Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO launched

[Ian]

Venus Optics have released an ultra-fast f/0.95 18mm medium wide-angle lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The company's information mentions:

"Introducing the new Argus 18mm f/0.95 to the Argus lineup, the ultra-fast aperture option for MFT cameras. Now, Laowa offers a total of 6 lenses with f/0.95 brightness, including 2 for full frame, 2 for APS-C and 2 for MFT cameras. This new addition of 18mm f/0.95 is designed with an APO feature to minimize chromatic aberration and is able to deliver impressive image quality even at maximum aperture.

Providing outstanding sharpness for the in-focus areas and pleasing bokeh for the out-of-focus areas, it is a compact and versatile option for portrait and low-light photography. The lens has a low focus breathing, together with user-friendly switches and internal focusing, making this an ideal lens for both photographers and videographers."

Specifications
Format	M43
Focal Length	18mm
Aperture Range	f/0.95-11
Angle of View	61.9°
Lens Structure	14 elements in 8 groups (2 ED elements)
Aperture Blades	9
Min. Shooting Distance	20cm
Max. Magnification	0.15x
Focusing	Manual (MF)
Filter Thread	Ø 62mm
Dimensions	About Ø 80mm * 83mm
Weight	About 500g
Mounts	M43

This is a manual focus/aperture control lens without any electronic communication with the camera body.

The lens is priced at US$449.

[blackfox]

I do realise its a mega aperture BUT £450 POUNDS/DOLLARS for what is essentially a manual focus lens makes me wonder if its worth just getting some classic lenses and adaptors .. not that I need one anyway BUT 😎

[Ian]

AF isn't so critical for WA lenses. There's a lot of glass in the lens and some fairly exotic elements too.

[pdk42]

It's cheaper than the Voigtlander 17.5mm f0.95.

[zuiko-holic]

I do realise its a mega aperture BUT £450 POUNDS/DOLLARS for what is essentially a manual focus lens makes me wonder if its worth just getting some classic lenses and adaptors .. not that I need one anyway BUT 😎

Good luck finding a classic lens with an f/0.95 aperture that costs less! Especially a wide angle!

In any case, it is a niche product and for what it is, it's not that expensive
Would I buy it? At this price? no and... no. Maybe if I find a used one in a couple of years for an arttractive price.
It looks like a very nice lens, I currently own 2 Laowa lenses for my Sony and I am happy with their performance. I expect this to be a good performer too

[wornish]

So what is the photography type that this lens is aimed at?

Portraits with a narrow depth of field perhaps?

[pdk42]

Environmental portraits is the obvious genre Dave. Personally, I think if this sort of thing is your bag, then a Sony A7 with the AF-equipped Samyang 35mm f1.8 (equiv to f0.8 on mu43) would be a much better option. DOF at f0.95, even on an 18mm lens is razor thin and getting sharp shots much harder than you might think. For portraits, eye-AF is really essential to get consistent results.

You could even go 35mm f1.4 if really narrow DOF was your thing. The 35mm f1.8 is about £335 street price.

[wornish]

So given that it's a manual focus I struggle to see anyone wanting to use it. Certainly not one for my bag.

[Ian]

I'd say it was aimed at street photographers or studio use. Remember, there are those who prefer manual control over focusing and they would even argue that it guides their creativity