Laowa 8-15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye Lens

The Laowa 8‑15 mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye Lens, developed by Venus Optics Laowa, is a specialized Laowa lens designed to deliver highly versatile, ultra-wide perspectives for professionals and underwater photographers, using full-frame mirrorless systems. As part of the expanding Laowa fisheye lineup, this unique zoom optic combines both circular fisheye and diagonal fisheye capabilities into a single manual-focus lens, offering a range of compositional possibilities without switching between primes.

Designed to function across Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount systems, the Laowa 8–15 mm features a constant f/2.8 aperture and full-frame coverage, enabling the lens to deliver high-brightness performance and sharp detail edge-to-edge. With its ultra-wide zoom fisheye design, the lens covers a full 180° field of view at the 8 mm end in a circular format and approximately 175° at the 15 mm end with a diagonal fisheye view. The dual-mode fisheye perspective is ideal for creative applications ranging from astrophotography and architecture to underwater storytelling.

Its manual control design supports precise framing and focusing, while its compact build (650 g) makes it highly portable. A close focusing distance of just 6.3 inches (16 cm) allows for engaging near-subject distortion, enabling photographers and videographers to explore creative distortion techniques in both macro-style compositions and ultra-wide contextual shots. 

The Laowa 8–15 mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye is notable not only for its optical versatility but also for being the world’s widest ultra-wide zoom fisheye designed exclusively for full-frame mirrorless systems. As such, it occupies a distinct space among professional wide-angle tools, combining extreme coverage with dual fisheye formats, reliable mechanical precision, and consistent brightness—all at a competitive price point relative to branded equivalents.

A true innovation from Venus Optics Laowa, this lens breaks from the usual single-focal-length approach by offering

• A circular fisheye at 8 mm providing a fully circular 180° field of view
• A rectangular fisheye at 15 mm filling the entire full-frame sensor diagonally

Thanks to its compact form—650 g and just 94.5 mm long—it remains highly portable for on-the-go creators

Major Features of the Laowa Lens

Key Specifications

• Focal Range: 8–15 mm (zoom fisheye)
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8 constant (min f/22)
• Mounts Available: Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L‑Mount
• Format Coverage: Full-frame, delivering circular + diagonal fisheye
• Angle of View: 180° at 8 mm down to 175° at 15 mm
• Minimum Focus: 6.3" (16 cm), enabling 0.23 × magnification
• Optical Design: 13 elements in 9 groups, 9‑blade aperture
• Weight & Size: Approximately 650 g; 76.4 mm × 94.5 mm

Optical Performance

• Highly sharp center and corners
• Ultra-wide, barrel-distorted fisheye rendering across zoom range
• Offers pronounced subject separation even at close range, with visually compelling bokeh
• Manual-Focus and Build
• Fully manual focus and zoom – ideal for controlled creative framing
• Solid build, but the bulbous front element is exposed, requiring care
• No filter thread or hood; comes with slide-on metal caps

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