Sony Alpha Blog

Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro 0,5X

Published by

Marc Alhadeff

on

A Sony A7R camera with a Wokar 85mm lens attached, showcasing the camera's body and lens details.

in blue English / en noir en français

Table of Contents / Table des matières hide
1 Presentation
1.1 Specifications
2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques
2.1 Sharpness / Piqué
2.2 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortion, flare, sunstars
2.2 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles
2.3 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs
3 Video
4 Comparison with other 15mm macro / Comparaison avec d’autres 15mm macro
4.1 Specifications
4.2 Sharpness / Piqué
4.3 Background Blur & Bokeh Balls / Flous d’arrière plan et Ronds de Bokeh
4.4 Distortion / CA / Vignetting / Flare
5 Sample of Photos / Exemples de Photos
6 Conclusion (English)
6 Conclusion (Français)
Like this:

Thanks to Photogallery Brussels , I could test the new Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro 0,5X

All photos , taken with Sony A7RV and without post processing are available in full size (61Mpix) in the following Flickr album suivant : Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro 0,5X

Buy me a Coffee – Donation

Help me to run this site and continue testing new lenses and products with a small donation

$3.00

Grâce à Photogallery Brussels , j’ai pu testé le nouveau Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro 0,5X

Toutes les photos de l’article, prises avec le Sony A7RV et sans aucunes retouches sont disponibles en pleine résolution (61Mpix) dans l’album flickr suivant : Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro 0,5X

Offrez moi un café – Donation

Une petite donation de votre part m’aidera à maintenir ce site et à continuer à vous proposez des tests d’objectifs

€3.00

1 Presentation

1.1 Specifications

  • Weight : 308 g
  • Price : 459 euros
  • Aperture : F4.5-F22
  • Length : 74mm
  • Filter : 62mm
  • 5 blades aperture
  • MF with EXIF
  • Aperture control via the body
  • Minimal focusing distance : 12,9cm
  • Min working distance : 3,6cm
  • Lens hood
  • USB C port for firmware upgrade

This lens is a kind of new version of the Laowa 15mm F4 Macro 1:1 with with a 1:2 macro only. The Lens is compact and light. The build quality is very good. This time Laowa gave us electronic contact with allow to select the aperture of this MF lens via the body , transmit the EXIF, and give the focal length for the stabilisation. A very nice plus

The min working distance is 3,6cm

The lens firmware can be upgraded via a micro USB port

Image of the Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro lens, showcasing its black body with blue accents and engraved focus and aperture markings.
Close-up view of a cylindrical camera lens with a black body and blue ring, featuring a USB-C port for firmware updates.
Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro lens with a black exterior, featuring a lens hood and focus distance markers.
Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro lens, featuring a black design with a blue accent, presented at an angle.

  • Poids : 308g
  • Prix : 459 euros
  • Ouverture : F4.5 – F22
  • Longueur : 74 mm
  • Filtre : 62mm
  • Diaphragme à 5 lamelles
  • Controle de l’ouverture via le boitier
  • MF avec transmission des EXIF
  • Distance minimale de mise au point : 12,9 cm
  • Distance de travail min 3,6cm
  • Pare soleil 
  • Port USB C pour les mise à jour

Cet objectif est une nouvelle version du Laowa 15mm F4 Macro 1:1 mais cette fois ci avec un rapport réduit de moitié et la transmission des EXIFs ce qui permet de controller l’ouverture via le boitier, avor la stabilization automatique. . La qualité de construction est très bonne. L’optique est assez compacte et légère pour une optique macro

La distance min de travail est de 3,6cm

Le firmware de l’objectif peut entree mis à jour via un port micro usb

Sony A7R camera with a Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro lens attached, showcasing the camera body and lens design.
A close-up view of a Sony Alpha 7R camera with a Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro lens attached, showcasing the lens design and camera body.

2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques

The tests were mainly made on a Sony A7RV, with its 61 Mpix

Les tests ont été effectués principalement sur un Sony A7RV avec ses 61Mpix

2.1 Sharpness / Piqué

Chart displaying lens sharpness ratings at various aperture settings for centre and corners.
  • In the centre : the sharpness is good wide open and very good at F5.6 but then decrease back to good
  • Mid and corners are almost always average , good at best in best conditions
  • Globally a bad performance
  • Au centre : le piqué est bon à pleine ouverture et très bon à F5.6 , puis redevient seulement bon.
  • La ligne des tiers et les bords eux sont moyens en général, au mieux bon dans les meilleures des cas
  • Une performance décevante

Centre / Centre

Living room interior featuring a bookshelf with books, decorative items, and a flower arrangement, alongside various furniture pieces.
  • F4.5
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11
  • F16

Corners / Coins

Interior scene featuring a stylish sofa, a cabinet, and a decorative Buddha sculpture on a wooden stand, with various household items and decor elements.
  • F4.5
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11
  • F16

Close subjects / Sujets proches

  • In the centre we can reach very good sharpness but of the centre as of the mid sharpness is decreasing a lot the phenomena is increased by the field curvature
  • Au centre on peut attendre le grade très bon mais à partir de la ligne des tiers et jusqu’au coins les performances sont plus que moyennes , accentué par la courbure de champ de cette optique
A wooden bookshelf filled with various books, some with visible titles in French, showcasing a mix of genres and subjects.
  • F4.5
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11
  • F16

Macro / Macro

  • I tried some focus stacking at F5.6 , but the field curvature and bad sharpness on all border gave me quite average results except in the very centre
  • J’ai essayé plusieurs macro par empilement à F5.6 mais la courbure de champ et le manque de piqué dès la ligne des tiers ont fait que les résultats étaient très moyen sauf dans la zone centrale
Close-up image of a green electronic circuit board showcasing various components and solder points.
single
Close-up view of a printed circuit board showcasing electronic components, including resistors and integrated circuits.
stacked
Close-up of a microchip showing detailed texture and branding.
crop 100%
Close-up of a butterfly specimen, named 'Lxias pyrene', displayed pinned on a board.
single
Close-up view of a butterfly specimen showcasing its detailed brown and white patterned wings.
stacked
Extreme close-up of a butterfly wing showing intricate details and textures.
crop 100%

Distant subjects / Sujets distants

  • In the centre very good sharpness at F5.6 border are just average and only become good at F11
  • Au centre très bon piqué à F5.6 , les coins eux sont moyens et tout juste bon a f11
Close-up of a building facade featuring a colorful geometric design with blue and red patterns and numerous window frames.
centre F5.6
Close-up view of a modern glass and steel building, focusing on geometric patterns and reflections.
corner F5.6
Modern urban architecture featuring a large triangular structure in the foreground and skyscrapers in the background under a cloudy sky.
full size
Close-up image of an ornate building façade featuring decorative sculptures, with flags of Belgium and the European Union prominently displayed.
centre F5.6
Close-up of architectural details with blurred elements against a gray sky.
corners F5.6
A bustling square in Brussels featuring the grand architecture of surrounding buildings under a cloudy sky, with people walking around and a construction vehicle in the foreground.
full F5.6
Close-up view of a historical building facade featuring intricate architectural details, including statues, ornate decorations, and large windows, with a mix of gold and gray colors.
centre F4.5
Close-up of a building's architectural details showing stonework and roof structures.
corners F4.5
Close-up view of an ornate building facade featuring intricate golden decorations and multiple windows.
centre F5.6
Close-up of architectural details on a building facade, showcasing intricate designs and textures.
corner F5.6
centre F8
Close-up view of architectural details on a stone building, showcasing intricate patterns and textures.
corner F8
Close-up of ornate architectural details featuring intricate sculptures and golden accents on building facades.
centre F11
Close-up view of a textured building facade highlighting architectural details and materials.
corner F11
A wide view of a cobblestone square in Brussels with historical buildings on either side, cranes, and red construction equipment in the foreground, under a cloudy sky.
full size

Sharpness for portraits / Piqué pour les portraits

  • Good results in the centre wide open
  • Le piqué est bon à plein ouverture au centre
Three young women posing closely together in an alleyway, with a soft focus on their faces and a blurred background showing shopfronts.
Close-up detail of a person's eye, showing the iris and skin texture.

2.2 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortion, flare, sunstars

  • Vignetting is strong at F4.5and disappears at F11 only
  • Distortion is low in barrel
  • Chromatic aberrations are low 
  • Resistance to flare is average (some halo) to good
  • At F16 we can get some sunstars

2.2 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles

  • Le vignettage est important à F4.5 et disparait seulement vers F11
  • La distorsion est faible en barrilet 
  • Les aberrations chromatiques sont faibles mais présentes
  • La résistance au flare est moyenne à bonne
  • Des effets d’étoiles peuvent être obtenus vers F16
Interior shot featuring a white bookshelf filled with books, decorative items, and a nearby table with flowers and various objects. The wall displays a framed artwork and a decorative branch design.
not corrected
A cozy interior scene featuring a light-colored cabinet filled with books and decorative items, a table with various objects, and a wall adorned with floral branches.
corrected
View of trees with green leaves and pink flowers under a bright sky.
F4.5 CA / AC
Close-up of green leaves with water droplets against a bright background.
F4.5 CA / AC crop 100%
Sunlight shining through lush green foliage with a blue sky in the background, creating a starburst effect.
F16
View from below looking up at a bright sun shining through trees and foliage with a clear blue sky.
F16

2.3 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs

  • The Bokeh balls are good wide open but as soon as you close to F5.6 you see the pentagon of the 5 aperture blades.
  • The background blur is relatively soft for a wide angle lens
  • Color rendition is very good 
  • Contrast is good. 
  • Le Bokeh est bon à pleine ouverture , mais dès F5.6 on voit un pentagone (les 5 lames de diaphragme)
  • Le flou d’arrière plan est assez doux  pour un grand angle
  • Le rendu des couleurs est très bon 
  • Le contraste est bon
A close-up of a Playmobil figure wearing a suit and tie, with a softly blurred background that includes decorative lights and glass doors.
F4.5
A close-up image of a Playmobil figure with a brown hairstyle and a blue tie, standing in front of a blurred background featuring glass doors.
F5.6
A close-up image of a Playmobil figure dressed in a suit, smiling, with a blurred background showing interior decor.
F8
  • F4.5
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11
  • F4.5
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F4.5
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F4.5
  • F5.6
  • F8
Close-up of a yellow bicycle with a focus on its rear light, blurry background showing other bicycles and a modern architectural structure overhead.
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear light, showcasing a blurred background with hints of yellow bike frames.
A vibrant display of colorful bath products and soaps arranged on wooden tables in a store, with customers browsing in the background.
Colorful display of handmade bath products, featuring pink raspberry-shaped items prominently in the foreground, surrounded by various other brightly colored soaps and bath items.
A close-up image of fresh, ripe strawberries neatly arranged in transparent containers at a market.
Photograph of postcards featuring the Grand Place and other scenes from Brussels, Belgium, displayed in a street setting.
Selection of waffles topped with chocolate, strawberries, and bananas, with labeled signs in French indicating different flavors.

3 Video

  • In video we get ok results in term of sharpness, Bokeh, background blur . The color rendition is good 
  • Focus breathing is important

  • Bon résultats en vidéo avec un bon piqué , un beau beau flou d’arrière plan
  • Le rendu des couleurs est bon
  • Le focus breathing est important

Focus Breathing

A close-up of a Playmobil figure wearing a blue vest and a patterned tie, with a blurred background featuring furniture and colorful flowers.
A blurred figurine in the foreground with a bookshelf and a decorated wall in the background, capturing a cozy indoor environment.

4 Comparison with other 15mm macro / Comparaison avec d’autres 15mm macro

The only competitor in wide angle macro is the Laowa 15mm F4 Macro 1:1 which is 20° more expensibe

Le seul vrai concurrent en macro grand angle est le Laowa 15mm F4 Macro 1:1

4.1 Specifications

Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro 1:2Laowa 15mm F4 Macro 1:1
Price / Prix459 euros619 euros
Weight / Poids308g410g
Length / Longueur74mm83,8mm
AFMF with EXIFMF no Exif
Buttons / RingAF/MF
Min focusing distance / Distance min de mise au point12,9cm
12,2cm
Min working distance / Distance de travail min3,6cm0,47cm
Build Quality / Quality de construction++++
Aperture blades / Lames de diaphragme514
Filter / Filtre6277
Firmware upgrade via USB / Mise à jour par USB YesN/A

The new Laowa is 20% less expensive, 33* lighter but has only 5 aperture blades i.o 14 and only 1:2 macro

Le nouveau Laowa est 20% moins cher , 33% plus léger et n’a que 5 lames de diaphragme contre 14 pour l’ancienne version. Point le plus important son rapport de grossissmetn n’est que de 0,5X au lieu de 1X

4.2 Sharpness / Piqué

Table comparing lens performance ratings across various apertures for different lenses including Laowa and 7 Artisans.
  • The new Laowa is not improving the performance of the V1 on the opposite. If you are looking for a non macro 14mm , then the Nisi of 7 Artisans will be the best ones
  • Le nouveau Laowa n’améliore pas les performances de la v&é au contraire. Pour un 15mm macro les NiSi et 7Artisans sont recommandés

4.3 Background Blur & Bokeh Balls / Flous d’arrière plan et Ronds de Bokeh

  • Both are giving a smooth background blur as their focusing distance is very short , but the old version is better in term of bokeh balls thanks to its 14 blades instead of 5
  • Les 2 optiques donnent beaucoup de flou d’arrière plan grâce à leur très courte distance min de mise au point, mais la V1 a l’avantage pour la forme des ronds de bokeh gra^ce aux 14 lames de diaphragme au lieu de 5 pour la nouvelle version
Playmobil figure with brown hair and a suit, with colorful background blur.
Laowa 15mm F4.5
A Playmobil figure wearing a blue jacket with a yellow trim, standing in a softly blurred interior setting with wooden furniture.
Laowa 15mm F4

Close macro

  • The 2 lenses delivers unique images in close macro showing insects in their global environment
  • Les optiques délivrent des images uniques en proxy macro en montrant par ex des insectes dans leur environnement global
Close-up of green leaves covered in droplets of water, showcasing the texture and details of the foliage.
Laowa 15mm F4.5
A close-up image of a grasshopper resting on a plant with a blurred mountain landscape in the background, under a blue sky.
Laowa 15mm F4

4.4 Distortion / CA / Vignetting / Flare

Distorsion / AC / Vignettage / Flare

Interior view featuring a bookshelf with an assortment of books, decorations, and small objects. A cozy home environment with a table displaying various items and a floral wall decoration.
Laowa 15mm F4.5
Interior of a room featuring two bookshelves, a wooden table, and decorative items against light-colored walls.
Laowa 15mm F4

A sunburst peeking through lush green foliage under a clear blue sky.
Laowa 15mm F4.5 @F16
Close-up of edelweiss flowers against a mountainous backdrop under a bright sun, showcasing a starburst effect.
Laowa 15mm F4

5 Sample of Photos / Exemples de Photos

  • In real life , the results obtained are average for normal 15mm shooting and good for macro of small objects in their environment. However you should get your main subject close to centre to have acceptable sharpness
  • Sur le terrain les résultats sont moyens en utilisation classique d’un 15mm mais bon en macro de petits sujets pour montrer leur environnement. Attention à cadrer au centre pour avoir un résultat avec un piqué acceptable
Three young women posing together in a shopping gallery, wearing casual outfits. The background features shops and high ceilings typical of a shopping arcade.
A calico cat lounging on a white cushion, looking directly at the camera with an inquisitive expression.
Colorful stainless steel water bottles displayed on a wooden shelf, with a blurred street view in the background.
A vibrant toy store interior featuring colorful merchandise and multiple customers browsing. The store has bright circular ceiling lights and a prominent display case with a yellow and orange box featuring a Nike logo.
A close-up image of a yellow pipe and scaffolding structure, with a blurred background of green trees and a walkway.
A modern sculpture in vibrant red, resembling a twisted candy, stands on a pedestal in a bustling glass-roofed gallery. People walk past various shops with ornate windows showcasing their products.
A busy urban street scene with pedestrians crossing a colorful striped crosswalk under a modern, circular canopy. Tall buildings in the background and cloudy skies above.
Scaffolding structure along a pedestrian walkway, with a green mesh covering and colorful barriers on the ground.
Outdoor café scene featuring black and red chairs, umbrellas displaying branding, and a cobblestone path beside a historic building.
Busy urban square showing pedestrians near a modern glass building with bright advertisements.
A wide shot of a square featuring a grand building with classical architecture in the center, surrounded by modern buildings and a wet pavement under overcast skies.
Large white letters spelling 'BXL' in an urban square, surrounded by people and buildings.
A bustling urban square featuring construction cranes, historic buildings, and pedestrians walking through the area under a cloudy sky.
A bustling street view showcasing a cafe named 'Drug Opera' with people walking in a lively urban setting, surrounded by classic architecture and a cloudy sky.
A busy street scene featuring people walking along a cobblestone path, with shops and buildings on either side under a cloudy sky.
A bustling city square featuring outdoor cafes with maroon umbrellas, surrounded by historic buildings under a cloudy sky.
View of a bustling shopping arcade with arched windows and a glass roof, featuring people walking, shopping stores on either side, and café tables.
View of a historic building in Brussels with intricate architecture, surrounded by people in a bustling square under a cloudy sky.
Historic brick building with large windows and a decorative facade, featuring a window display labeled 'De Witte' and a wooden door.
View of a historic building with ornate architecture and columns, located in a city square under a cloudy sky.
Historic building in Lille, France with people walking by, featuring architectural details and outdoor seating.
A wide street scene showcasing modern buildings on either side, with trees lining the road and a few vehicles parked on the street. The image captures an urban environment with a pedestrian walking on the right side.
View of a bustling shopping street with modern buildings and pedestrians walking on a cobblestone path under a cloudy sky.
A wide view of a public square featuring steps leading up to a central statue, surrounded by traditional buildings and cloudy sky.
A bustling street scene featuring a mix of pedestrians along a cobblestone pathway with cafe seating on the right, an old building with a tower on the left, and modern structures in the background under a cloudy sky.

6 Conclusion (English)

The Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro 0,5X (459 euros) is the new version of the Laowa 15mm F4 Macro 1:1 (619 euros). It is a bit cheaper and lighter but it loose its 1:1 magnification and performances are not improved and frankly quite average on my sample

Sharpness is only good to very good in the centre and average as of the line of third.

In real life , the results obtained are average for normal 15mm shooting and good for macro of small subjects (insects) in their environment. However you should get your main subject close to centre to have acceptable sharpness

Not recommended

Offrez moi un café – Donation

Une petite donation de votre part m’aidera à maintenir ce site et à continuer à vous proposez des tests d’objectifs

€3.00

Pros

  • Good color rendition
  • Smooth background blur in close up
  • Very good build quality
  • Size and weight
  • Good ergonomics
  • EXIF transmission
  • Low CA
  • Moderate distortion
  • Relatively good resistance to flare
  • Good contrast
  • Nice sunstars

Average

  • Centre sharpness
  • Only 1:2
  • Only 5 blades : bokeh balls shape is a pentagon
  • Vignetting

Cons

  • Field curvature
  • Mid third and corner sharpness
  • Focus breathing
Un appareil photo Sony Alpha 7R avec un objectif noir et un pare-soleil, capturé sous un éclairage neutre.

6 Conclusion (Français)

Le Laowa 15mm F4.5 Macro 0,5X (459 euros) est la nouvelle version du Laowa 15mm F4 Macro 1:1 (619 euros). Elle est moon chère et plus légère mais elle per le rapport 1:1, et les performances ne sont pas améliorées et restent très moyennes

Le piqué n’est que bon à très bon au centre et moyen dès la ligne des tiers

Sur le terrain les résultats sont moyens en utilisation classique d’un 15mm mais bon en macro de petits sujets (insectes) pour montrer leur environnement. Attention à cadrer au centre pour avoir un résultat avec un piqué acceptable

Pas recommandé

Offrez moi un café – Donation

Une petite donation de votre part m’aidera à maintenir ce site et à continuer à vous proposez des tests d’objectifs

€3.00

Pour

  • Bon rendu des couleurs
  • Flou d’arrière plan doux en macro
  • Très bonne qualité de construction
  • Bonne ergonomie
  • Transmission des EXIFs
  • AC Faible
  • Distorsion modérée
  • Résistance eau flare relativement bonne
  • Beaux effets d’étoiles
  • Bon contraste

Moyen

  • Piqué au centre
  • Seulement 1:2
  • Seulement 5 lames de diaphragme : Bokeh pentagonaux
  • Vignettage

Contre

  • Courbure de champ
  • Piqué au tiers et au bords
  • Focus breathing

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