Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
What Buyers Say
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, minimal distortion, and solid all-metal build, making it a favorite for real estate, architecture, and astrophotography. Users appreciate the value for money compared to pricier alternatives, though some note it is heavier than expected and lacks autofocus. A few reviewers report issues with infinity focus on Nikon bodies and poor customer support from Venus Optics, but overall sentiment remains very positive.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Minimal distortion (Zero-D)
- Solid all-metal build
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Heavier than expected
- No autofocus
- Infinity focus issues on Nikon bodies
- Poor customer support from Venus Optics
- Lens cap not secure
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
The Tamron 28-300mm super-zoom wins praise for its lightweight design, versatile focal range, and solid image quality. Users appreciate the compact build and smooth zoom mechanism, but note the slow aperture and trade-offs in sharpness compared to more expensive zooms. Verified reviewers find it an ideal travel lens that pairs well with Sony bodies.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Versatile 28-300mm focal range
- Smooth zoom ring operation
- Compact build for travel
- Good integration with Sony bodies
Cons
- Small maximum aperture (f/4-7.1)
- Reduced sharpness vs. premium zooms
- Not an internal zoom lens
- Slow autofocus at high fps on some bodies
Scores
Specifications
| Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | wide-angle | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 12 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 20 |
| Groups | 10 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| Coating | Frog Eye Coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.61 kg | 0.59 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 72 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 180 mm★ | 190 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 1:2.8★ |
Pros & Cons
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
- Strong optical (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
- Strong versatility (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
Pricing
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
No current pricing available
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 21 specs.
