Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF review - Summary

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Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF

18 April 2024

Maciej Latałło

11. Summary

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Pros:

solid casing made of metal,
very good image quality in the frame centre,
imperceptible longitudinal chromatic aberration,
slight lateral chromatic aberration,
lack of any serious distortion problems,
sensible appearacne of out-of-focus areas,
moderate vignetting on the APS-C/DX sensor,
unique parameters.

Cons:

weak image quality on the edge of the frame near the maximum relative aperture,
high coma,
noticeable astigmatism,
significant vignetting on full frame,
weak performance against bright light.

Venus Optics try to find their place by offering lenses with very interesting, often unique parameters and the Argus, tested here, is undoubtedly an example of such an approach. Currently it is the fastest 28 mm instrument on the full frame market and, as if it wasn't enough, the producers sell it at a very moderate price of $600.

Unfortunately, not everything worked out here. You can't have any serious reservations concerning the performance in the frame centre but the correction of the edges leaves a lot to be desired. It concerns also edges of the less demanding APS-C/DX sensor. What's more, work against bright light and coma correction can also be criticized and not without a reason.

As you see, the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF is not a flawless lens but, taking into account its parameters and price, you still should praise the producers for their bold and ambitious policy model. It's never easy to be a forerunner; that's why, as long as none of the rivals shows anything better at a similar price, you shouldn't be too harsh in your criticizing. I presonally keep my fingers crossed for a successful development of this company and wish them even more original, well-put-together constructions.