Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
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
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens is widely praised as an excellent all-in-one travel and walkaround lens for APS-C E-mount cameras. Users consistently highlight its sharpness, compact size, light weight, and versatile 27-200mm equivalent zoom range. While many note it is not ideal for low light and some report significant vignetting at the wide end, the overall sentiment is very positive, with most considering it a great value kit lens upgrade.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile 27-200mm equivalent zoom range
- Effective optical image stabilization
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
- Significant vignetting at 18mm wide end
- Not ideal for low light photography
- Variable aperture limits brightness at telephoto
- Some copies may have quality control issues
- Slight autofocus lag compared to premium lenses
Scores
Specifications
| Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 24 mm | 135 mm |
| Elements | 27 | 16 |
| Groups | 19 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 1★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | One Extra Refractive Index Element | — |
| 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 | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.47 kg | 0.33 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | — | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | Linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 470 mm | 450 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 2:1★ | 0.29x |
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)
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Pricing
Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
No current pricing available
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Verdict
Scores 92 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
