Laowa launches cute but capable ultra-wide “cookie” lens for full-frame cameras

Forget pancake lenses; Venus Optics, the Chinese company behind the Laowa brand, is trying to make cookie lenses a thing. Back in 2022, it launched the Laowa 10 mm f/4 Cookie for APS-C cameras, and now the new Laowa 15 mm f/5 Cookie FF is here to cater to full-frame shooters. While pancakes lenses’ flattened shape does justice to the nickname, the new cookie lens is shrunk in both diameter and length, only with a wider base where it meets the camera mount.

The lens is available for Sony E and Nikon Z cameras with an auto-aperture mode, and for Canon RF, Leica M and L Mount with a manual aperture ring. The gold contacts that enable auto-aperture also help Sony and Nikon cameras capture aperture settings in the EXIF data.

Unlike most multi-mount lenses, the look of this one varies depending on the mount, so while the Sony E version measures ø53 x 35.2 mm and weighs 138 g, the one for Leica M mount is ø53 x 25 mm and 104 g. All versions are available in either black or silver.

The Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie has a 110° angle of view, and a minimum focussing distance of 12 cm, so it’s not surprising that it’s pitched to content creators as a video lens for POV shots, in addition to traditional wide-angle still photography. The lens also creates a 10-point starburst when stopped down and pointed at bright light sources. A 39 mm filter thread is available for adding creative effects using filters.

The Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie FF lens is available for $399 on Venus Optics’ website. On the other hand, you can also get a slightly more literal take on the “cookie lens” concept with this lo-fi, focus-free, body cap lens, available on Amazon for just $26.