Budget Beast: Why the Laowa 17mm is a Steal for MFT Shooters
I was recently on the hunt for an inexpensive wide-angle lens. Preferably around 14-18mm and came across the Laowa 17mm MFT. The reviews I found gave it high praise for its cost to performance ratio. I first looked for a used version, but decided to buy a new one due to the low price of $149.00.
The Laowa 17mm MFT is a tiny lens. First off, its a MFT (Micro Four Thirds) mount lens which typically lends itself to a smaller footprint. My use case was going to be primarily video and my BMPCC4K (Blackmagic Design) has a native MFT mount.
My first impression upon unboxing the lens was how surprisingly solid it felt. Even at this price point, the all-metal construction felt more premium than I expected. The focus ring is smooth and well-dampened—a crucial detail for a manual-focus-only lens, especially for video work where a precise pull is everything. The aperture ring has nice, positive clicks, making it easy to dial in your f-stop by feel.
Laowa 17mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds Lens
And that brings me to the video. To really put this lens through its paces, I filmed a short, no-frills video of my cat enjoying some sun in the yard. The goal was to see how the lens performs in a real-world, dynamic setting, and more importantly, to demonstrate the effect of changing the aperture.
As you can see, even wide open at f/1.8, the lens delivers a surprisingly sharp image, with a nice, shallow depth of field for a wide lens. This is where the manual focus truly shines.
Laowa 17mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds Mounted on BMPCC4K
When I stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8, the image becomes incredibly sharp from edge to edge. For a landscape or a static video shot where you want everything in focus, this lens is a bargain.
Ultimately, what I've learned is that the Laowa 17mm isn't just a "good for the price" lens; it's a genuinely good lens, full stop. The solid build, excellent manual control, and sharp optics make it an absolute steal for anyone shooting on the Micro Four Thirds system. If you're looking for a wide-angle prime that encourages you to slow down and think about your shot without draining your wallet, this is the one.
Laowa 17mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds Front Element and Lens Hood
This is just the beginning of my journey with the Laowa 17mm. I plan to put it to the test on some upcoming projects, including some automotive shoots, to see how it performs in different scenarios. I'll be sharing those results in an upcoming Part 2.
In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts! What are your favorite budget-friendly lenses? Have you used the Laowa 17mm, or another Laowa lens, and what was your experience? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
