Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT is 9mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 is 17mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT for wide-angle, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 for wide-angle.
Choose the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 9mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 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 9mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT is 9mm, OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 is 17mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT is 9mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 is 17mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT for wide-angle, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT?
Choose the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT if you shoot wide — it starts at 9mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 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 9mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 9mm | 17mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| 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 | 100° | 65° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 18-18mm | 34-34mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 12 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.09x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $449 | $399 |
| Filter Size | 49mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 60.2mm | 57.5mm |
| Length | 55mm | 35.5mm |
| Weight | 135g (4.8 oz) | 120g (4.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
