Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) vs Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) for wide-angle, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 810g (1.79 lb) it's lighter than the 1350g (2.98 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) 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 35mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) is 810g (1.79 lb) vs 1350g (2.98 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) or the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) for wide-angle, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount)?
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 810g (1.79 lb) it's lighter than the 1350g (2.98 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount)?
Choose the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) 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 35mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount) and the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount)?
Aperture: the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (L-Mount)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 14 | 15 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 104° | 87.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | No |
| Focus Motor | Manual | Manual |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 23 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,249 | $1,249 |
| Filter Size | 86mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 93mm | − |
| Length | 111mm | 150mm |
| Weight | 810g (1.79 lb) | 1350g (2.98 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
