Venus Optics is a rather new name in the camera world, but it has quickly garnered the attention of enthusiast photographers with its line of high-quality, affordable manual focus lenses. The Venus Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D ($499) is one of its unique offerings, covering a wider angle than any first-party option, and doing so without introducing a ton of barrel distortion to images. For some photographers, a lack of autofocus is a non-starter, but if you're willing to dial in focus adjustments yourself, and want a very wide perspective on the world, consider picking this one up. Small and Light The 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D is impressively compact. It measures 2.4 by 2.1 inches (HD) and weighs just 7.6 ounces. A lens hood is included; it's removable and reversible for storage in your bag, and you have the ability to add front filters to the lens via a standard 49mm thread. The barrel is finished in black, with a blue accent ring at the front, matching the look of other Venus lenses. It's off...
The Venus Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D is a compact, sharp, ultra-wide lens for mirrorless cameras. It does a great job curbing barrel distortion, even if it's not truly Zero-D as advertised.
Light and compact; Metal barrel; Smooth manual focus ring; Ultra-wide field of view; Available for Canon, Fujifilm, and Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras
Limited to full-stop aperture adjustment; Heavy vignette; Not truly zero distortion; Manual focus isn't for everyone