Laowa 20mm f4 Zero-D Shift Lens for Sony E

Well known for its exceptional and affordable lenses, Laowa has conjured up something special with this 20mm f4 Zero-D Shift Lens. This ultra-wide-angle lens offers outstanding performance and a versatile shift-design with ‘zero’ distortion that benefits a range of applications e.g. architectural photography. With an ±11mm shift, you can correct perspectives without compromising image quality.

Laowa 20mm f4 Zero-D Shift Lens Key Features:

• Built for stunning landscape & architecture photography
• The lens offers an ultra-wide-angle 20mm field of view
• An advanced and intricate optical glass structure
• 16 elements in 11 groups with 2 aspherical & 3 ED lenses
• Minimised flaring/ghosting & Chromatic Aberrations
• An intelligent & effective shift-lens design up to ±11mm
• Correct perspectives without compromising image quality
• An impressively short close focusing distance of 25cm
• 14-bladed aperture diaphragm produces 14 sunstars
• The rotatable lens hood shades the front of the lens

Expanded Laowa 20mm f4 Zero-D Shift Lens Key Features:

First Up: What is a shift lens?

This premium Laowa lens is available in various lens mounts for both full-frame and medium format cameras. The lens offers a shift capability of ± 11mm in both the X-axis and Y-axis on the full-frame lens option and ±11mm shift in the X-axis, and ±8mm in Y-axis on the medium format lens. Okay, but what does this mean for me?

A ‘Shift’, or ‘Tilt-shift’ or ‘Perspective Control’ lens is used to alter the physical position of the lens in relation to the camera sensor. When the lens is tilted, it becomes out of alignment and no longer parallel to the sensor and in doing so, you shift the plane of focus and alter the depth of field.

The real-world application of this is often seen when photographing buildings or architecture as it means you can adjust the position of the building without having to move the camera as well as avoid the convergence of parallel lines.

Optical Performance

This lens is fitted with an intricate array of lenses - A whole 16 optical elements that are arranged into 11 groups. Within these groups, Laowa included 2 aspherical elements and 3 ED elements that are used to not only increase sharpness from edge-to-edge but also control the appearance of chromatic aberrations. Also, Laowa developed an upgraded lens coating that helps to minimise flaring and ghosting, even in backlit conditions. Finally, this lens is part of the Zero-D lens series. This is a set of lenses that minimise distortion to almost zero. This, along with the shifting capability makes for the perfect architectural, commercial, interior, and/or landscape lens.

Professional Build

The lens is made to the highest standards, matching that of the industry leaders. It is surprisingly compact and lightweight at 747g and is fitted with an 82mm filter thread, allowing the use of standard lens filters. This lens is also equipped with a rotatable lens hood that shades the front of the lens and in turn, keeps the light from falling across the lens causing unwanted flare. Additionally, the fact the rotates means you can use it without having it in the way of the shifting axis meaning a vignette will not be caused.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Laowa 20mm f4 Zero-D Shift Lens
• 1 x Front Lens Cap
• 1 x Rear Lens Cap
• 1 x Lens Hood

FAQs:

Does this lens have autofocus?

This is a manual focus lens only (MF).

What other mounts is this available in?

As with many Laowa lenses, this lens is has been made in various mount options including for both full-frame and medium format. These include Canon EF and RF, Nikon F and Z, Sony E, Pentax K, L Mount and Fujifilm GF.