Laowa CF 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom-Shift
Laowa · 12–24 mm · f/5.6
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
40
SCORE /100
What We Like
+World's first wide-angle zoom shift lens combining 2x zoom with ±7mm shift capability
+Exceptional shift functionality for architectural photography with straightened vertical lines and perspective control
+Compact and lightweight at 575g with all-metal construction and premium build quality
+Constant f/5.6 aperture throughout entire zoom range ensures consistent exposure
+Exceptionally short 15cm minimum focusing distance with 0.4x magnification for creative close-up work
+Good distortion control and sharpness when stopped down to f/8-f/11, suitable for landscape and architecture
Worth Knowing
−Soft at f/5.6 wide aperture; optimal sharpness requires stopping down to f/8 or f/11
−Corner softness becomes more pronounced at full shift range, particularly at wider apertures
−Manual focus only with no autofocus capability, requiring deliberate, methodical operation
−Shift functionality limited to APS-C; on full-frame cameras, only 3mm shift possible at 12mm before vignetting
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Laowa |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Sony E |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  APS-C |
Physical57/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 575 g |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 99 mm |
Optics52/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 12–24 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 5.6 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 102.5°–63.9° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 18 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Manual |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups |  Yes |
Zoom Mechanism ⓘSystem enabling zoom function |  Manual |
Zoom Ring ⓘIf zooming is adjusted using a zoom ring |  Yes |
Zoom Type ⓘThe design or approach to zooming |  Rotary |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 15 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.4x |
| Autofocus Mode | No |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
Zoom Lock ⓘZoom lock allows the zoom ring to be locked at the desired focal length | No |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Tilt Shift | |
| Tilt Range | N/A |
| Shift Range | 7 mm |
| Tiltshift Rotation | N/A |
| Lens Rotation |  Yes |
Construction31/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 15 |
| Groups | 11 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 2 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 3 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |