TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 - From the top! 0:55 - Overview 3:10 - Build Quality 4:56 - Image Quality 6:51 - Can you tell the difference? 10:36 - Why you should buy the Laowa 9mm 13:03 - Why you might still want the Laowa 12mm 14:14 - In Conclusion
Best lens comparison for both photo and video I've ever seen. The test game part adds a lot of fun and reveals the truth in practical using. It should be in EVERY lens and camera comparsion!!!
I was able to tell a few that were most probably the 12 mm because they were just noticeably clearer. Someone with the 9 mm might not ever be able to produce images as clear as the clearer 12 mm images, so their videos will always look a tad on the blurry side and things won't ever pop and make you think "this looks so professional and high quality."
Lately I've been noticing the lines at the top aren't straight, especially noticeable when shooting kitchens and living rooms. I'm not sure why this is all of a sudden taking place. Are you having the same problem? My Laowa 9mm f2.8 is on a Canon M50.
Aiko & Emil id always recommend either 1) IBIS, 2) OIS, or 3) a gimbal first any kind of walking vlogging - seeing as the a6400 doesn’t have IBIS and the lens doesn’t have OIS, it’ll still be a little shaky - technique could make the footage steadier but I’d just warn you to not be surprised if it is still shaky! But the focal length is great for vlogging :)
Amazing creator with lots of energy! Good comparison David! I’m hesitating right now between 9mm still version or 9mm t/2.9 cine version. Price between them in my area is about 200 dollars. I know cine lenses are much more convenient for video work, especially on a gimbal but if the lens is such wide and 90% shots are gonna be in infinite focus does it matters that much? I need some good lens for video, especially for real estates on my APS-C camera. (Already have DJI Ronin SC), 16-80 which I have it’s not a solution. Of course just subscribed:)
I forget to mention my gimbal has follow focus motor and belt. So cine lens is gonna perform much better in terms of focusing? I don’t think to change aperture on fly by this follow focus extension during recording. Maybe there are some creative ideas to use that but focusing is more important.
Normally people go with a cine version because they need the “teeth” for follow focus systems, the uniform size if you have other lenses with the same spec, or for other mounting reasons! I think for flying on a gimbal, the normal version has worked great for me, BUT... the cine version iiissss sexier 😂 if you care about that at all, you can even justify that you’ll eventually have a set of cine lenses, but if you wanted to save $$, I think you’d be fine with the normal version
All that would be even better if Sony and Canon don't treat their apsc lineup as stepchild. It is basically just fuji that is fully invested in their apsc. And their af and video despite getting better still sucks compared to those 2.
I just put in my order for the 9mm F2.8 so I can use it on my A6600 for vlogging along with my RX0ii and A7Riii + Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 combo and a full set of fast vintage primes an absolutely killer camera setup
How do you calculate that the 9mm will be 1.5x to seem like a 13.5mm on a full frame A7iii? (I am a noob to the camera world) My question is would getting the Laowa 7.5mm + A7iii achieve something closer to 12mm?
If that’s the Super 35/APS-C version (meant to cover APS-C) lenses and you’re using it on your a73 and zooming/cropping to fill the frame, yes you’d be looking at a 11.25 focal length (though the only ones I saw were fisheye lenses so you’ll be getting fisheye distortion, just a heads up)
if i were to use this lens on my sony a7s3 for video, and using aps-c mode because it’s not a full frame lens, will it have a 1.5x crop, making the 9 mm a 13.5mm lens? or will it stay a 9mm lens? thanks!
Thanks for your review! I'm wondering what this lens is like compared to the Panasonic Lumix 9mm F/1.7 LEICA? What is the difference between F2.8 and F/1.7 ? Is one better than the other is shooting in low light? I ordered the panasonic one 2 months ago and all the webshites say its out of stock and waiting for it to be sent to them from panasonic, really sloppy!! Anyway ye just wonted to know cos I'll maybe need a refund and get the Laowa asap if this continues by the way, the camera i have and what I'll use it for is the GH5 4k video shooting myself busking in day and night time on monopod
I would say not enough of a difference to switch over. The biggest notable difference however will be the rectilinear, near zero distortion of the Laowa 9mm. BUT, if you already like the image you’re getting and you haven’t really noticed or have been bothered by the level of distortion from the Tokina, I’d say stick with it
If you're shooting yourself, it's pretty easy to remember where to turn the focus ring based on the manual markings. If you're shooting on a tripod and walking around, you can set the focus area and you just have to be deliberate about it. You can always opt to shoot at f/4 or f/8 during daytime shots like that as you'd get a very deep depth of field! Obviously it's even better on cameras like the a6600 or A7S3 :)
In video, the 9mm has much worse vignetting. It's noticeable in harsh lighting as the corners are more than likely going to be underexposed vs the rest of the frame. I think the 12mm is a better lens. Throw a speedbooster on the 12mm and you have a vastly better frame than shooting on the 9mm and I prefer a heavy lens over a light lens.
As a video shooter (vlogger) .. how do you deal with the fact that both these lens are manual focus? Do you just have it set on infinity? If I were to get this lens it would be purely for photography.. I have tried this lens while using the Sony A7R3 and the images are pretty decent but I found that it lacked contrast and the edges were not that great. It is annoying that there is no EXIF data so that there is no lens corrections and everything have to be done manually. The only other lens that I have invested in thats not Sony is Sigma.. still deciding if this lens is really worth the money.. but if I would get the lens, I would go for the 12mm lens.. nice video though...
After using it a few times, you just start setting the focus based on the physical focus distance markers (for example, when vlogging, you'd set the focus distance to that of about how far your hold your camera away from you). I found that doing this was actually a lot easier than expected and after a few times, it was pretty easy to get right every time. And don't get me wrong, both lenses are great and the 12mm is a great lens. I'm just personally over trying to vlog with heavy lenses!
@@DavidZhou I know what you mean about the weight of the lens.. but if your serious about vlogging .. I would recommend the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM.. I know its a bit pricey but the quality is amazing.. I use it for photography but its so light .. rent it and see what you think? I am happy that I got that lens.. and it is awesome as a travel lens as well...
You forgot to mention that on a crop sensor, f/2.8 is an equivalent of f/4.2 therefore you are losing about a whole stop of light, which some people may want when shooting in low light condition.
That's so not true f/2.8 stays f/2.8 in terms of light transmission. It only will make a difference in background separation, but that's not really a deal with thos lenses. But you have some kind of a point, a full frame sensor will usually have cleaner high ISO pictures so a faster lens makes sense for APS-C cameras, to not get into the same crazy high ISO ranges. But as I mentioned the light transmission will be the same (assuming they have the same t-stop).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
0:00 - From the top!
0:55 - Overview
3:10 - Build Quality
4:56 - Image Quality
6:51 - Can you tell the difference?
10:36 - Why you should buy the Laowa 9mm
13:03 - Why you might still want the Laowa 12mm
14:14 - In Conclusion
This was a really well thought out and well put together comparison - thank you. Informative and and entertaining!
Thank you! That’s the goal :)
Best lens comparison for both photo and video I've ever seen. The test game part adds a lot of fun and reveals the truth in practical using. It should be in EVERY lens and camera comparsion!!!
I was able to tell a few that were most probably the 12 mm because they were just noticeably clearer. Someone with the 9 mm might not ever be able to produce images as clear as the clearer 12 mm images, so their videos will always look a tad on the blurry side and things won't ever pop and make you think "this looks so professional and high quality."
Great energy man! Love your style! Great content. I'm looking at the 9mm. Thanks for the review!
STILL THE BEST VIDEO OF THIS COMPARISON!!!!
Exactly the comparison I was looking for! Thanks for making this video David! 👍👍
Your Video quality is amazing 👍
Thank you!!
This whole time I thought Annette was just holding cards up for you behind the camera!
Wrong video 😂😂
maaan... very good comperation! the best video. thank you, this is what I need, now I know all I have to know :D
Thank you! Glad to hear it was helpful! 🙌🏼
David, nice job of comparing the lenses.
Lately I've been noticing the lines at the top aren't straight, especially noticeable when shooting kitchens and living rooms. I'm not sure why this is all of a sudden taking place. Are you having the same problem? My Laowa 9mm f2.8 is on a Canon M50.
That is… very weird. I’m not sure the glass would cause that-I’d suspect the sensor but I imagine you’re not getting that issue with other lenses?
Viltrox 85 and Laowa 9 are my favorites.
How about vlogging with 9mm on a6400? Is it shaky while walking?
Aiko & Emil id always recommend either 1) IBIS, 2) OIS, or 3) a gimbal first any kind of walking vlogging - seeing as the a6400 doesn’t have IBIS and the lens doesn’t have OIS, it’ll still be a little shaky - technique could make the footage steadier but I’d just warn you to not be surprised if it is still shaky! But the focal length is great for vlogging :)
Amazing creator with lots of energy! Good comparison David!
I’m hesitating right now between 9mm still version or 9mm t/2.9 cine version. Price between them in my area is about 200 dollars. I know cine lenses are much more convenient for video work, especially on a gimbal but if the lens is such wide and 90% shots are gonna be in infinite focus does it matters that much?
I need some good lens for video, especially for real estates on my APS-C camera. (Already have DJI Ronin SC), 16-80 which I have it’s not a solution.
Of course just subscribed:)
I forget to mention my gimbal has follow focus motor and belt. So cine lens is gonna perform much better in terms of focusing? I don’t think to change aperture on fly by this follow focus extension during recording. Maybe there are some creative ideas to use that but focusing is more important.
Normally people go with a cine version because they need the “teeth” for follow focus systems, the uniform size if you have other lenses with the same spec, or for other mounting reasons!
I think for flying on a gimbal, the normal version has worked great for me, BUT... the cine version iiissss sexier 😂 if you care about that at all, you can even justify that you’ll eventually have a set of cine lenses, but if you wanted to save $$, I think you’d be fine with the normal version
@@DavidZhou thanks for help! Have a great day 😉
I am currently watching but I Instantly agree. Keep it up!
Your videos are so awesome, and you're personality is fun(: You just earned a subscriber!!
USF'07 Alum here...I was pleasantly surprised by your use of photo samples.
Always love to see Tampa viewers! Go Bulls! 🤘🏼
Great video David. Subscribed :)
All that would be even better if Sony and Canon don't treat their apsc lineup as stepchild. It is basically just fuji that is fully invested in their apsc. And their af and video despite getting better still sucks compared to those 2.
Is it for both sony and canon ?
Yes! Just need to purchase it for the mount you want!
Thanks this was super helpful!
Glad to hear!
The Voigtlander 10mm f5.6 is also an awesome lens!!
I really like the performance of the a6400 and its brothers but I'm so spoiled by the gazillion buttons and dials on the full frame bodies.
Steven Kramer I agree! For the most part, I love my buttons 😂 but I just had to save myself a little bit of money here haha
I just put in my order for the 9mm F2.8 so I can use it on my A6600 for vlogging along with my RX0ii and A7Riii + Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 combo and a full set of fast vintage primes an absolutely killer camera setup
Now THAT'S a setup!
Vlogging with MF? Need your arm to keep that fixed distance ;)
Great Video, how does the 9mm pair well with an a7R3 in crop mode (18mp) for still photography?
How do you calculate that the 9mm will be 1.5x to seem like a 13.5mm on a full frame A7iii? (I am a noob to the camera world) My question is would getting the Laowa 7.5mm + A7iii achieve something closer to 12mm?
If that’s the Super 35/APS-C version (meant to cover APS-C) lenses and you’re using it on your a73 and zooming/cropping to fill the frame, yes you’d be looking at a 11.25 focal length (though the only ones I saw were fisheye lenses so you’ll be getting fisheye distortion, just a heads up)
Please Make a Comparison between Laowa 9mm 2.8 Vs Sony 10-18mm Lens I Want To Know Which Is Wide And which Give Best Quality Images
if i were to use this lens on my sony a7s3 for video, and using aps-c mode because it’s not a full frame lens, will it have a 1.5x crop, making the 9 mm a 13.5mm lens? or will it stay a 9mm lens? thanks!
Yes! I actually use Clear Image Zoom so I can still maintain 4K resolution, but that would work!
this is a well done video
Thanks for your review!
I'm wondering what this lens is like compared to the Panasonic Lumix 9mm F/1.7 LEICA?
What is the difference between F2.8 and F/1.7 ?
Is one better than the other is shooting in low light?
I ordered the panasonic one 2 months ago and all the webshites say its out of stock and waiting for it to be sent to them from panasonic, really sloppy!!
Anyway ye just wonted to know cos I'll maybe need a refund and get the Laowa asap if this continues
by the way, the camera i have and what I'll use it for is the GH5 4k video shooting myself busking in day and night time on monopod
I have a Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. Should I still want this lens? How big of a difference will that 2mm on the wide end make when shooting video?
I would say not enough of a difference to switch over. The biggest notable difference however will be the rectilinear, near zero distortion of the Laowa 9mm. BUT, if you already like the image you’re getting and you haven’t really noticed or have been bothered by the level of distortion from the Tokina, I’d say stick with it
Or if you have an EF mount camera because they don't make the 9mm in EF mount. Missed that part.
How you control focus with 9mm along with sony6500? I mean there is no flip up screen so that you can see to manage yourself either in focus or not..
If you're shooting yourself, it's pretty easy to remember where to turn the focus ring based on the manual markings. If you're shooting on a tripod and walking around, you can set the focus area and you just have to be deliberate about it. You can always opt to shoot at f/4 or f/8 during daytime shots like that as you'd get a very deep depth of field! Obviously it's even better on cameras like the a6600 or A7S3 :)
What, if any, sharpness difference at f/4, f/5.6, f/8, and f/11?
I think you’ll get vignetting using crop sensor lenses on full frame camera.
Sony full frame cameras have a crop mode where only the center of the sensor is used so the vignette shouldn't be much of an issue.
In video, the 9mm has much worse vignetting. It's noticeable in harsh lighting as the corners are more than likely going to be underexposed vs the rest of the frame. I think the 12mm is a better lens. Throw a speedbooster on the 12mm and you have a vastly better frame than shooting on the 9mm and I prefer a heavy lens over a light lens.
WE NEED TO TEST IT THOUGH, SPEEDBOOSTER MAY UNSHARPEN IT
Does it fit for a canon EOS Rebel T7?
I think you’ll need an EF-M to EF mount, the Laowa 12mm however I believe comes in an EF mount version!
Hi! can i use the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens on a Canon 5D Mark iv?
Unfortunately it looks like the 9mm comes in the EOS-M Mount. The 12mm does come in the EF Mount though!
what was this shot with?
As a video shooter (vlogger) .. how do you deal with the fact that both these lens are manual focus? Do you just have it set on infinity? If I were to get this lens it would be purely for photography..
I have tried this lens while using the Sony A7R3 and the images are pretty decent but I found that it lacked contrast and the edges were not that great. It is annoying that there is no EXIF data so that there is no lens corrections and everything have to be done manually. The only other lens that I have invested in thats not Sony is Sigma.. still deciding if this lens is really worth the money.. but if I would get the lens, I would go for the 12mm lens.. nice video though...
After using it a few times, you just start setting the focus based on the physical focus distance markers (for example, when vlogging, you'd set the focus distance to that of about how far your hold your camera away from you). I found that doing this was actually a lot easier than expected and after a few times, it was pretty easy to get right every time.
And don't get me wrong, both lenses are great and the 12mm is a great lens. I'm just personally over trying to vlog with heavy lenses!
@@DavidZhou I know what you mean about the weight of the lens.. but if your serious about vlogging .. I would recommend the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM.. I know its a bit pricey but the quality is amazing.. I use it for photography but its so light .. rent it and see what you think? I am happy that I got that lens.. and it is awesome as a travel lens as well...
Has anyone tried the 9mm on a7IV with apsc-sensor crop on?
I guessed right 2/3, on stills point for the 12mm.
3:03 THANKS!
What is "real world"?
Nice video, but I thought 24M A7iii in APSC mode is something like 10.6M pixel in resolution. But it still make sense what he is trying to say. 👍
For photos, you’ll have reduced resolution, but for video, you get the same resolution! :)
You forgot to mention that on a crop sensor, f/2.8 is an equivalent of f/4.2 therefore you are losing about a whole stop of light, which some people may want when shooting in low light condition.
That's so not true f/2.8 stays f/2.8 in terms of light transmission. It only will make a difference in background separation, but that's not really a deal with thos lenses.
But you have some kind of a point, a full frame sensor will usually have cleaner high ISO pictures so a faster lens makes sense for APS-C cameras, to not get into the same crazy high ISO ranges. But as I mentioned the light transmission will be the same (assuming they have the same t-stop).
You forgot that the ISO will be almost double the number you use when you choose APS-C lens !
focus breathing on this lens?
doesn't matter because on a wide there will never be much breathing, or much racking focus
Please an ultra wide angle lens for indoor Real Estate videography with Sony ZV-E10
Thats informative😍
Dude, this is fuckkkkkking informative
I had to stop watching at 4 minutes, just get to the point, be brief, dont waffle on about what your going to do, just be specific. Talk less.
1.3lbs = 590g
0.4lbs = 181g
hey cool
i got all the answers right. No lying
It's hard to listen with all that hand movement. Great vid, though.
boa!
pounds and ounces, why?
Laowa 19mm???? WTF??
Laowa ‘sales representative 😂🖕🏽🖕🏻