[WillWeaverRVA]

Venus Optics (the creators of the 60mm f/2.8 2:1 macro lens released earlier this year) has released a 15mm f/4 1:1 macro lens, and it's both full-frame compatible and available in K-mount for $479:

Venus Optics - Specialist in Macro Photography

Venus Optics announces the Laowa 15mm f/4 - the world?s widest 1:1 macro lens | Photo Rumors

Seems like an extremely useful lens, even though it's MF only.

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Last edited by WillWeaverRVA; 06-23-2015 at 11:28 AM.

[jpzk]

That sure gives some weird looking images !!

[Bunch]

The sample images are very cool. A most interesting lens.

[Na Horuk]

Wow, the previous Venus macro lens was pretty interesting, but 15mm?? Sounds awesome!
I have to say, though, I really hope Venus starts doing the mount like Samyang - with A on aperture ring for K-mount lenses.

[vonBaloney]

Mmmm...and I haven't gotten their last one yet (which I still want). This one actually fills a need though rather than just wanton macro LBA....

[Giklab]

dat MFD tho...

[rawr]

Interesting lens and a nice price too. Even does some tilt-shift.

Mitakon, Yongnuo, Venus Optics - Chinese lens makers are certainly starting to get momentum, with interesting designs too. Look out SamYang, and everyone else.

[narual]

+/- 6mm shift ability? so it's a shift lens, too?

[starjedi]

+/- 6mm shift ability? so it's a shift lens, too?

Yes. I heard that this shift will mainly work for aps-c but do not know why.

But the price seems to be $479... Not $379... Kind of expensive than my budget...

[WillWeaverRVA]

Yes. I heard that this shift will mainly work for aps-c but do not know why.

But the price seems to be $479... Not $379... Kind of expensive than my budget...

Oops, $379 was a typo. Doesn't help the 60mm 2:1 is $379...

[D1N0]

It says .12m close focus distance. How can it be a 1:1?

---------- Post added 23-06-15 at 20:49 ----------

Website is ofline. I got this from the Google Cache:

Recap

110 degrees of view angle
1:1 macro ability with infinity focus
+/- 6mm Shift ability
12 elements in 9 groups with 3 pieces of High Refractive elements and 1 piece of Extra-low dispension lens
Multi-layer low-reflective coatings to avoid unnecessary flare
Carefully control on the sharpness both in the centre and the edge.
Limited barrel distortion
14 pieces of aperture blades form a close-to-circular aperture
Flat Front element surface for filter installation.
The enclosure of the lens is made of metal to strengthen its durability.
Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony Alpha A, Sony E & Pentax K mounts are available.
Full Frame Sensor Supported

LAOWA 15mm f/4 WIDE ANGLE 1:1 Macro Lens
Focal Length 15mm
Maximum Aperture F/4
Minimum Aperture F/32
Angle of View 110 degrees (FF) 85 degrees (APS-C)
Format Compatibility Full Frame
Shift (for APS-C sensors only) +/- 6 mm
Lens Structure 12 elements in 9 groups
(High Refractive Elements x 3pcs, Extra-low Disperson Elements x 1pc)
Aperture Blades 14
Min. working distance
(Subject to Sensor) 0.47 cm (1:1)
Min. shooting distance
(Subject to Front Element) 12 cm
Max. Magnification Ratio 1:1
Focus Manual Focus
Filter Thread 77mm
Dimensions 83.8 x 64.7 mm
Weight 410g

Q&A
Q: Can this lens be used in Full Frame Cameras?

A: Yes. Our 15mm f/4 lens can cover the whole full frame camera sensor.

Q: Can this lens serve as a normal wide-angle lenses?

A: Yes. This lens is an excellent wide-angle lenses with very good control in barrel distortion and perimeter sharpness.

Q: What is the use of the SHIFT feature of the lens?

A: Shift is used to adjust the position of the subject in the image area without moving the camera back; this is often helpful in avoiding the convergence of parallel lines, as when photographing tall buildings. See below illustration.

Q: Can this SHIFT feature be used with a full frame camera body?

A: Yes but there will be vignetting when shift to the maximum. Recommend to use this feature under APS-C camera only

Q: Do you have Fuji X or Sony E or MFT mounts for this lens? Can this lens be used in Mirrorless camera?

A: We currently do not have plans for making Fuji X / Sony E / MFT mounts for this lens. However, you can still use this lens with a simple adapter. The lens can still work and there will be no impact on picture quality. If you are not clear how the adapter could work, please kindly contact us.

Q: Can I adjust the aperture readings in the camera body?

A: No. Since this is a full manual lens, the aperture can be selected by turning the aperture ring on the lens. No communications exists between the camera body and the lens.

Q: Do you have aperture coupling for Pentax K mount?

A: Sorry that the lens does not support aperture coupling but we will definitely consider it in the future lens design.

Q: What can we adjust on the lens?

A: There are two rings on the lens. The aperture ring and the focus ring. Aperture ring for adjusting the iris size and focus ring for adjusting the focus+magnification.

Q: Does this lens come with a warranty?

A: We currently offer 3-year warranty.

Q: Can the lens hood be detached?

A: Yes. It is detachable. More convenient for Macro shooting.

Q: Can a filter be installed onto the lens?

A: Yes. We understand filter may be needed for great landscape shots and so we have designed a flat surface to fit the filter. Your can install the filter on this lens without a holder. The filter thread is 77mm.

- Delivery Questions -

Q: Where do you ship to?

A: We currently ship globally via Hong Kong Post Registered Airmail with tracking number. It normally takes 10-21 days for the lens to arrive to your country. During promotion period, FREE shipping will be included.

Q: Will I be charged with VAT?

A: We will declare the items as GIFT and declare the value at USD 10 in order to avoid tax. This method has been done my many retailers in the world and proven to be quite effective.

Q: How will it be shipped?

A: We ship it via Registered Airmail (or e-Packet delivery for specific countries) of Hong Kong Post. It normally takes 14-22 days to arrive once shipped. Sometimes faster, sometimes longer, depending on the processing of your local post office.

seems they got working and shooting distance mixed up.

[Mistral75]

It says .12m close focus distance. How can it be a 1:1?

Minimum working distance (from front lens to subject): 0.47 cm (1:1)
Min. shooting distance (from sensor to subject): 12 cm

[Bunch]

My next lens was going to be a wide angle, most likely a DA 15 limited. I may have to weigh this option now.

[panoguy]

That sure gives some weird looking images !!

Looking at their samples, I think they nabbed my fisheye-macro cat.

Mitakon, Yongnuo, Venus Optics - Chinese lens makers are certainly starting to get momentum, with interesting designs too. Look out SamYang, and everyone else.

Quite true. It'll be interesting to see what Sirui comes up with in the lens department.

[JinDesu]

Man, to get 1:1, your front element will be practically touching the subject.