Irix 45mm T1.5 Sony E vs Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Sony E
Irix 45mm T1.5 Sony E vs Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Sony E
When comparing Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Sony E and Irix 45mm T1.5 Sony E, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
These two lenses use the same lens mount, the Sony E. This means that both lenses are compatible with cameras that use this mount.
Winner: Tied
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Irix 45mm T1.5 - Sony E has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.5 compared to the 2.8 aperture of Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D - Sony E. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Irix 45mm T1.5 - Sony E wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Irix 45mm T1.5 Sony E
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
3. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D - Sony E or Irix 45mm T1.5 - Sony E are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
4. Stabilization Comparison
Neither Irix 45mm T1.5 - Sony E or Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D - Sony E feature built-in image stabilization.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
5. Autofocus Comparison
In regards to autofocus, the winner is Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D - Sony E since the other lens in this comparison, the Irix 45mm T1.5 - Sony E does not have autofocus at all — it is a manual focus lens.
Winner: Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Sony E
Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Irix 45mm T1.5 Sony E and Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Sony E:
| Irix 45mm T1.5 - Sony E | Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D - Sony E | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Irix | Venus Optics Laowa |
| Weight | 1100 g | Missing |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 45 mm | 12 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.5 | 2.8 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Type | Missing | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 1.5 - 22 | Missing |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 86 | Missing |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | 95 mm | Missing |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | Missing |
| Lens Groups | 9 | Missing |
| Lens Elements | 11 | Missing |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Macro | No | Missing |
| Weather Seal | Yes | Missing |
| Full Frame Coverage | Yes | Missing |
| Lens Hood Included | No | Missing |