Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA vs Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Sony
Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA vs Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Sony
When comparing Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Sony and Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA, 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 Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.8 compared to the 2.8 aperture of Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D - Sony. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA
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. Lens Type Comparison
Both lenses are Prime lenses, which means that you can choose both Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA or Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D - Sony if you're looking for that type of lens.
Winner: Tied
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA and Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D Sony:
| Zeiss Sonnar T* E 55 mm f1,8 ZA | Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D - Sony | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Zeiss | Venus Optics Laowa |
| Weight | 281 g | Missing |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 55 mm | 12 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.8 | 2.8 |
| Anamorphic | No | Missing |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 50 cm | Missing |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | 49 mm | Missing |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | Missing |