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Venus Optics Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 Lens

The Venus Optics 28mm f/1.2 is a 28mm f/1.2 lens designed for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L Mount Alliance mount cameras. Used copies start from $519.18 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Venus Optics Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 Lens

Venus Optics Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 Lens

Used Venus Optics 28mm f/1.2 Listings on GearFocus

Lens OverviewVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

The Venus Optics Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 is a full-frame, wide-angle prime lens built for mirrorless camera systems. With a maximum aperture of f/1.2, it sits at the fast end of the wide-angle prime category, offering strong light-gathering capability that makes it a practical choice for photographers working in challenging lighting conditions. The lens covers a full-frame image circle and is available in four mount options — Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-Mount — making it broadly compatible across the major mirrorless ecosystems.

Focusing is manual only, which suits photographers who prefer precise, deliberate control over their focus point, particularly in landscapes, architecture, astrophotography, or carefully composed portraits. The lens weighs 562g, which is reasonable for a full-frame f/1.2 wide-angle optic, and accepts 62mm filters, giving shooters flexibility with polarizers, ND filters, and other accessories. Image stabilization is not included in this lens.

The Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 represents a compelling option for mirrorless shooters seeking a wide, very fast prime with manual focus discipline and cross-system mount availability.

Key FeaturesVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

28mm f/1.2 Aperture: An exceptionally fast maximum aperture for a wide-angle prime, allowing for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field at 28mm.

Full-Frame Coverage: Covers a full 35mm image circle, making it fully compatible with full-frame mirrorless bodies without any crop factor.

Four Mount Options: Available in Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-Mount, covering the major mirrorless ecosystems from a single lens design.

Manual Focus Only: Dedicated manual focus ring gives photographers deliberate, precise control suited to landscapes, astrophotography, and architecture.

11-Blade Aperture: Produces smooth, rounded bokeh circles in out-of-focus areas, even at moderate aperture values.

62mm Filter Thread: Standard 62mm front thread accepts common polarizers, ND filters, and other accessories without specialty adapters.

Lens SpecificationsVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

Venus Optics 28mm f/1.2 full specifications
SpecDetail
Lens TypePrime
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length28mm
Maximum Aperturef/1.2
Camera SystemMirrorless
Lens MountSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L Mount Alliance
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread62mm
Weight562g

DescriptionVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

The Venus Optics Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 is a full-frame, wide-angle prime lens designed for mirrorless camera systems. Its standout specification is the f/1.2 maximum aperture — an unusually fast opening for a wide-angle lens — which provides strong performance in low-light environments. The lens is available across four mounts: Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-Mount, covering the most widely used full-frame mirrorless platforms.

Focus is entirely manual, with no autofocus capability, making it a lens suited to photographers who value deliberate, hands-on control. A 62mm filter thread supports standard circular filters including polarizers and neutral density filters. The lens weighs 562g and carries a focal length of 28mm, keeping it in the wide-angle range ideal for environmental work, architecture, and night photography. Image stabilization is not present, so stabilization-dependent shooters should verify their camera body's IBIS capability.

With its broad mount compatibility and fast aperture, the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 is a distinctive wide-angle option in the mirrorless lens market.

ProsVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

  • Exceptionally fast f/1.2 maximum aperture for a wide-angle prime, enabling strong light gathering
  • Full-frame coverage suits photographers using full-frame mirrorless bodies
  • Available in four mounts — Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-Mount — offering broad system compatibility

ConsVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

  • Manual focus only — no autofocus support, which may limit use in fast-moving or candid shooting scenarios
  • No image stabilization included, which can be a drawback in handheld low-light situations depending on the camera body
  • Fixed 28mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility

ReviewsVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

VideosVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 Review: The Fastest 28mm Full Frame Lens EVER!PetaPixel

Resources & DownloadsVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

Frequently Asked QuestionsVenus Optics 28mm f/1.2

Which camera mounts is the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 available in?+
The lens is available in Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-Mount configurations. This covers the major full-frame mirrorless systems, so buyers should select the mount that matches their specific camera body.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No — the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 is a manual focus lens only. There is no autofocus mechanism, so focus must be set by hand using the focus ring.
What filter size does the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 use?+
The lens has a 62mm filter thread, which is a common size compatible with a wide range of polarizers, ND filters, and other accessories.
Is this lens suitable for full-frame mirrorless cameras?+
Yes, the lens is designed for full-frame coverage and is categorized as a full-frame mirrorless lens. It is compatible with full-frame bodies using Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, or L-Mount systems.
Does the lens include image stabilization?+
No, image stabilization is listed as None in the specifications. Users who need stabilization will need to rely on in-body image stabilization if their camera body supports it.
How heavy is the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2?+
The lens weighs 562g. For an f/1.2 full-frame wide-angle prime, this is a manageable weight, though buyers should factor it into their overall kit weight when planning travel or extended shoots.

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