Fantastic review good sir (as always). I'm so excited to see good fully manual lenses starting to re-enter the market! There's something just a tad more intimate about having to twist the rings to work for your shot. Sure, you may miss a few fleeting moments, but when it works, it really works, and the joy of seeing that "just right" image on the monitor when you're reviewing later always brings a huge smile! It's surprising that companies like Artisans, Meike and Laowa are bringing such great manual primes to the market at these almost unbelievable prices. It must have the "big names" shaking in their boots. These lenses are sharp with hardly any CA, incredibly solidly built, a joy to use, but the common weakness always seems to be flares and ghosting - but once you're aware of this limitation, you can use mirrorless to your advantage to preview and adjust as necessary to still capture the shot in harsh lighting conditions. I love this lens already, and it's on my wishlist thanks to your great review. Thanks!
Great review! I have recently been looking at all of the low light options in the 25mm-30mm range for MFT (i.e. f/0.8 - f/1.4). This Laowa 25mm f/0.95 lens together with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens seem to be excellent affordable options. This Laowa 25mm appears to maintain a good amount of sharpness @f/0.95 when compared to the other MF lenses (i.e. Voightlander 25mm). Also I think the long focus throw up to 10ft is a big plus and this is one of the reasons many like the Voightlander options. I will definitely be buying this lens.
Interesting lens, thanks for the review Jimmy. I hope lenstip does their tests on it too. The Voigtlander 25mm is the sharpest lens they’ve ever tested, in the center. All the Voigtlander Noktons are sharp across the frame by f/2.8, but pretty much unusable wider than that (unless you want a hazy soft look). As tempting as these manual lenses are for the build quality and lower prices, nothing beats the Olympus Pro f1.2 primes optically. I can however highly recommend the Voigtlander 60mm f0.95 though, it’s sharp even wide open, but with some purple fringing and CA. There’s nothing else like it on the market for micro4/3.
Im using mitakon 25mm 0.95 and it's small and sharp, but I seen bokeh in laowa review and it's smooth and great, yet nothing can beat mitakon size to picture quality. But if laowa will be close optically to Oly 25 i would choose Laowa because its cheaper and it's truly manual lens. And in chase for perfect AF I'm stepping back to my manual days because it's funny but I feel I did better photos with manual lenses haha. Btw voigtlander 60mm 0.95 would be perfect for my Oly too :)
There is one big plus for me with manual lenses, and it's battery life :) No af engine takes no energy. For example I took today on my Em1mark2 is studio family sessions about 1310 photos and still I've got 20% battery left. And I see with af lenses power goes down quite fast.
I've seen the samples, I'm not surprised, but I like it, it's very good lens with a character. For video is awesome, but for photography I can't justify a lens without an AF, it's not possible to do my professional work this way.
Hi Jimmy just catching up on a few of your videos. Is there a 3rd party 20mm lens out there. The only one I’ve ever seen is Zuiko 20mm. I watched your review but the lens is a bit out of my budget for a prime. If not I’m looking at the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 I think. Have reviewed the Panasonic? Thanks
Thanks Neil. If you need AF, I think Panasonic may be the only option. It's a great lens too so you won't regret it. I've never reviewed that lens, but I've used it before (version 1).
Cheers, yes, this was one of my first OM-1 videos. It was the only one shot in HLG, which why the colours a bit weird. I've since switched back to OMLOG400, which is much better.
I,ve had my Laowa for 5 days and my opinion is mixed. Good resolution at f/0.95 but the hardest manual lens to focus as a result of the extremely narrow depth of field. Focus peaking just doesn't work and the magnify focus assist at 14x is impossible to use hand held because my hands shake as I turn the focus wheel which results in the image jumping about. The only technique that works for me is a solid tripod and 14x magnification. Buy this lens and it will just collect dust. Considering a used Olympus 25mm f/1.2 can be had for between $700 -800 it's a better option for me, one I will use more often
I own the sigma 30mm 1.4, it rocks. I actually prefer the slightly closer composition distance than a 42.5 or 45 would give for the portraits I do. (I take photos of kids more than adults). Sigma's got that bokeh nailed down, and autofocus is as good as any other MFT lens. Watching this review, the whole time I was comparing it to my sigma 😂 Not the 0.95 isn't intriguing.... But I'm sticking with the sigma
Great review mate! Appreciate your focus on usability in your review. Such a strange choice for the macro like focussing and short on the long end. Otherwise could have been a perfect cine lens option with the lack of focus breathing.. for under €400! I also hope for an autofocus lens from them btw
Amateur here, could someone explain how it doesn't have noise at 3200 ISO? At .95 wouldn't you be able to do way lower ISO with a slower shutter speed? Thank you in advance for your help in understanding.
I don't understand this balance thing. I have always, and certainly ever since the original OM1 days, taken the camera's weight in my left hand, with the base of the camera near the wrist, and the lens held in the main part of the hand. With a telephoto lens, then I hold just the lens. The point of balance is always somewhere in the palm of the left hand. The right hand does rather less work, just steadying the camera.
That depends how long you hold the set up, also, when it's front heavy, it feels awkward when carrying around your shoulder/neck. Again, that depends on how long you are using your camera at any one time. I spend hours a day and balance is important, though not a deal breaker if the lens performs of course.
@@Red35Photography True, if you carry the camera by its strap in that way then the camera and lens will be facing down. Not sure how much of a problem that is, but I must admit I very rarely use a camera strap.
Pretty easy at distances like this. But still need to check for critical focus by magnify if you want to get the best results, but it's definitely more forgiving.
Seems like nice lens, but without digital contacts it is relegated to a dark corner of the camera bag. Seems we all have to have that meta data with each shot now. Not like the old days when you kept a notebook to record exposure data. Too bad since your review shows a capable, fast, affordable lens!
Indeed, Caitlin, that's exactly my point in my review. I love the lens and for the price, it's definitely worth it. It's a shame it hasn't got the contact. But I'm used to shooting manual lenses without contact for many years, you can also add custom settings for this lens and makes it easier to use in Olympus cameras.
No necessarily, that depends on where you shoot, I work in the dark a lot and even in my film days, those f1 or 1.2 lenses were great for night photography/documentary. It's a gimmick, if one wants it to be, for the sake of depth of field or bokeh.
Fantastic review good sir (as always). I'm so excited to see good fully manual lenses starting to re-enter the market! There's something just a tad more intimate about having to twist the rings to work for your shot. Sure, you may miss a few fleeting moments, but when it works, it really works, and the joy of seeing that "just right" image on the monitor when you're reviewing later always brings a huge smile! It's surprising that companies like Artisans, Meike and Laowa are bringing such great manual primes to the market at these almost unbelievable prices. It must have the "big names" shaking in their boots. These lenses are sharp with hardly any CA, incredibly solidly built, a joy to use, but the common weakness always seems to be flares and ghosting - but once you're aware of this limitation, you can use mirrorless to your advantage to preview and adjust as necessary to still capture the shot in harsh lighting conditions. I love this lens already, and it's on my wishlist thanks to your great review. Thanks!
Would love them to make this exact lens in 16mm for a bit of a wider view. Nifty 50 is nice, but often 35mm equivalent is what the doctor ordered.
Great review! I have recently been looking at all of the low light options in the 25mm-30mm range for MFT (i.e. f/0.8 - f/1.4). This Laowa 25mm f/0.95 lens together with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens seem to be excellent affordable options. This Laowa 25mm appears to maintain a good amount of sharpness @f/0.95 when compared to the other MF lenses (i.e. Voightlander 25mm). Also I think the long focus throw up to 10ft is a big plus and this is one of the reasons many like the Voightlander options. I will definitely be buying this lens.
Glad you enjoyed the review mate. Yes, this lens is very useable at 0.95
It looks sharper, more clinical than the voigtlander. Which means there is a reason to earn both. I hope they do a full set!
Interesting lens, thanks for the review Jimmy. I hope lenstip does their tests on it too. The Voigtlander 25mm is the sharpest lens they’ve ever tested, in the center. All the Voigtlander Noktons are sharp across the frame by f/2.8, but pretty much unusable wider than that (unless you want a hazy soft look).
As tempting as these manual lenses are for the build quality and lower prices, nothing beats the Olympus Pro f1.2 primes optically.
I can however highly recommend the Voigtlander 60mm f0.95 though, it’s sharp even wide open, but with some purple fringing and CA. There’s nothing else like it on the market for micro4/3.
Thanks Joel! I always love Voightlander's rendering. But you are right about Olympus Pro 1.2 lenses.
Im using mitakon 25mm 0.95 and it's small and sharp, but I seen bokeh in laowa review and it's smooth and great, yet nothing can beat mitakon size to picture quality. But if laowa will be close optically to Oly 25 i would choose Laowa because its cheaper and it's truly manual lens. And in chase for perfect AF I'm stepping back to my manual days because it's funny but I feel I did better photos with manual lenses haha. Btw voigtlander 60mm 0.95 would be perfect for my Oly too :)
@@SzymonPytel I prefer manual lenses when possible too.👍🏻
There is one big plus for me with manual lenses, and it's battery life :) No af engine takes no energy. For example I took today on my Em1mark2 is studio family sessions about 1310 photos and still I've got 20% battery left. And I see with af lenses power goes down quite fast.
Very nice review. I'd love to get a Laowa 67mm/2.5 as there are no 135mm FF equivalent prime on the market, a classic focal length.
I've seen the samples, I'm not surprised, but I like it, it's very good lens with a character. For video is awesome, but for photography I can't justify a lens without an AF, it's not possible to do my professional work this way.
Hi Jimmy just catching up on a few of your videos. Is there a 3rd party 20mm lens out there. The only one I’ve ever seen is Zuiko 20mm. I watched your review but the lens is a bit out of my budget for a prime. If not I’m looking at the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 I think. Have reviewed the Panasonic? Thanks
Thanks Neil. If you need AF, I think Panasonic may be the only option. It's a great lens too so you won't regret it. I've never reviewed that lens, but I've used it before (version 1).
Your children are adorable. Love your son's photo bomb of his sister.
hahah thanks mate! they are a bit of a handful!
Would had been nice to see it compared to other 0.95 or even the 1.4 25mm lenses
Great review, much enjoyed it! Did you record with the OM1? I don't know if it's me but the the colors are more saturated and natural
Cheers, yes, this was one of my first OM-1 videos. It was the only one shot in HLG, which why the colours a bit weird. I've since switched back to OMLOG400, which is much better.
@@Red35Photography Depending on the cut it's either really good or a bit over the top but still good to see what the OM1 is capable of👍🏼
@@Ateliervino To be frank, I hate grading HLG. I actually find normal LOG are better. But yeah, the OM-1 has very good video spec now for most.
Great review, how does it compares to oly 25 1.2? Putting aside autofocus.
I may do a comparison :)
I am sure the Olympus is a much better lens to buy in everyway.
Compare it with 25mm f1.2 from olympus
I,ve had my Laowa for 5 days and my opinion is mixed. Good resolution at f/0.95 but the hardest manual lens to focus as a result of the extremely narrow depth of field. Focus peaking just doesn't work and the magnify focus assist at 14x is impossible to use hand held because my hands shake as I turn the focus wheel which results in the image jumping about. The only technique that works for me is a solid tripod and 14x magnification. Buy this lens and it will just collect dust.
Considering a used Olympus 25mm f/1.2 can be had for between $700 -800 it's a better option for me, one I will use more often
Seems to be mostly useful for video. For photography I’d recommend the even cheaper Sigma 30mm.
It can be both :) The ultra long focus throw is a downside for video, it's not feasible to have such a long turn.
I own the sigma 30mm 1.4, it rocks. I actually prefer the slightly closer composition distance than a 42.5 or 45 would give for the portraits I do. (I take photos of kids more than adults). Sigma's got that bokeh nailed down, and autofocus is as good as any other MFT lens.
Watching this review, the whole time I was comparing it to my sigma 😂
Not the 0.95 isn't intriguing.... But I'm sticking with the sigma
I'd like to see a full cinema line in 0.95.
Nice video, apart from the size, it looks like a good lens!
What lens were you using for the shots of you presenting? Enjoyed this format of video.
Cheers John. I used the Olympus 25mm 1.2 Pro for this.
Jimmy, did you ever get a chance to compare these Laowa MF lens with Voightlander Nokton lens.
Great, you did seem to answer the Nokton comparison question…nice
Great review mate! Appreciate your focus on usability in your review. Such a strange choice for the macro like focussing and short on the long end. Otherwise could have been a perfect cine lens option with the lack of focus breathing.. for under €400! I also hope for an autofocus lens from them btw
Indeed. let's see if they make a cine version with improved focus throw.
In term of image sharpness, how does it compare to 7Artisans 50mm f0.95?
Amateur here, could someone explain how it doesn't have noise at 3200 ISO? At .95 wouldn't you be able to do way lower ISO with a slower shutter speed? Thank you in advance for your help in understanding.
Thanks Jimmy... You so early to test it ahaha well done.
I don't understand this balance thing. I have always, and certainly ever since the original OM1 days, taken the camera's weight in my left hand, with the base of the camera near the wrist, and the lens held in the main part of the hand. With a telephoto lens, then I hold just the lens. The point of balance is always somewhere in the palm of the left hand. The right hand does rather less work, just steadying the camera.
That depends how long you hold the set up, also, when it's front heavy, it feels awkward when carrying around your shoulder/neck. Again, that depends on how long you are using your camera at any one time. I spend hours a day and balance is important, though not a deal breaker if the lens performs of course.
@@Red35Photography True, if you carry the camera by its strap in that way then the camera and lens will be facing down. Not sure how much of a problem that is, but I must admit I very rarely use a camera strap.
your tone seems different from other videos(much faster)
Quick question - How easy is it to focus on a subject @f0.95 about 25 feet away?
Pretty easy at distances like this. But still need to check for critical focus by magnify if you want to get the best results, but it's definitely more forgiving.
Is the aperture ring stepless?
Yes it is
What is that animal running in the background at 7:43? (top right)
creepy thing... joking, just a bird I think. There were lots of them around.
@@Red35Photography excellent, plenty of subjects to test animal tracking AF :D
👌👍👍🙏
Thanks
👋🙋
👍
Seems like nice lens, but without digital contacts it is relegated to a dark corner of the camera bag. Seems we all have to have that meta data with each shot now. Not like the old days when you kept a notebook to record exposure data. Too bad since your review shows a capable, fast, affordable lens!
Indeed, Caitlin, that's exactly my point in my review. I love the lens and for the price, it's definitely worth it. It's a shame it hasn't got the contact. But I'm used to shooting manual lenses without contact for many years, you can also add custom settings for this lens and makes it easier to use in Olympus cameras.
there you go
I prefer my Olympus pro f1,2 25mm. The f 0,95 is only a marketing number to bluff the photographers. Who needs the very soft f 0,95 in real life?
No necessarily, that depends on where you shoot, I work in the dark a lot and even in my film days, those f1 or 1.2 lenses were great for night photography/documentary. It's a gimmick, if one wants it to be, for the sake of depth of field or bokeh.
Really unfortunately it doesn't build in electric connection to the body.
This lens makes me Org.....m
😂😂😂