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Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro — Prime/zoom
Laowa

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

Prime/zoom

84
/ 100
From $479
VS
Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM — Prime/zoom
Viltrox

Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM

Prime/zoom

84
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro lands at 84 and Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Tie

Compared on the build sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Autofocus

Tie

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro 84
vs
84 Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM

Score breakdown

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro
84
sharpness 84
af 80
build 90
value 86
Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM
84
sharpness 84
af 80
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro versus Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM — full spec comparison
Spec Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

FAQ: Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro vs Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM

Which is better, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM? +

Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro worth the price? +

At $479, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in build.

Is Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM worth the price? +

At $449, Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in build.

Does Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 STM last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.