Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
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
Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
The Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC DN Art lens is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional image quality, fast constant aperture, and compact internal zoom design. Users highlight its sharpness, lightweight build, and excellent autofocus performance, especially on crop-sensor mirrorless cameras like the Canon R7 and Fujifilm bodies. A few questions about compatibility with specific cameras and features like weather sealing and aperture ring are noted, but the overall sentiment is extremely positive.
Pros
- Exceptional image quality
- Fast constant f/1.8 aperture
- Compact internal zoom design
- Lightweight build
- Sharp and bright photos
Cons
- No weather sealing mentioned
- No manual aperture ring on some mounts
- Compatibility questions with full-frame cameras
- Expensive for some buyers
Scores
Specifications
| Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm | Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 24 mm | 40 mm |
| Elements | 27 | 17 |
| Groups | 19 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| Coating | One Extra Refractive Index Element | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/40 | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/14 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Fujifilm X |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.47 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | — | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 470 mm | 280 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 2:1★ | 1:4.8 |
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)
Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
- Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong aperture (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC offers 2.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
