7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye § 03 Head to head
7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye vs Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye
7Artisans 4mm f/2.8 is $50 cheaper. Laowa 4mm f/2.8 is 66 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Micro Four Thirds mount: the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye is a 4mm f/2.8 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye is a 4mm f/2.8 prime. On paper the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye 
Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye 01
Key differences
Why is the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye?
- $50 cheaper ($149 list price vs $199 launch price)
- Newer design (2022 vs 2018)
Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye better than the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye?
- 66 g lighter (135 g vs 201 g)
- 15 mm shorter (45.2 mm vs 60 mm long)
- Has a physical aperture ring
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye has the edge: it is 66 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye has the edge: it is 66 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye | Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 4mm | 4mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 135 g (4.76 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 54 x 60 mm | 25.5 x 45.2 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.085 m (3.35 inches) | 0.08 m (3.15 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 7 |
| Optical construction | 10 elements / 8 groups | 7 elements / 6 groups |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M | Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M, L-Mount |
| Released | 2022 | 2018 |
| Price | $149 list price ◆ | $199 launch price |
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Size
- A · 7Artisans
- B · Venus
- 60 × 54 mm
- 45.2 × 25.5 mm
The 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye is 15 mm longer and 66 g heavier than the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye.
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Sample frames
Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye or the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye?
- The Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye weighs 135 g, 66 g less than the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye (201 g).
- Which focuses closer, the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye or the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye?
- The Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye focuses down to 0.08 m, against 0.09 m for the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye.
- Do the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye and the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye or the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye has the edge: it is 66 g lighter to carry.
- Is the 7Artisans 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye or the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Venus Optics LAOWA 4 mm f/2.8 Fisheye has the edge: it is 66 g lighter to carry.
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