Mini test: Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D shift

Posted on Jan 13, 2026 by Pro Moviemaker

We put the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift through its paces, assessing image quality, shift control and real-world handling on mirrorless cameras

Words Adam Duckworth

Laowa is to launch a 17mm tilt-shift lens to match its new 35mm, but if you want to save cash then the 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is a solid option. It is smaller and lighter than the 35mm, just a stop slower and only has a shift option to correct verticals.

That’s where this lens is a real beauty: the superwide perspective is ideal for interiors and architecture. It can be used to cram loads into the frame and also to stop verticals from leaning. If you shoot stills, video or architecture, it’s a must buy.

Of course, as a 17mm lens, it’s also very good for general landscapes. It’s not too big or heavy to carry around all day and it has very smooth all-manual focusing and iris control. Like its 35mm big brother, it has a tripod foot as standard and a removable lens hood, which is crucial on wide optics.

A locking knob releases the shift mechanism, but it’s adjusted using a large and solid ring on the lens – a bit like a zoom control. This is far easier to get hold of and better to use, even with cold hands in gloves.

Despite its superwide view, it takes 86mm screw-in filters, but you need to buy super-slim ones to avoid vignetting. If you want to use a matte box or drop-in photo filters, you need to check that they don’t obscure part of the image frame.

Image quality is fantastic, even in pixel-peeping stills on a large screen. Flare is well controlled, colours are natural and the image has plenty of contrast – but not too much.

This is a great-performing lens that offers something for full-frame mirrorless cameras that manufacturers like Sony, Canon, Nikon and the rest simply don’t – and without resorting to old DSLR tech and adapters.