15 mm f/4 Venus Optics Laowa Lens

<p>Has anybody used one of these? I don't really care about the macro feature of this lens, but the shift function would be of interest if the optical quality is decent. There are mixed reviews on B&H for this lens in Canon and Nikon mounts, but no reviews for the Pentax mount version. I know it is a totally manual lens, and for architectural work that wouldn't bother me at all--I'm used to working with a 4x5.</p>

<p>-thing like micro vs shift to what is function ?</p>

<p>Shift is the equivalent of rising/falling front on a view camera. I'm just curious about the optical quality of the lens.</p>

<p>I've been looking at the lens too, but mostly for its macro ability. Here's a review on Facebook:<br /> http://petapixel.com/2015/06/29/review-the-venus-optics-laowa-15mm-f4-11-wide-angle-macro-lens/</p>

<p>Not sure if its still good but there is a code for a discount for the lens.</p>

 

This is pinched from the review:

 

 

Conclusion

 

Pros

– Able to focus from 1:1 to infinity without extension tubes

– Excellent image quality

– Well controlled diffraction up to f/22

– Small and light for an ultra-wide angle

– Lens shift for subjects above eye level

– Affordable price

 

 

 

Cons

 

 

– No automatic aperture control

– Chromatic aberration at the corners

– Large lens diameter, challenging to approach and illuminate subjects

– Obvious barrel distortion

<p>How close do you have to be to the subject for Macro work ? </p>

<p>Harry,</p>

<p>I think the answer is (unscientifically) 'VERY' close.</p>