7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II § 03 Head to head
7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II vs Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF
7Artisans 12mm f/2.8 is 89 g lighter. Laowa 12mm f/2.8 has a newer design.
The 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II is a 12mm f/2.8 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF is a 12mm f/2.8 prime. On paper the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II 
Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF 01
Key differences
Why is the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF?
- 89 g lighter (301 g vs 390 g)
- Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 72 mm)
- $550 cheaper ($149 list price vs $699 launch price)
Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF better than the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II?
- Newer design (2025 vs 2022)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II has the edge: it is 89 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II has the edge: it is 89 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II | Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 12mm | 12mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 301 g ◆ | 390 g (13.76 oz) |
| Dimensions | — | 80.6 x 77.2 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.15 m | 0.14 m (5.51 inches) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.21x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | — |
| Aperture blades | 5 | 5 |
| Optical construction | 12 elements / 10 groups | 16 elements in 9 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm ◆ | 72 mm |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 |
| Price | $149 list price ◆ | $699 launch price |
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Sample frames
7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II
Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II or the Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF?
- The 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II weighs 301 g, 89 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF (390 g).
- Which focuses closer, the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II or the Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF?
- The Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF focuses down to 0.14 m, against 0.15 m for the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II.
- Do the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II and the Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II or the Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II has the edge: it is 89 g lighter to carry.
- Is the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II or the Venus Optics LAOWA 12 mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF better for architecture?
- For architecture, the 7Artisans 12 mm f/2.8 Mark II has the edge: it is 89 g lighter to carry.
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