Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Review

This lens does one thing incredibly well, and that's macro photography. With 2:1 magnification, you can get closer to your subject than almost any other lens on the market, revealing details you'd never see otherwise. It's a specialist's tool, and if you're chasing bugs or photographing tiny textures, it's fantastic. Just don't expect it to be your everyday walk-around lens.

The optical performance is where this lens really shines, landing in the 80th percentile. The sharpness and color correction (that APO designation) are excellent, especially for the price. The big surprise, honestly, is how good the bokeh is for a macro lens. At f/2.8, you can get some really nice, smooth background blur when you're not shooting at 2:1 magnification.

At $499, it's a steal for what it does. You're getting pro-level macro capabilities for a fraction of the cost of most dedicated macro lenses. The lack of autofocus and stabilization keeps the price down, but the glass inside is top-notch.

Don't confuse this with a standard portrait lens like the Meike 55mm f/1.8. That lens has autofocus and a wider aperture for low light, but it can't touch the Laowa's macro power. Compared to a jack-of-all-trades zoom like the Sony 24-240mm, the Laowa is a master of one. The Sony is versatile and stabilized, but its macro performance is minimal. The Laowa is for when you need to get really close, and nothing else will do.

If you're a macro enthusiast, a nature photographer, or a product shooter who needs insane detail, buy this lens immediately. It's the best tool for the job at this price. If you need autofocus for portraits or a lens you can take hiking, look elsewhere. This is a specialist, and it's brilliant at its one job.