Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/4.0 Cookie Manual Focus APS-C Lens for Nikon Z-Mount, Black Review

The Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/4.0 Cookie is an ultra-compact manual focus prime designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras with Nikon Z-mount. At 10mm, it delivers an ultra-wide 15mm equivalent field of view on crop sensors, making it well-suited for landscape, architecture, and creative vlogging work where portability matters. The f/4.0 maximum aperture keeps the lens remarkably thin and light, living up to its "cookie" pancake designation, though it does limit low-light performance compared to faster primes.

Manual focus only means you'll need to be comfortable with manual operation, which is typical for ultra-wide specialty glass at this price point. At $145, it sits in the budget ultra-wide segment, appealing to shooters who prioritize small size and affordability over autofocus and speed. The 37mm filter thread is notably compact but may require step-up rings for common filter sizes. This lens is about trade-offs: you get exceptional portability and an ultra-wide perspective in a package that won't break the bank, but you sacrifice autofocus, weather sealing, and light-gathering ability.