Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
What Buyers Say
Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
The Laowa 24mm f/14 probe lens is a highly specialized, manual-focus macro lens that offers a unique wide-angle perspective for extreme close-ups and creative video. Users consistently praise its build quality and the ability to capture shots impossible with other lenses, though they note it requires abundant light and a stable setup. It is a niche tool that rewards patience and skill, with many saying the challenge is part of the fun. Overall, it is a well-built, creative lens that delivers on its promise for those willing to work within its limitations.
Pros
- Unique wide-angle macro perspective
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Enables shots impossible with other lenses
- Waterproof front barrel
- Integrated LED light at tip
Cons
- Requires a lot of light
- Very slow aperture (f/14)
- Manual focus only
- Needs stable setup or tripod
- Niche use, not a daily lens
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
This Nikon 18-55mm lens is widely praised for its sharpness, light weight, and excellent value for money, especially as a kit lens. Users highlight its vivid colors and quiet autofocus, though some note the plastic build feels fragile and the barrel can wobble at extended focal lengths. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens that outperforms its modest price point.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent value for money
- Vivid color reproduction
- Quiet autofocus
Cons
- Plastic build feels fragile
- Barrel wobbles at extended focal lengths
- No image stabilization
- Loose tolerances can affect focus
Scores
Specifications
| Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm | Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 24 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 27 | 7 |
| Groups | 19 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 2★ |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | One Extra Refractive Index Element | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/40 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/14 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.47 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | — | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | pulse stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 470 mm | 55 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 2:1★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
- Strong optical (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong macro (78th percentile)
- Strong social proof (67th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average aperture (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.