Laowa CF 12-24mm F5.6: The world's first zoom shift lens

Tilt-shift lenses are an integral part of architectural photography. They are used to avoid converging lines. Until now, such lenses were only available as fixed focal lengths. The Chinese manufacturer Venus Optics has now presented the world's first zoom shift lens.

The Laowa CF 12-24mm F5.6 Zoom Shift is not designed for full-frame format, but for APS-C cameras. It should be adaptable to various mounts, such as Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z or Fujifilm X. The lens without tilt mechanism is not intended for product photography. However, the focal length range of the equivalent of 18-36 millimetres is perfect for architectural photography.

The maximum shift is ±7 millimetres. On APS-C, this corresponds roughly to the same shift of the image section that is achieved with the usual ±12 millimetres on full-frame. The larger this number is in proportion to the sensor size, the taller buildings will fit in the picture without you having to point the camera upwards.

The CF 12-24mm F5.6 Zoom Shift does not have autofocus. However, this is normal for such lenses. According to the specifications, the minimum focus distance is 15 centimetres.

It remains to be seen how good the image quality of the CF 12-24mm F5.6 Zoom Shift is. Venus Optics is not known for high-end lenses, but rather for good value for money. The company already produces some relatively inexpensive tilt shifts that are not bad. For example, the Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D.

Lensesavailable in a few days

EUR1394,04

Laowa 20mm 1:4 Zero-D Shift Sony E-Mount

Sony E

1

Lensesavailable in a few days

EUR1394,04

Laowa 20mm 1:4 Zero-D Shift Sony E-Mount

Sony E

1

The CF 12-24mm F5.6 Zoom Shift is initially only available in China. There it costs 4499 yuan (around 550 francs). It is not known if, when and at what price the lens will come to Europe. <p