Laowa Venus Optics Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Review
For under $500, this lens delivers pro-level macro photography with unbeatable 2:1 magnification. Just be ready to focus by hand.
Overview
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.
Performance
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unbeatable 2:1 magnification for extreme close-ups. 83th
- Excellent sharpness and color rendering (APO optics). 82th
- Surprisingly pleasant bokeh for portrait work. 78th
- Solid, all-metal build quality feels durable. 71th
Cons
- No autofocus. This is a manual-only lens, which can be tricky for moving subjects.
- No image stabilization, so you'll need a tripod or very steady hands.
- It's heavy and not weather-sealed, so it's not a great travel companion.
- The 90mm focal length on full-frame is a bit long for casual use.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Macro |
| Focal Length Min | 90 |
| Focal Length Max | 90 |
| Elements | 13 |
| Groups | 10 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 13 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 205 |
| Max Magnification | 2:1 |
Value & Pricing
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.
vs Competition
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.
| Spec | Laowa Venus Optics Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Viltrox VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 90mm | 55mm | 25mm | 24mm | 24-70mm | 17-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 618 | 281 | 400 | 269 | 676 | 544 |
| AF Type | - | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Macro | - | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
Verdict
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.