shot without the lens changing length.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite and the Sony E 11mm F1.8 ultimately depends on your specific needs as a photographer or videographer. If you prioritize ultra-wide angles with minimal distortion and versatility for both wide-angle and close-up photography, the Laowa lens is your best bet. However, if you require fast and precise autofocus, especially for video work, along with a larger aperture for beautiful bokeh, the Sony lens is the superior choice. Both lenses offer high-quality optics and portability, but your decision should align with your primary shooting style and requirements.