Which is lighter, the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF or the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2?

The Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 weighs 560 g, 2 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF (562 g).

Which focuses closer, the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF or the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2?

The Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 focuses down to 0.28 m, against 0.5 m for the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF.

Do the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF and the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 have image stabilization?

No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.

Is the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF or the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 better for astrophotography?

For astrophotography, the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 has the edge: it goes wider, to 27mm against 28mm.

§ 03 Head to head

Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF vs Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2

Name: Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2
Brand: Viltrox
Price: 578 USD

Laowa 28mm f/1.2 has a longer reach. Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 has a wider field of view.

Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF is a 28mm f/1.2 prime, and the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 is a 27mm f/1.2 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 4 advantages each.

Add a third lens →

Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF

f/1.2 · 28mm · 562 g

Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2

f/1.2 · 27mm · 560 g

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF better than the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2?

Longer reach (28mm vs 27mm)
More aperture blades (13 vs 11)
Smaller filter thread (62 mm vs 67 mm)
Covers a larger sensor format (full-frame vs APS-C)

Why is the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 better than the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF?

Wider field of view (27mm vs 28mm)
24 mm shorter (82 mm vs 106.3 mm long)
Focuses 22 cm closer (0.28 m vs 0.5 m)
$21 cheaper ($578 list price vs $599 launch price)

Which should you buy?

By use

astrophotography For astrophotography, the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 has the edge: it goes wider, to 27mm against 28mm.

Specification

16 rows · better value flagged ◆

Specification	Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF	Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2
Focal length	28mm	27mm
Maximum aperture	f/1.2	f/1.2
Minimum aperture	f/16	f/16
Lens type	Prime lens	Prime lens
Format	Full frame	APS-C
Weight	562 g (19.82 oz)	560 g ◆
Dimensions	106.3 x 68.5 mm	92 x 82 mm
Minimum focusing distance	0.5 m (19.69 inches)	0.28 m ◆
Image stabilization	No	No
Aperture ring	No	No
Aperture blades	13 ◆	11
Optical construction	13 elements in 7 groups	15 elements / 11 groups
Filter size	62 mm ◆	67 mm
Lens mount	Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount	Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X
Released	2023	2023
Price	$599 launch price	$578 list price ◆

Size

Drawn to relative scale

A · Venus
B · Viltrox

106.3 × 68.5 mm
82 × 92 mm

The Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF is 24 mm longer and 2 g heavier than the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2.

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2

Hunslet 2-6-2T No. 85 | Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway by Fading Lights

Video reviews

4 on YouTube

Video thumbnail for Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF review 1

Video thumbnail for Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF review 2

Video thumbnail for Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 review 1

Video thumbnail for Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 review 2

Questions

Which is lighter, the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF or the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2?: The Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 weighs 560 g, 2 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF (562 g).
Which focuses closer, the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF or the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2?: The Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 focuses down to 0.28 m, against 0.5 m for the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF.
Do the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF and the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 have image stabilization?: No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Venus Optics LAOWA Argus 28 mm f/1.2 FF or the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 better for astrophotography?: For astrophotography, the Viltrox AF 27 mm f/1.2 has the edge: it goes wider, to 27mm against 28mm.