Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 § 03 Head to head
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 vs Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT
Olympus 17mm f/1.8 is 52 g lighter. Laowa 17mm f/1.8 focuses 10 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Micro Four Thirds mount: the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 is a 17mm f/1.8 prime, and the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT is a 17mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 
Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT 01
Key differences
Why is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 better than the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT?
- 52 g lighter (120 g vs 172 g)
- 16 mm shorter (35.5 mm vs 51 mm long)
Why is the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT better than the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8?
- Focuses 10 cm closer (0.15 m vs 0.25 m)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Newer design (2020 vs 2012)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 has the edge: it is 52 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 has the edge: it is 52 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 | Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 17mm | 17mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Weight | 120 g (4.23 oz) ◆ | 172 g (6.1 oz) |
| Dimensions | 57.5 x 35.5 mm | 55 mm (diameter) x 51 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.25 m (9.84 inches) | 0.15 m (5.9 inches) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.2x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 7 |
| Optical construction | 9 elements / 6 groups | 9 elements in 7 groups |
| Filter size | 46 mm | 46 mm |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2012 | 2020 |
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Size
- A · Olympus
- B · Venus
- 35.5 × 57.5 mm
- 51 × 55 mm
The Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT is 15 mm longer and 52 g heavier than the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8.
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Sample frames
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8
Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 or the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT?
- The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 weighs 120 g, 52 g less than the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT (172 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 or the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT?
- The Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT focuses down to 0.15 m, against 0.25 m for the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8.
- Do the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 and the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 or the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 has the edge: it is 52 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 or the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 has the edge: it is 52 g lighter to carry.
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