Text 6 Photos: Mia Battaglia – translation: Giorgio Aprile
We have entrusted the first available sample of the new Laowa 10mm f / 2 MFT Zero Distortion to Mia Battaglia, our expert in landscape photography, reference point for her HDRs and already happy user of quality wide-angle lenses… who better than her could give a first opinion on this latest born?
Here is how she expressed herself after carrying out some tests:
LAOWA 10mm F/2 MFT Zero Distortion
by Mia Battaglia
“When I read the tests of photographic equipment made by professionals, I am always struck by their ability to be analytical and precise, to know how to follow a clear and sure path, and to arrive at conclusions aware of having not neglected any detail.
Like the 50mm macro, the new 10mm also features electronic aperture control
Well, perhaps precisely because I am not a professional, it seems fair to warn you: do not expect anything like this from my test of the new LAOWA 10mm F / 2.0 ZD.
I am not a technician and I have no method: I am “only” (‘and you say very little’, editor’s note by Ugo) able to go out and take some pictures trying to understand what I got into my hand and what feelings I felt – or not – using that particular camera or that particular lens.
The first thing that caught my eye when mounting the lens on my PEN-F, in addition to its extreme compactness, was the absence of the aperture ring. It was therefore obvious to find, on the bottom of the lens itself, the contacts for the connection with the camera body.
Therefore, while remaining, as per the consolidated tradition, a lens characterized by manual focusing, the dialogue between the lens and the camera body for the aspects related to exposure was a very welcome surprise (surprise confirmed by the control of the Exif data present in the file).
I tried the lens both indoors and outdoors, trying to deal with situations that could benefit from the large maximum aperture (f/ 2.0). After testing, I seem to be able to say that, in terms of image quality, the behavior of this new gem is very close to that of the 9mm: great sharpness extended over the entire image area and excellent even at full aperture.
From the point of view of ease of use, the absence of the aperture ring simplifies everything: the fingers can move freely on the lens body in search of the focus flange and without running the risk, present on the 9mm, of unintentionally change the aperture.
Regarding the shooting angle, the feeling is certainly that of having an ultra-wide-angle lens in your hands: personally, I have always identified the limit between wide-angle and ultra-wide angle in the value of 20mm equivalent on FF, and this test confirmed to me that this value is quite correct. Obviously something is lost compared to the 9mm, and even more than the 7.5, but it remains a lens characterized by an excellent viewing angle, and thanks to its extreme straightness and absence of distortion it is, in my personal opinion, an ideal lens also for photography interior.
At the end of this pleasant experience I therefore find myself having to review my opinion of not long ago, when I said that the Laowa 9mm F / 2.8 was the ideal companion for my beloved PEN-F, the combination with which I would go anywhere, and that I always carry with me. Well, I’m no longer sure of this judgment: perhaps, at least for my way of photographing, this new 10mm would be (will be?) Even better! ”
In addition to this, for those like myself who have the habit of keeping an eye on the shooting settings directly during shooting using the viewfinder, and then adjust everything without having to move the eye, simply using the adjustment dials on the camera body, this new electronic integration is really welcome.
Regarding the shooting angle, the feeling is certainly that of having an ultra-wide-angle lens in your hands: personally, I have always identified the limit between wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle in the value of 20mm equivalent on FF, and this test confirmed to me that this value is quite correct. Obviously, something is lost compared to the 9mm, and even more compared to the 7.5, but it remains a lens characterized by an excellent viewing angle, and thanks to its extreme straightness and absence of distortion it is, in my personal opinion, an ideal lens also for interior photography.
At the end of this pleasant experience, I therefore find myself having to review my opinion of not long ago, when I said that the Laowa 9mm f/ 2.8 was the ideal companion for my beloved PEN-F, the combination with which I would go anywhere, and that I always carry with me. Well, I’m no longer sure of this judgment: perhaps, at least for my way of photographing, this new 10mm would be (will be?) Even better!” [M.B.]
Frame comparison: 12mm vs 10mm vs 9mm
The reasons why a manufacturer decides to expand its product range or not can be the most diverse.
The 10mm f/ 2, for example, is perfect for aerial use on drones, just like the 7.5mm f/ 2 from the same manufacturer.
There are endless reasons why someone may prefer the greater brightness of this 10mm over the greater width of the 9mm, or simply find the focal length easier (20mm is a classic!).
We don’t care! Surely, we are only pleased to see that there is excitement and more and more choice for Micro4/3 users, especially in an industry that until recently was the monopoly of two zooms lenses.
Again, well done Laowa!