Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT vs Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT is 17mm, the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT is 4mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT for wide-angle, the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT for wide-angle.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 17mm vs 4mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 4mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 85g (3.0 oz) it's lighter than the 172g (6.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT is 17mm, Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT is 4mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT is 85g (3.0 oz) vs 172g (6.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT or the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT is 17mm, the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT is 4mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT for wide-angle, the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT?
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 17mm vs 4mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT?
Choose the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT if you shoot wide — it starts at 4mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 85g (3.0 oz) it's lighter than the 172g (6.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT and the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT?
Aperture: the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 4mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 7 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 5 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 65° | 139° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 34-34mm | 8-8mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | No |
| Focus Motor | − | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 18 cm | 12 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 43mm | − |
| Diameter | 55.5mm | 43.5mm |
| Length | 61mm | 38mm |
| Weight | 172g (6.1 oz) | 85g (3.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
