Laowa Argus 25mm F0.95 APO Review (a serious lens, D. Abbott)

Laowa Argus 25mm

Just announced, the Laowa Argus 25mm F0.95 APO lens for APS-C sensors already has a full review.

At a glance:

  • Aperture Range: f/0.95 to f/11
  • 50mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Internal Focus Design
  • 1 Aspherical Element, 1 ED Element
  • 3 Ultra-High Refraction Elements
  • 9 Aperture Blades
  • 62mm Filter Thread
  • Manual Focus

Dustin Abbott posted his exhaustive Laowa Argus 25mm F0.95 APO review. From his conclusion:

The Laowa Argus 25mm F0.95 APO is both similar and different than the Argus 35mm F0.95 full frame lens that I reviewed. The APO design does alter the formula, which results in more usable sharpness results at huge aperture values like F0.95.

It also means that the bokeh isn’t quite as soft, however, which might turn off some of the core audience that is interested in a lens like this.

These are all a matter of preference, however, and what is definite is that there is always room for more premium prime lenses for APS-C, a space that often gets overlooked.  This is a serious lens, and it is interesting to see Laowa bring some of their APO experience that they’ve developed in their macro lens designs into a more extreme lens like this.  You’ll have to determine for yourself whether or not the end result is something you’re looking for, but I will say this:  the list of F0.95 lenses with an Apochromatic design and a price tag of under $550 USD is a VERY short one.  

Read the full review at Dustin Abbott’s…

All reviews by Dustin Abbott come with test charts, sample pics, dynamic range tests, and much more. D. Abbott also provides a video-review that someone might prefer to the written review. It’s here (below) for your viewing pleasure.

Laowa Argus 25mm F0.95 APO: Venus Optics | Adorama | B&H Photo

More reviews by Dustin Abbott are listed here.

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Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO For Canon EF-M and RF Mount Announced

Laowa Argus 25mm

Venus Optics announced a new lens for the Canon EF-M and RF mount, the Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO. I wonder why companies continue to make EF-M lenses since some people has already decided that the EOS M system has to be dead. Might those characters be wrong? ;-)

The new Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO is available at $549 at Laowa online shop.

Press release:

New lenses that capture “The Essence of Light”

Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO & Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO

Anhui China, 25 October, 2022 – Venus Optics, the innovative camera lens manufacturer had already released a series of f/0.95 ultra-large aperture lens under the name “Argus” in last year. And today the company adding two new lenses to the Argus series:

  1. Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO – MFT
  2. Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO – Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon RF / Fuji X / Canon EF-M

The new additions provide MFT and APS-C users with an option of about 35mm equivalent focal length. The ultra-fast f/0.95 on them makes shooting in low-light environments easier than ever and easily creates a dreamy look with the exceptionally shallow depth of field. Both lenses also have the APO design, which performs very well at combating chromatic aberration and provides outstanding sharpness even at wide open. The minimum focusing distances are
20cm and 34cm respectively for the 18mm f/0.95 and 25mm f/0.95. Helping photographers to easily capture close-up details. The two new Argus lenses also design to be video-friendly.

Both have the “Aperture Ring Click Switch” for freely transforming between clicked and de-clicked aperture. A low focus breathing eliminates the distraction of the changes in angle of view when moving the focus from one object to another. The weight of the lenses is 500g(1.1lbs) and 575g(1.26lbs) for 18mm and 25mm respectively. With the affordable pricing
of USD449(18mm) and USD549(25mm), these lenses are a must-have item for both photographers and videographers.

Ultra-fast Aperture of f/0.95

From an eye-catching portrait to stunning low-light photography, an f/0.95 ultra-fast aperture is perfect for creating impactful images with its shallow depth of field. Creating great background separation for the main subject so that the viewers can focus on the essence of your images. The lenses are built to offer an incredible low-light shooting performance. Both lenses can create excellent contrast from centre to corner. Perfect when you get limited time at dark sites or wants to increase the shutter speed.

Equivalent to 35mm Focal Length

A focal length of 35mm (equivalent) is one of the most popular choices among photographers. It is extremely versatile due to the semi-wide but comfortable images produced. Apart from portrait photography, it also works for landscape, street photography and as an everyday lens. Pair with the ultra-fast aperture and the short minimum focusing distance of Argus lenses, photographers can create some really unique shots.

Apochromat (APO) design

Both the 18mm and the 25mm are engineered with an Apochromatic Optical Design (APO) which suppresses longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration across in-focus & out-of-focus areas. Purple fringing is controlled to the minimum even wide open. The APO design reduces the post-editing time substantially, giving photographers and videographers the best image performance.

Stunning Bokeh and Rendering

The lenses are assembled with 9 aperture blades, which can create round and pleasing bokeh. Alongside the shallow depth of field, it can produce glamorous and dreamy images.

Short Minimum Focusing Distance

The 18mm and 25mm lenses have a minimum focusing distance of 20cm and 34cm respectively. Having a short minimum focusing distance can create an extremely blurry background, allowing the photographer to capture in different perspectives with details of the object. A breath-taking close up shot with shallow depth of field can be easily captured.

Video Friendly

Both lenses are also built with features that would be a plus for videographers.

Aperture Ring Click Switch Mechanism

The Aperture Ring Click Switch Mechanism offers options to photographers and videographers for choosing either clicked or de-clicked aperture ring, a great option for videographers when adjusting the aperture during shooting.

Low Focus Breathing

Both lenses have a relatively low focus breathing. It eliminates the distraction of the changes in the angle of view when moving the focus from one object to another, which is perfect for video shooting.

Internal Focusing

As with other lenses in the Argus series, the two new lenses also have the same internal focusing characteristics. It maximizes the optical performance in both infinity focus and minimum focusing distance. Also, it prevents dust from getting into the lens. And compatible with accessories designed to be set to a specific position like polarizers.

How About A 25mm f/2 Lens That Sells For $55? (TTArtisan RF APS-C 25mm f/2)

Ttartisan

TTArtisan launched a new inexpensive lens, the APS-C 25mm f/2, for RF and EF-M mounts.

At a glance:

  • Focal length: 25mm
  • Maximum aperture: f/2
  • Minimum aperture: f/16
  • Blades: 7
  • Optical design: 7 elements, 5 groups
  • Closest focusing distance: 0.25m
  • Manual focus
  • Imaging sensor: APS-C
  • Filter size: 43mm
  • Angle of view: 61 degree
  • Weight: 166-189g
  • For mirrorless cameras

Redefine “budget lens”. The TTArtisan APS-C 25mm f/2 sells at $55. More TTArtisan lenses are available at B&H Photo.

Free to carry, multi subject gear

The equivalence of a full frame is about 37.5mm, which is close to the natural field of human eyesight, and meets the shooting needs of various subjects from daily photography to visual art creation. The compact design improves portability, making it convenient for photographers to take it with them from time to time.

Large aperture increase creative fun

The maximum aperture can reach F2, which greatly enhances the degree of creative freedom – whether it is shooting in low-light environments or pursuing beautiful bokeh, the large aperture of F2 can meet your creative needs.

Excellent close-up function

The closest focusing distance is only 0.25 meters. Shooting scenes such as food, flowers, and small objects can show the details and beauty of these objects at a closer distance.

Hot Deal: ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 25mm/T2.9 Cine Lens – $1990 (reg. $3990, today only)

ZEISS Compact Prime

Today only (02/10/21) B&H Photo DealZone has a $2000 discount (50%) on the ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 25mm/T2.9 Cine Lens (EF mount).

At a glance:

  • Interchangeable Mount
  • First Cine Lens w/DSLR Mount Option
  • Full Frame 35mm Coverage
  • Calibrated Lens Scales
  • 14-Blade Iris
  • Lightweight
  • Markings in Feet

Get the ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 25mm/T2.9 Cine Lens (EF mount) on sale at $1,990. Compare at $3,990.


Hand-picked deals are listed here.

Deal pages:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals to be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 and/or Luminar AI using our code “WATCH” at checkout.

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Hot Deal: ZEISS Distagon T* 25mm f/2 ZE Lens – $749 (reg. $1699, today only)

Zeiss Distagon

ZEISS Distagon T* 25mm f/2 ZE Lens at glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Four Low Dispersion Elements
  • ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating
  • Floating Elements System
  • Manual Focus Design
  • 9-Blade Diaphragm

Only for today (3/4/19) B&H Photo has the ZEISS Distagon T* 25mm f/2 ZE Lens (Canon mount) on sale at $749. Compare at $1,699, it’s a huge saving.

More selected deals:

More hand-picked deals are listed here.

Authorised Canon retailer B&H Photo has discounted EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS 6D Mark II bundles on offer for the holidays.

We offer 10% discount to subscriptions to Pixpa all-in-one platform for photographers.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon USAmazon DEAmazon UKB&H Photo, eBayAdorama.

Canon Europe stores have a cash back promotions going on:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals to be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 using our code “WATCH” at checkout.

Early Black Friday Deal: ZEISS Distagon T* 25mm f/2.0 ZE – $999 (reg. $1699)

ZEISS Distagon

ZEISS Distagon T* 25mm f/2.0 ZE lens at a glance:

  • For Canon EF Mount Cameras
  • Works with Both SLRs and DSLRs
  • Very Fast f/2.0 Maximum Aperture
  • Superior Optical Construction
  • 6.7″ (0.17m) Close Focusing Distance
  • 67mm Filter Size
  • Manual Focusing

B&H Photo has the ZEISS Distagon T* 25mm f/2.0 ZE lens (Canon EF mount) on sale at $999. Compare at $1,699. Offer expires 11/30.


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