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

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Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF

18 April 2024

Maciej Latałło

4. Image resolution

Tests of Nikon Z system lenses are based on the Nikon Z7 body; the RAW files, produced by that camera, were developped by neutral software such as dcraw. As we have already been able to check thoroughly optical properties of several fixed-focal instruments of this system, we think we can determine proper reference levels. Lenses reaching record revels should be able to get to 85 lpmm or so; maximum results of excellent system prime lenses might fit the range from 80 to 85 lpmm. The decency level we set at 41–43 lpmm.

Let's check how the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF compares – its results in the frame centre, on the edge of the APS-DX sensor and on the edge of full frame presents a graph below.

Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF - Image resolution

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It's clear that by f/1.2 and f/1.4 Argus hovers near the decency level; several lpmm more and it would cross it. Fortunately image quality improves very quickly on stopping down the aperture: by f/2.0 you get a level of 54 lpmm, by f/2.8 the values are close to 68 lpmm, and the peak of its possibilities, with a result of almost 78 lpmm, you can notice by f/4.0. These are very good results but they are hardly perfect. In case of such a fast lens you would expect something close to record-breaking values near f/2.8-4.0, as its optical aberrations wouldn't influence the images. Still, the tested lens never exceeds 80 lpmm.

The results in the centre are one thing; as it happens, the Laowa also neglects a bit the edge of the frame. Already on the smaller APS-C/DX sensor there are a lot of problems, as the decency level is reached only near the f/2.5 aperture. The edges of full frame are even weaker, with the decency level achieved only after applying an aperture close to f/4.0. As a result, a good image quality across the frame is available only in an aperture range from about f/5.6 to f/11. I suppose, such a fast, interesting lens should have performed better. Of course you have to keep in mind also the fact that, despite excellent, unique parameters, not matched by any rival, the Laowa is also quite moderately priced. Currently it costs about $600.

At the end of this chapter, traditionally, we present crops taken from photos of our resolution testing chart; they were taken from JPEG files saved along RAW files we used for the analysis above.

Nikon Z7, JPEG, 28 mm, f/1.2