Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift vs Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift is 17mm, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 is 110mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift for wide-angle, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 for zoom.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 110mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.5 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 110mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You value portability — at 560g (1.23 lb) it's lighter than the 810g (1.79 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 opens to f/2.5 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift is 17mm, Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 is 110mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 is 560g (1.23 lb) vs 810g (1.79 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift or the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift is 17mm, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 is 110mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift for wide-angle, the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 for zoom.
Who should choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift?
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 110mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5?
Choose the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 if you want more light and background blur — f/2.5 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 110mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you value portability — at 560g (1.23 lb) it's lighter than the 810g (1.79 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift and the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5?
Aperture: the Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 110mm f/2.5 opens to f/2.5 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 110mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 14 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 104° | 22° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | No |
| Focus Motor | Manual | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,249 | $1,199 |
| Filter Size | 86mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 93mm | 78mm |
| Length | 111mm | 131.5mm |
| Weight | 810g (1.79 lb) | 560g (1.23 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
