Laowa 15mm F2 Zero-D lens announced for Leica M

Venus Optics has recently unveiled the Laowa 15mm F2 Zero-D lens, designed for use with Leica M mount cameras. This manual focus lens comes equipped with a rangefinder sleeve and is perfect for capturing stunning landscapes, architecture, interiors, streets, and even astrophotography.

With a maximum aperture of f/2, the lens is suitable for shooting in low light conditions, including the night sky. It delivers minimal distortion thanks to its sophisticated and well-designed optical system, as reported in a press release by the manufacturer.

Moreover, the lens has a remarkably short minimum focusing distance of just 15 centimeters, providing a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4. When used on a rangefinder camera, the user is alerted with a “click” to indicate the built-in focus limit reminder, and the minimum focusing distance is 0.7 meters.

The lens has a five-blade aperture, and although it’s a manual lens, it’s equipped with electronic contacts for writing EXIF data. If used with a Leica M – Sony E or Leica M – Nikon Z autofocus adapter, the lens can become autofocus, but it won’t be compatible with Leica M cameras.

Price and availability

Adorama.com is offering the Laowa 15mm F2 Zero-D lens for Leica M for $649. It’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the first Laowa 15mm F2 Zero-D lens, as Venus Optics previously released the same lens for Sony E-mount and made it available for Canon RF, L, and Nikon Z mounts.

Laowa 15mm F2 Zero-D Leica M specifications

• Mount: Leica M
• Focal Length: 15mm
• Angle of View: 110 Degree
• Aperture Range: f/2-22
• Format Compatibility: Full frame
• Lens Structure: 12 elements in 9 groups (2pcs of Aspherical Elements + 3pcs of Extra-low Dispersion Elements)
• Aperture Blades: 5
• Min. Focusing Distance: 5.7″ (14.5cm)
• Max. Magnification: 1:4
• Filter Thread: 72mm
• Dimensions: 63 x 71mm
• Weight: 14.74 oz / 418g

In addition, Venus Optics introduced the fast Laowa Argus 28mm F1.2 lens, capable of producing sharp and high-quality images even at its fully open aperture. This new optic is perfect for low-light conditions, making it an ideal travel lens, and it’s priced at $599.