Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED § 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED vs Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift
Nikon 19mm f/4 has a wider field of view. Laowa 20mm f/4 has a longer reach.
The Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED is a 19mm f/4 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is a 20mm f/4 prime. On paper the Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift comes out ahead, 6 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED 
Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift?
- Wider field of view (19mm vs 20mm)
Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift better than the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED?
- Longer reach (20mm vs 19mm)
- 138 g lighter (747 g vs 885 g)
- 29 mm shorter (95 mm vs 124 mm long)
- More aperture blades (14 vs 9)
- $2,101 cheaper ($1,299 launch price vs $3,399.95 launch price)
- Newer design (2022 vs 2016)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED has the edge: it goes wider, to 19mm against 20mm.
- architecture For architecture, the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED has the edge: it goes wider, to 19mm against 20mm.
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Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED | Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 19mm | 20mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 885 g (31.22 oz) | 747 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 124 x 89 mm | 91 x 95 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.25 m (9.84 inches) | 0.25 m |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | — | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 14 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 17 elements / 13 groups | 16 elements / 11 groups |
| Filter size | — | 82 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm G, L-Mount |
| Released | 2016 | 2022 |
| Price | $3,399.95 launch price | $1,299 launch price ◆ |
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Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Venus
- 124 × 89 mm
- 95 × 91 mm
The Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED is 29 mm longer and 138 g heavier than the Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift.
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED or the Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift?
- The Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift weighs 747 g, 138 g less than the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED (885 g).
- Do the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED and the Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED or the Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED has the edge: it goes wider, to 19mm against 20mm.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED or the Venus Optics LAOWA 20 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Nikon Nikkor PC 19 mm f/4E ED has the edge: it goes wider, to 19mm against 20mm.
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