Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm
Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S.
What Buyers Say
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm
The Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens is widely praised for its compact size, sharp image quality, and minimal distortion, making it a favorite for landscape, architecture, and real estate photography. Users appreciate its wide field of view and solid build, though some note vignetting at wide apertures and a few report sample variation or infinity focus issues. Overall, it offers excellent value for an ultra-wide manual lens, especially for APS-C cameras.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Sharp image quality
- Minimal distortion (Zero-D)
- Wide field of view
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Vignetting at wide apertures
- Infinity focus inconsistency
- Sample variation (sharpness)
- Manual focus only
- High price for some
Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S.
The Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm F4 lens is highly praised for its versatility, image quality, and value, especially as an all-around zoom for L-mount cameras like the Leica SL and Panasonic S series. Users consistently highlight its excellent stabilization, macro capabilities, and weather sealing, though some note it is not the sharpest at pixel level and the OIS switch can be soft. Overall, it is seen as a practical, lighter alternative to the Leica 24-90, with many calling it a go-to lens for both photo and video.
Pros
- Excellent image stabilization
- Great macro capabilities
- Weather-sealed build
- Versatile 24-105mm focal range
- Constant f/4 aperture
Cons
- Not the sharpest at pixel level
- Soft OIS switch
- Slightly slower autofocus than kit lens
- Heavy for some users
- Large lens bag included
Scores
Specifications
| Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm | Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S. | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 9 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 9 mm | 105 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 16 |
| Groups | 10 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| Coating | Frog Eye Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon Z | L-Mount |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.21 kg★ | 1.18 kg |
| Filter Thread | 49 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | Auto Focus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 6 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 120 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:7.7 | 1:2 |
Pros & Cons
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm
- Strong macro (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average af (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S.
- Strong stabilization (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong versatility (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong bokeh (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average build (24th percentile)
Pricing
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm offers 2.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
