We have often said that a pancake lens is quite a small but powerful tool for many photographers, and there are various reasons for that. So, when Laowa announced its 10mm f4 “cookie” lens (which is basically a pancake) in 2022, we were quite excited. Two years later, now seeing the success of its pancake lens, Laowa is also introducing a new lens in the same series: the Laowa 15mm f5 FFⅡ Cookie. Here’s a look at what the lens offers.
What Does The Laowa 15mm F5 Cookie Feature?
According to Photo Rumors and Leica Rumors, Laowa recently launched the lens, which will soon be available in retail stores. Measuring 53mm x 25mm, the Laowa 15mm f5 Cookie claims to have nearly “zero distortion. It also has a 39mm filter and 0.2x maximum magnification ratio. It weighs only 104g for the Leica mount and has a 12cm minimum focusing distance. This weight is slightly lighter than the 10mm, which was at 130g.
Like the 10mm f4, the 15mm f5 features similar lens construction: it has 13 elements in 9 groups, while the 10mm has 12 elements in 8 groups. Other additional lens elements include 4 ED lenses, 2 aspherical designs, and 3 special high-refractive glasses. Both lenses also feature a 5-bladed diagram. The company states that the lens is an APS-C lens and is available for Sony, Nikon, and Canon, as well as L mounts.
Although the company already has a 15mm lens, it is far bigger and heavier than the 15mm f5 cookie. At the moment, Laowa’s widest-angle offering is the 9mm f5.6 FF RL for Leica. However, it is not a pancake lens and also costs about $699 for the Leica full-frame mount.
Who is it For?
When we tested the 10mm f4 cookie lens, we didn’t only make images of landscapes but also of architecture, streets, and food. The same goes for the 15mm f5 cookie, which can be used for various situations. One can also perhaps experiment with environmental portraits or even take them along if you are going to attend a party. The lens is so small that you will be inconspicuous in large gatherings while capturing intimate moments.
However, we did note that the lens produces soft images at the widest apertures. So, it will take some time for anyone who does not have enough experience using wide lenses. In our review of the 10mm, we wrote: “It’s also for the photographer that wants character. You’ll get yummy bokeh, beautiful lens flare, and soft photos when you don’t stop it down. It’s pretty dreamy. However, it’s not weather resistant, and I don’t think this is a lens every photographer needs.”
If you are wondering who is buying an APS-C camera nowadays, we’d like to remind you that, unlike in 2020, many people have gravitated towards smaller cameras in recent years. The Canon R50 is the company’s best-selling camera, while the X100V was sold for three times its price on many portals.
We did note in our news piece that a pancake lens for Leica is pretty odd, as the company’s full-frame series is its best-selling device. So, to see the Laowa 15mm cookie lens now, we wonder who bought it in the past. Despite everything, we are quite excited to test the lens. Keep an eye out for our review.