15mm f/4 1:1 Macro Aperture

drivel · 06-16-2021, 06:42 PM

Hi everyone,

I’m considering purchasing the 15mm f/4 1:1 Macro lens.

Could anyone tell me if the aperture is connected to the body and closes down when the shutter is pressed?

From the looks of things one would have to open it to focus then close it down to the desired f stop. I’m hoping I’m wrong. Sorry if I’m not using the correct terminology.

Thanks!

**mikesbike** · 06-16-2021, 06:59 PM

I do not know of a 15mm macro lens. There is the DA 15mm f/4 Limited lens, an excellent extra-wide angle lens and remarkably compact for its FL and fine imaging quality, but it certainly does not have 1:1 macro capability!

stevebrot · 06-16-2021, 07:06 PM

Originally posted by drivel

I’m considering purchasing the 15mm f/4 1:1 Macro lens.

It took me a bit to realize that you are probably not talking about a Pentax-brand lens. There is a HD DA 15/4.0 Limited, but that lens does not do macro.

What lens are you referring to?

Found it: Venus Laowa 15/4 1:1 macro
Because it is also a shift lens, it features a fully manual aperture that may be used full open for focus and composition, but must be stopped down manually to take the photo. Note that the minimum focus distance is 15cm from subject to focal plane, meaning that the combination of overall length at 1:1 along with flange distance of 4.55cm leave precious little subject distance. The review section on this site estimates about 5mm at 1:1.

Steve

Tesla · 06-16-2021, 07:09 PM

The Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1165603-REG/venus_optics_laowa_15mm_f...981&

**DonV** · 06-16-2021, 07:14 PM

Originally posted by drivel

Hi everyone,

I’m considering purchasing the 15mm f/4 1:1 Macro lens.

Could anyone tell me if the aperture is connected to the body and closes down when the shutter is pressed?

From the looks of things one would have to open it to focus then close it down to the desired f stop. I’m hoping I’m wrong. Sorry if I’m not using the correct terminology.

Thanks!

Quote: Full manual operation is required with this lens through the use of a physical aperture ring with a range of f/4 to f/32 and a large focusing ring.

You are correct that you would have to focus and then stop down manually.

I'm curious as to what subject you would use a 15mm wide angle lens at 1:1 macro for? Got an example?

My Samyang 14mm f2.8 focuses to 11 inches and is an "A" type lens; but 11 is not 4.7!
You did notice that at 1:1 the "working distance" is only 0.2 inches!; the lens/body itself uses up 4.5" of the focus distance.

What camera body do you plan to use with it?

cmohr · 06-16-2021, 07:14 PM

Sounds like the Laowa 15mm.

Venus Optics Laowa 15mm F4 1:1 Macro Lens Reviews - Venus Laowa Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

It has no aperture lever, you have to use stop down metering

drivel · 06-16-2021, 07:21 PM

Yep that’s the lens and exactly what I was scared of. Thanks everyone!

---------- Post added 06-16-2021 at 10:23 PM ----------

Originally posted by DonV

Quote: Full manual operation is required with this lens through the use of a physical aperture ring with a range of f/4 to f/32 and a large focusing ring.

You are correct that you would have to focus and then stop down manually.

I'm curious as to what subject you would use a 15mm wide angle lens at 1:1 macro for? Got an example?

My Samyang 14mm f2.8 focuses to 11 inches and is an "A" type lens; but 11 is not 4.7!

What camera body do you plan to use with it?

I’m looking for a wide for the k1. I’m not thrilled with the options. Either too large or doesn’t accept 82mm or below filters. Ugh

I’d like to get in the 14-16mm range.

Paul the Sunman · 06-16-2021, 07:43 PM

But why macro? Most people use macro between 50mm and 100mm. A 15mm macro sounds very impractical, as you need to get VERY close to your subject.

**DonV** · 06-16-2021, 07:55 PM

Originally posted by drivel

Yep that’s the lens and exactly what I was scared of. Thanks everyone!

---------- Post added 06-16-2021 at 10:23 PM ----------

I’m looking for a wide for the k1. I’m not thrilled with the options. Either too large or doesn’t accept 82mm or below filters. Ugh

I’d like to get in the 14-16mm range.

That is why I bought the Samyang; filter is a pain, but the price is good and it is an "A" lens. Nicely built also.
I believe what "we" would like to have does not exist!

micl161 · 06-16-2021, 09:24 PM

photos from Laowa / Venus 15mm f4.0 1:1 macro - PentaxForums.com

Some photo from this lens back to 2015.

**UncleVanya** · 06-16-2021, 11:13 PM

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1325635-REG/irix_il_15ff_pk_15mm_fire...981&

The Irix is faster and likely less annoying and perhaps more practical. There are two versions. (Both weigh more than the 15mm f4 macro)

Lord Lucan · 06-17-2021, 01:28 AM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

A 15mm macro sounds very impractical, as you need to get VERY close to your subject.

I'm surprised that you don't have to put the subject inside the lens

Has anyone an example of a photo taken at 1:1 with this lens? I don't think any of the ones linked above are 1:1.

micl161 · 06-17-2021, 01:44 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Lord Lucan

I'm surprised that you don't have to put the subject inside the lens

Has anyone an example of a photo taken at 1:1 with this lens? I don't think any of the ones linked above are 1:1.

Yah, Catch the bug and put it on the sensor, the real 1:1...

**Serkevan** · 06-17-2021, 01:48 AM

Originally posted by drivel

Yep that’s the lens and exactly what I was scared of. Thanks everyone!

---------- Post added 06-16-2021 at 10:23 PM ----------

I’m looking for a wide for the k1. I’m not thrilled with the options. Either too large or doesn’t accept 82mm or below filters. Ugh

I’d like to get in the 14-16mm range.

Yeah, ultra wide angle is a bit barren. But even Canikon only have a couple zooms with filters (16-35mm).

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-17-2021, 03:47 AM

Originally posted by DonV

That is why I bought the Samyang; filter is a pain, but the price is good and it is an "A" lens. Nicely built also.
I believe what "we" would like to have does not exist!

Have you notesed the Samyang 14 has significant barrel distortion?

---------- Post added 06-17-21 at 06:48 AM ----------

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

But why macro? Most people use macro between 50mm and 100mm. A 15mm macro sounds very impractical, as you need to get VERY close to your subject.

I agree, 1:1 is at 30 mm from the front element I.e. 1:1 is achieved when subject to lens =lens to focal plane = 2x focal length for a simple lens, if the 1:1 is achieved with internal focusing it will be even closer because if is achieved by reducing focal length

---------- Post added 06-17-21 at 06:50 AM ----------

Originally posted by Lord Lucan

I'm surprised that you don't have to put the subject inside the lens

Has anyone an example of a photo taken at 1:1 with this lens? I don't think any of the ones linked above are 1:1.

Originally posted by micl161

Yah, Catch the bug and put it on the sensor, the real 1:1...

But then every one will complain about a dirty sensor

06-16-2021, 06:42 PM	#1
drivel Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 65	15mm f/4 1:1 Macro Aperture Hi everyone, I’m considering purchasing the 15mm f/4 1:1 Macro lens. Could anyone tell me if the aperture is connected to the body and closes down when the shutter is pressed? From the looks of things one would have to open it to focus then close it down to the desired f stop. I’m hoping I’m wrong. Sorry if I’m not using the correct terminology. Thanks!

06-16-2021, 07:06 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by drivel I’m considering purchasing the 15mm f/4 1:1 Macro lens. It took me a bit to realize that you are probably not talking about a Pentax-brand lens. There is a HD DA 15/4.0 Limited, but that lens does not do macro. What lens are you referring to? Found it: Venus Laowa 15/4 1:1 macro Because it is also a shift lens, it features a fully manual aperture that may be used full open for focus and composition, but must be stopped down manually to take the photo. Note that the minimum focus distance is 15cm from subject to focal plane, meaning that the combination of overall length at 1:1 along with flange distance of 4.55cm leave precious little subject distance. The review section on this site estimates about 5mm at 1:1. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 06-16-2021 at 07:17 PM.

06-16-2021, 07:14 PM	#5
DonV Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Near Charlotte NC Photos: Albums Posts: 693	Originally posted by drivel Hi everyone, I’m considering purchasing the 15mm f/4 1:1 Macro lens. Could anyone tell me if the aperture is connected to the body and closes down when the shutter is pressed? From the looks of things one would have to open it to focus then close it down to the desired f stop. I’m hoping I’m wrong. Sorry if I’m not using the correct terminology. Thanks! Quote: Full manual operation is required with this lens through the use of a physical aperture ring with a range of f/4 to f/32 and a large focusing ring. You are correct that you would have to focus and then stop down manually. I'm curious as to what subject you would use a 15mm wide angle lens at 1:1 macro for? Got an example? My Samyang 14mm f2.8 focuses to 11 inches and is an "A" type lens; but 11 is not 4.7! You did notice that at 1:1 the "working distance" is only 0.2 inches!; the lens/body itself uses up 4.5" of the focus distance. What camera body do you plan to use with it? Last edited by DonV; 06-16-2021 at 07:22 PM.

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06-16-2021, 06:59 PM	#2
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	I do not know of a 15mm macro lens. There is the DA 15mm f/4 Limited lens, an excellent extra-wide angle lens and remarkably compact for its FL and fine imaging quality, but it certainly does not have 1:1 macro capability!

06-16-2021, 07:09 PM	#4
Tesla Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Washington State Posts: 589	The Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4? https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1165603-REG/venus_optics_laowa_15mm_f...981&

06-16-2021, 07:14 PM	#6
cmohr Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Brisbane. Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,824	Sounds like the Laowa 15mm. Venus Optics Laowa 15mm F4 1:1 Macro Lens Reviews - Venus Laowa Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database It has no aperture lever, you have to use stop down metering

06-16-2021, 07:21 PM	#7
drivel Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 65 Original Poster	Yep that’s the lens and exactly what I was scared of. Thanks everyone! ---------- Post added 06-16-2021 at 10:23 PM ---------- Originally posted by DonV Quote: Full manual operation is required with this lens through the use of a physical aperture ring with a range of f/4 to f/32 and a large focusing ring. You are correct that you would have to focus and then stop down manually. I'm curious as to what subject you would use a 15mm wide angle lens at 1:1 macro for? Got an example? My Samyang 14mm f2.8 focuses to 11 inches and is an "A" type lens; but 11 is not 4.7! What camera body do you plan to use with it? I’m looking for a wide for the k1. I’m not thrilled with the options. Either too large or doesn’t accept 82mm or below filters. Ugh I’d like to get in the 14-16mm range.

06-16-2021, 07:43 PM	#8
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	But why macro? Most people use macro between 50mm and 100mm. A 15mm macro sounds very impractical, as you need to get VERY close to your subject.

06-16-2021, 07:55 PM	#9
DonV Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Near Charlotte NC Photos: Albums Posts: 693	Originally posted by drivel Yep that’s the lens and exactly what I was scared of. Thanks everyone! ---------- Post added 06-16-2021 at 10:23 PM ---------- I’m looking for a wide for the k1. I’m not thrilled with the options. Either too large or doesn’t accept 82mm or below filters. Ugh I’d like to get in the 14-16mm range. That is why I bought the Samyang; filter is a pain, but the price is good and it is an "A" lens. Nicely built also. I believe what "we" would like to have does not exist!

06-16-2021, 09:24 PM	#10
micl161 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 127	photos from Laowa / Venus 15mm f4.0 1:1 macro - PentaxForums.com Some photo from this lens back to 2015.

06-16-2021, 11:13 PM	#11
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1325635-REG/irix_il_15ff_pk_15mm_fire...981& The Irix is faster and likely less annoying and perhaps more practical. There are two versions. (Both weigh more than the 15mm f4 macro)

06-17-2021, 01:28 AM	#12
Lord Lucan Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: South Wales Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,963	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman A 15mm macro sounds very impractical, as you need to get VERY close to your subject. I'm surprised that you don't have to put the subject inside the lens Has anyone an example of a photo taken at 1:1 with this lens? I don't think any of the ones linked above are 1:1.

06-17-2021, 01:44 AM - 1 Like	#13
micl161 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 127	Originally posted by Lord Lucan I'm surprised that you don't have to put the subject inside the lens Has anyone an example of a photo taken at 1:1 with this lens? I don't think any of the ones linked above are 1:1. Yah, Catch the bug and put it on the sensor, the real 1:1...

06-17-2021, 01:48 AM	#14
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by drivel Yep that’s the lens and exactly what I was scared of. Thanks everyone! ---------- Post added 06-16-2021 at 10:23 PM ---------- I’m looking for a wide for the k1. I’m not thrilled with the options. Either too large or doesn’t accept 82mm or below filters. Ugh I’d like to get in the 14-16mm range. Yeah, ultra wide angle is a bit barren. But even Canikon only have a couple zooms with filters (16-35mm).

06-17-2021, 03:47 AM	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Originally posted by DonV That is why I bought the Samyang; filter is a pain, but the price is good and it is an "A" lens. Nicely built also. I believe what "we" would like to have does not exist! Have you notesed the Samyang 14 has significant barrel distortion? ---------- Post added 06-17-21 at 06:48 AM ---------- Originally posted by Paul the Sunman But why macro? Most people use macro between 50mm and 100mm. A 15mm macro sounds very impractical, as you need to get VERY close to your subject. I agree, 1:1 is at 30 mm from the front element I.e. 1:1 is achieved when subject to lens =lens to focal plane = 2x focal length for a simple lens, if the 1:1 is achieved with internal focusing it will be even closer because if is achieved by reducing focal length ---------- Post added 06-17-21 at 06:50 AM ---------- Originally posted by Lord Lucan I'm surprised that you don't have to put the subject inside the lens Has anyone an example of a photo taken at 1:1 with this lens? I don't think any of the ones linked above are 1:1. Originally posted by micl161 Yah, Catch the bug and put it on the sensor, the real 1:1... But then every one will complain about a dirty sensor