Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) is 10mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 for standard.

Choose the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You're on a budget — $149 vs $249 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 105g (3.7 oz) it's lighter than the 145g (5.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 10mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) is 10mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) is $149, $100 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8.

Frequently asked

Is the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) is 10mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 for standard.

Who should choose the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z)?

Choose the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $149 vs $249 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 105g (3.7 oz) it's lighter than the 145g (5.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 10mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8?

Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie (Nikon Z)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length10mm28mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements99
Optical Groups77
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades77
Rounded ApertureNoNo
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CFull-Frame
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View110°75°
35mm Equivalent15-15mm
Focus
AutofocusNoYes
Focus MotorStepping
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance12 cm19 cm
Max Magnification0.15x0.2x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$149$249
Filter Size49mm46mm
Diameter55mm70mm
Length20mm45.5mm
Weight105g (3.7 oz)145g (5.1 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo