Marrying an ultra-compact form factor with an ultra-wide field of view, the Sony E-mount Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL from Venus Optics is a sleek prime lens with distinctly low distortion and rectilinear rendering to suit interior, architecture, astrophotography, nature, and landscape applications. The broad 114° angle of view is aided by an advanced optical design, which includes aspherical, high refractive index, and low dispersion elements, to realize well-corrected, sharp, and color-accurate imagery. The lens has a manual focus design and permits working with subjects as close as 10.6" away and its built-in petal-shaped hood helps to block stray light from causing unwanted lens flare. Ultra-wide prime is designed for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras but can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 21mm equivalent focal length. Two aspherical elements and one ultra-high refractive index glass element help to control distortion and spherical aberrations for improved sharpness and accurate rendering. Three extra-low dispersion elements are used to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to produce high clarity and color accuracy. Impressively wide 114° angle of view pairs with a rectilinear design, which renders subjects with minimal distortion in order to suit landscape and architectural applications. Manual focusing design and a minimum focusing distance of 10.6" suits working with close-up subjects. Built-in petal-shaped lens hood helps to prevent stray light from causing lens flare and also offers some physical protection to the lens's front element. Front of the lens is threaded to accept optional 52mm filters. The lens is also compatible with an optional, dedicated 100mm filter holder. Five-blade diaphragm produces distinct 10-point sun stars and specular highlights when stopped-down and photographing point light sources.