Laowa - 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Sony E

The Venus Optics Laowa 4.5-10mm f/2.8 CF Zoom Fisheye Lens (model VE451028SE) is a groundbreaking ultra-wide zoom lens that delivers two distinct fisheye perspectives in a single, exceptionally compact body. Designed for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras, this manual focus lens offers a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, making it an ideal choice for photographers and videographers who demand creative flexibility, exceptional image quality, and portability.

At 4.5mm, the lens produces a dramatic 180-degree circular fisheye image—a striking "crystal ball" effect that immerses viewers in the scene. Zoom to 10mm, and the lens seamlessly transforms into a frame-filling diagonal fisheye perspective, offering the classic curved-edge look beloved by action sports and creative filmmakers. With its parfocal design, constant aperture, and close-focusing capability, this lens unlocks limitless possibilities for photography and video creation.

Key Features
Dual Fisheye Perspectives in One Lens – At 4.5mm, capture a complete circular fisheye image with a 175–180° angle of view. At 10mm, the lens fills the frame with a diagonal fisheye perspective, giving you two creative looks without changing lenses.

Constant f/2.8 Aperture – Maintains a bright f/2.8 aperture across the entire 4.5–10mm zoom range, ensuring consistent exposure when zooming. This makes the lens suitable for indoor shooting, night photography, astrophotography, and action sequences.

Parfocal Zoom Design – Engineered to maintain perfect focus as you zoom, eliminating the need to refocus during shooting. This feature is particularly valuable for videographers who require smooth, seamless zoom transitions in cinematic productions.

Extreme Close-Focus Capability – With a minimum focusing distance of just 10cm (3.9 inches), the lens allows you to get incredibly close to your subject while keeping the vast background in frame. This creates an exaggerated perspective with bold foreground emphasis for highly dynamic and immersive compositions.

Compact and Lightweight Design – Measuring just Ø68.9 x 59.3mm and weighing only 338g (Sony E mount), this "muffin-sized" lens is exceptionally portable. It is ideal for travel, handheld shooting, gimbal use, and even FPV drone payloads where every gram counts.

Superior Optical Construction – The lens features 13 elements arranged in 9 groups, including UHR (Ultra-High Refractive) glass and ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and deliver excellent image quality. The 7-blade aperture diaphragm produces smooth, pleasing bokeh.

Manual Focus Operation – The lens supports manual focus only, giving you precise control over focus placement—a hallmark of Laowa’s specialty lens lineup.

Versatile Mount Compatibility – Available in seven mounts: Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount, FUJIFILM X, Canon EF-M, and Micro Four Thirds. The image circle is optimized for APS-C and MFT sensors.

Use Cases
Action Sports and Skateboarding Videography – The diagonal fisheye look at 10mm has long been associated with skate, surf, and BMX videography, delivering the dynamic, immersive perspective that action sports demand.

Creative and Experimental Photography – The circular fisheye effect at 4.5mm is perfect for crystal-ball compositions, surreal imagery, and immersive panoramas.

Astrophotography – The ultra-wide 180° field of view combined with the bright f/2.8 aperture makes this lens an excellent choice for capturing the night sky and star trails.

Architectural and Interior Photography – The extreme wide angle allows you to capture entire rooms, tight spaces, and dramatic building interiors in a single frame.

Vlogging and Content Creation – The compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for travel vloggers and content creators who need a versatile, portable lens for on-the-go shooting.

FPV Drone Videography – At just 338g, the lens is well-suited for FPV drone payloads, offering both fisheye looks in one lightweight package.

Music Videos and Cinematic Production – The parfocal design and constant aperture enable smooth in-shot zoom moves, ideal for dynamic music videos and one-take social content.