Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF (Canon RF)

Testers agree the centre is strong even at f/1.2 and that longitudinal colour fringing is almost absent for such a fast lens, with lateral CA modest and easy to remove. Edges and corners are the weak point wide open: astigmatism, field curvature and coma soften the outer frame at f/1.2–1.4, and the lens needs about f/2 before it looks sharp across the frame at infinity. Close-range rendering is smooth and subject separation is strong, while busy backgrounds at longer distances can look nervous towards the edges.

The consistent criticisms are flare and ghosting with bright light sources, including a green ghost from strong point lights, and heavy vignetting: a bit over 3 EV wide open and still around 1.6 EV stopped down. Distortion is low but slightly wavy. Build quality, the damped focus ring and the compact size get good marks, though the aperture stops are cramped between f/4 and f/16 and the lack of electronic contacts is the most common complaint. Given the speed and the price, reviewers judged it a bold and worthwhile lens rather than a flawless one.