Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FFII Review

This super-fast prime lens offers beautiful bokeh and incredible depth of field, but it's definitely not small

laowa 35mm f/0.95
(Image: © Hannah Rooke)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Laowa is certainly standing its ground as a company that makes very good lenses and the Argus 35mm f/0.95 is no different. This super-fast prime is sharp where it needs to be but the out-of-focus areas are dreamy and smooth. If you don't mind the extra weight in your bag, this would be a welcome addition whether you're a portrait, product or landscape photographer.

Pros

  • +

    Beautiful bokeh

  • +

    Smooth focus dial

  • +

    Good image quality

  • +

    Very well built

  • +

    Aperture click button

Cons

  • -

    No Autofocus

  • -

    Big and heavy

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The Laowa 35mm f/0.95 was announced earlier this year alongside a 45mm f/0.95 also for full-frame. It's the world first full frame 35mm lens and the widest prime with an ultra-fast aperture of f/0.95. It's not the cheapest or the lightest lens on the market, but it certainly produces images that you'll want to share with people. This versatile lens might not have autofocus but it's slick design and smooth focussing will make you fall in love with manual focus again. 

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Hannah Rooke
Freelance contributor

Having studied Journalism and Public Relations at the University of the West of England Hannah developed a love for photography through a module on photojournalism. She specializes in Portrait, Fashion and lifestyle photography but has more recently branched out in the world of stylized product photography. Hannah spent three years working at Wex Photo Video as a Senior Sales Assistant, using her experience and knowledge of cameras to help people buy the equipment that is right for them. With eight years experience working with studio lighting, Hannah has run many successful workshops teaching people how to use different lighting setups.