Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL vs Sony E 11mm f/1.8
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 versus the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL gives that up to stay lighter (158g (5.6 oz)) and cheaper ($499). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.07x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Durability: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL or the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 versus the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL gives that up to stay lighter (158g (5.6 oz)) and cheaper ($499). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.07x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL and the Sony E 11mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 11mm | 11mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 6 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 126° | 104° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 17-17mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 12 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.07x | 0.26x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $549 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 60.3mm | 66.7mm |
| Length | 45mm | 60.9mm |
| Weight | 158g (5.6 oz) | 181g (6.4 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
