Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) vs Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) is 14mm, the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) is 40mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) for wide-angle, the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 228g (8.0 oz) it's lighter than the 287g (10.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.13x magnification vs 0.07x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) opens to f/1.2 vs the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) is 14mm, Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) is 40mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) or the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) is 14mm, the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) is 40mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) for wide-angle, the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) if you shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 228g (8.0 oz) it's lighter than the 287g (10.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF)?
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.13x magnification vs 0.07x.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) opens to f/1.2 vs the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D (Canon RF)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 14mm | 40mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 12 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 114° | 57° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | No |
| Focus Motor | − | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.07x | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 68mm | 63.3mm |
| Length | 49mm | 59mm |
| Weight | 228g (8.0 oz) | 287g (10.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
