Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro Lens Review
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 06. 2019
- This is my review of Venus Optics new macro photography lens. Below are links to all the products mentioned or seen in the video.
View and download all the photos from this video in full size - join my Patreon: / 53124890
The Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO lens: www.venuslens.net/product/lao... (I always buy Laowa lenses from their website - fast and free shipping worldwide)
The camera I took all photos with: amzn.to/2IACPex
The grip extension I use for my camera: amzn.to/2INloqo
The flash I used for most of the photos in this video: amzn.to/2MHDNrY
The diffuser is of the brand DÖRR, and I bought it here: www.cyberphoto.se/foto-video/...
But there is a similar diffuser on Amazon: amzn.to/2LKnmKz
My camera strap: amzn.to/2NUNTmg
The adapter I used to fit the Canon EF lens on my Sony camera: amzn.to/2EVltWm
This video was filmed with this small action camera: amzn.to/2O154TD
And also with this M43 camera: amzn.to/2MuNt9i
Mic used for voiceover: amzn.to/2UBZb1i
I compare the lens with the Laowa 60mm 2x macro lens: amzn.to/2HeipWQ
And also with the 25mm 2.5-5x macro lens: amzn.to/2LCnKvg
Thanks for watching! Subscribe for weekly videos! More regular content from me in these places:
💌 newsletter: mwroll.com
🎞 instagram: / mwroll
🪙 patreon: / micaelwidell
🐦 twitter: / micaelwidell
Thanks for watching! Subscribe for weekly videos! More regular content from me in these places:
💌 newsletter: mwroll.com 🎞 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll
🪙 patreon: patreon.com/micaelwidell 🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell
📷 the lens: bit.ly/mwlaowa100 (I always buy Laowa lenses from their website - fast and free shipping worldwide)
🌇 view and download all the photos from this video in full size - join my Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/53124890
The camera I took all photos with: amzn.to/2IACPex
The grip extension I use for my camera: amzn.to/2INloqo
The flash I used for most of the photos in this video: amzn.to/2MHDNrY
The type of diffuser I use: amzn.to/2EVl32e
My camera strap: amzn.to/2NUNTmg
The adapter I used to fit the Canon EF lens on my Sony camera: amzn.to/2EVltWm
This video was filmed with this small action camera: amzn.to/2O154TD
And also with this M43 camera: amzn.to/2MuNt9i
Mic used for voiceover: amzn.to/2UBZb1i
I compare the lens with the Laowa 60mm 2x macro lens: amzn.to/2HeipWQ
And also with the 25mm 2.5-5x macro lens: amzn.to/2LCnKvg
Yes, I linked to a US one because most of my viewers are Americans. But the diffuser I *really* use is of the German brand DÖRR :) So go look for a DÖRR diffuser, it is sold in Sweden at least, and it is a German brand I think.
Would this work and more importantly make sense to use this lens with a crop sensor camera like my Canon 70 D? I believe it would give more than 2X, right?
Technically it gives you 2x no matter what sensor you use, but your subjects will cover more of the frame on APS-C cameras so yes the perceived magnification is bigger. I haven’t tried it on an aps-c camera but it would probably work good. Otherwise look at the 60mm lens from the same company which is made specifically for aps-c.
@@MicaelWidell It's worth checking out,I believe the magnification would be greater than 2X on an APSC camera , but the ratio 2:1 would still be the same.APSC will have a little bit more depth of field and Maybe -maybe more working distance.. Make sense?
Great review,and you answered questions right while I was thinking them! 2:1 sounds great with the working distance you demonstrated.
I have a fuji X-H1, would you still recommend this lens, bearing in mind I would need the relevant adapter? Thanks for any advice or help!
Holding your breath while lungs are full tends to make muscles shake. Hold your breath after breathing out is the actual method that phtotography classes teach and that olympic target shooters use.
Yes! Even for me, holding after breathing out works better, but it's a personal preference.
100% this never hold breath in
Thank you for this tip, I shoot with Nikon 200-500 & mostly handheld, this will save me shutter speed.
I'm looking hard at this macro lens for weeks now, and I was eagerly waiting for your review ;)
Thanks Micael !
The most simples tutorials from you....and they are really awesome. Thanks for sharing!!!!
Älskar verkligen dina videos! Lärt mig så mkt av dig! Tack!
Love that shot of the fly with the red background, amazing
because of this review and test, i pulled the trigger and bought the lens. thanks for making this video. it's so helpful!
The bokeh at 9:05 is just ridiculously nice! Very thorough review, thanks!
Nice work Micael, thanks for sharing... simple practical review ! keep up the good job and great photos...
I can't wait to get my copy...thanks for the review.
I bought this lens about three weeks ago and am learning to use it (I am learning much already watching your videos). I am grateful your review was so positive. I had considered several other options, but this one was economical and seemed to have a lot of support among those who have reviewed it.
Great to hear!
I loved how you kept it simple and interesting! Well done! Learnt a lot from this video on macro.
Many thanks. Great video. Covered all the things I needed. I'll probably be using the same setup with the FE lens. Loved the lighting setup. Nice shots!
Wow so great someone who actually do good photography just telling something about his experience in using good gear. Love it!
thanks :)
Handholding at 1/40 under those circumstances is the real wonder in this video. You have my utmost respect (and jealousy :) I'm really impressed by the lens as well. Well done real-world review.
The flash! He is using a flash...
I'm glad these videos exist cause the next lens I want to buy is definitely a macro one and I want to make sure the one I get is just right for me, thank you!
I have the 60mm 2x by Laowa and this one is gonna rock even more. Can't wait to get it :)
Can't wait to get this lens. It should arrive tomorrow! Great review and demo
Thank you for your honest Review !
Great job Micael - I ordered the lens. I own and use frequently the Laowa 12mm F2.8 - love it, get some amazing compositions - great real estate, beach, mountain scape lens.
#billystayart (should have addrd this to my prev. comment) Side note: really like the inexspensive defuser AMAZON is out - found it at B&H for $9 bucks ( Interfit STR111 Strobies On-Camera Small Diffuser B&H # INSTR111 MFR # STR111) I have several diffusers but they are all bulky and get in the way when doing most macro... again.. NICE JOB, appreciate your passion and communication.
Fantastic review, you are a true inspiration.
Amazing channel and tips and ofcourse beautiful photos.
Loved your review
Excellent close-up detail, well done.
Awesome video, i already ordered mine, can't wait to get my hands on it :)
Awesome pictures. Amazing review.
Abolutely incredible macro shots.
Nice review, nice photos!
great videol love it and lookout to get a 1:2 macrolense like this one soon too! your video helped me a lot!
He wears the ball cap backwards for function; the fact that it makes him look cool is just a side benefit! ;) Seriously, though, thank you for the review of this lens. I am very excited to add it to my collection. Your endorsement tipped me over the edge!
The function being: the bill of the hat stopping you from looking up past a certain angle? I cannot stand wearing a cap that way as it keeps bumping into my back and either falling off or stopping me from looking up in a normal fashion. I like a straw hat to protect me from sun. Air blows right through instead of a cap adding huge amounts of heat, and the smaller bill is enough to shade the camera screen but not so long so as to get in the way.
Simple and good review... i liked a way you reviewed the
Hi Micael, I bought one and am enjoying it, I don't find it very heavy, so thats good, thanks for your great videos, I really enjoy them
Its a great lens, i use it for slowmotion macro videos and its like its made for that but also very good for Nature picture
Great review!
Amazing review
I also wear my cap like that when I take photos! Good video thanks
I have this lens and I love it! It is as sharp as my Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro. This lens combined with the focus peaking and VR in my Z9 is outstanding! The price is nice too.
I am using Nikon 105mm 2.8 with Raynox 250DCR. But after watching I coult not wait to place an order of it. Thank you for video
How do you like the lens? I am a canon snob and didn’t think I could find anything sharper. Is this better than your Nikon?
those shots re great
Nice informative video thank you
Full manual control is precisely what I require as a macro photographer, I'm currently using a 150mm f2.8 macro lens for more skittish insects, things that you can't get that close to, also comes in very handy for wildlife shots used on an apsc camera.
Not sure if 100mm would cut it for me, looks pretty good though
Yep, coming from the Canon EF 180 to this lens was really frustrating for insect photography, but it is probably not an issue for someone that are used to shorter focal lengths, like Michael here.
Thank u for the video it’s very useful
Keep going 👍🏽🙄
I remember few years back when Laowa debut their cheap macro, people treat it like a joke.
But today...its freaking everywhere!
It got great reviews immediately. Laowa has a great reputation because of that first macro lens. I guess I never heard the jokes.
This would be nice second lens 😍 Now I own Tamron 90mm f2.8 1:1 macro
SwitchRich Do you have instagram for examples?
I use a Sony 100-400mm GM + 2x Extender + A7R3 for macros at a distance of 60cm or so. Interesting to see your option, and wonder if it can give (much) better results. The bigger subject distance does have benefits of allowing tripods and less chance of scaring the insect away. I always shoot handheld and use the natural light.
I Love this
loved it bro
Cool vid ,,, I’m still new to macro ,, I currently use a vintage canon fd 50mm f3.5 with a Sony a6500 it’s pretty good ,, I’m currently looking for a new lens and this vid helps out on deciding ,,,, thanks and great work
Like ur review
Awesome real-life review! I also have a Sony (a7RIII).. I understand the Sony version doesn't have electrical contacts, thankfully I have a Metabones adapter too. I wish I didn't have to use it though! I haven't seen one review for the Sony version.
Do the Canon version's aperture blades stay open until you take the picture closed down? I doubt the Sony version will..
Anything you know on this would be very helpful! Thanks!
Very interesting and thoughtful review of this Laowa 2X Ultra-Macro lens! I have it in the Nikon Z mount, and I agree that it is tack-sharp! One question...Have you noticed that the Focus "throw" is quite small/short? In other words, when I rotate the focus ring just slightly, the focus point moves alot! That said, when I do nail focus, it is indeed super-sharp! Thank you.
Good job I would prefer this over sigmas af offerrings as i focus with my body when doing macro thanks for bringing this optic to my attention Micael
The best technique to shoot is the same way someone would shoot a rifle. You want to take your shot in your natural pause as you breath in and out. If you want the most steady shot of course. It's a technique used to hit target well over 700 yards. Just a tip and thank you for a great video.
Älskar verkligen dina reviews! Denna verkar riktigt intressant, ska väga denna för- samt nackdelar mot Sony’s egna 90mm Marco 🤔
Thank you for your wonderful videos on macro photography.
LOL.Every experienced photographer who wears a baseball cap like yours will flip it around sooner or later. I do it often.
thanks u help me to mach
Your demonstration of this lens's capabilities is very persuasive, with some great insect shots, but I really can't justify getting _another_ macro lens for my α7R setup - three is enough! However, that diffuser screen seems to be worth investigating... :)
Read the reviews on Amazon before you buy. YMMV with this gadget.
I was thinking about the Sigma 105 macro, but I am reconsidering and thinking the Laowa might be preferable. With no colour fringing and so on plus 2X magnification, it really seems like the better way to go.
Like you, I have to turn my cap backward to avoid hitting the flash :)
2x is 2x as fun as 1x ;)
For macro photography/videography do you recommend the 100mm or the 25mm with the 2.5x-5x? ( I usually take shots of the tiny intricate details of the watch movement )
The most steady hands we have during inhaling air. When we hold our breath there is significant shake correlated with heart beat. Try inhaling with steady pace for 3sec. Doctor tip 😉
Looking cool is half the battle
Hey thanks for all your great videos. I am looking into this lens and wondered if the focus confirmation will work in this manual lens? (I mean whem Im focusing handheld if the focus dots in the viewfinder will light up when in focus? EOS 7dmkII)
Hi Micael - great video! I've watched a few of your vidoes recently and have really liked them. I really want to get into macro photography, and had previously thought about buying the Tamron 90 mm 2.8 macro (the latest one - f017). However, the 2x of the Laowa is really attractive. My only doubt is the lack of image stabilization on the Laowa ( I don't see the lack of autofocus as a problem). For a beginner at macro photography, do you think this would be an issue? I shoot with a Canon APS-C body, so no IBS.
I don’t think lack of image stabilization is a big issue.
Micael, I have a canon 200d and just the kit lens. I have been trying to get some macro shots but I am struggling to get any good ones. Which cheap lens would you recommend for macro photography for my canon 200d?
Many thanks; I've just 'discovered' your channel and I'm enjoying your 'macro' vlogs. I haven't begun macro photography yet, but I've hired an Olympus lens and I'm looking at flash and accessories. I can't find a diffuser like yours in Australia and your cyberphoto appear out of stock(and expensive if that's in Euros). Can you advise of a similar supplier? Thanks once again.
Mike in Oz
good its usefull
I prefer native mount and the Sony version has more aperture blades which I think would give a nicer bokeh. And I don’t mind an aperture ring. A little sad to lose the exif data, but I could live with that. Preordered.
Thanks for the review. I like it. I am also interested in how this lens work on Fuji camera. Do you plan to try?
I don't have it in fuji mount, but I expect it would work just as well as on any other camera. Not sure if they will release it in Fuji mount though, as it is a full frame lens. I would look at buying the 60mm version for Fuji.
Very good review ....Plz. dose this lens work and fit and compatible with Sony a 6500?
I placed an Order on May 8 for Sony mount. But now I wrote to them to make change to Canon because of the Electronic Aperture. It looks that they did not sent the order yet, so they let me know about the Adapter and is still OK to change. I said Yes and is OK if they did not shipped yet. Then I ask when it would be ship. At this time no answer yet.
Have you tried the Voightlander 110 macro lens?? If so, what do you think compared to this one?
Thanks I want to ask is there any button to shoot 1x magnification. I want to use this lens with my Bmpcc 4k and it has crop factor. So 2x will be too much for me. Is 1x shooting possible? Thanks
Does it come with a mount for Fujifilm X cameras?
So if you buy the e mount version you still get contacts and no manual aperture? In most lenses, only the Canon version has electronic aperture control while the same lens will have manual aperture control for all other mounts.
using sony a7m3 with laowa 100 mm but can not use focus magnifier while fine focusing how do you overcome this problem
Thanks for the review. Actually the aperture control is only for canon mount. It's written on the website that for Sony and Nikon you couldn't control the aperture
Oh, interesting. But in my review I used the Canon version with a metabones adapter on a Sony camera, and then it worked great to control the aperture - so that could be an option.
@@MicaelWidell yes it seems the best option to use this lens. Just needed to advice Sony and Nikon users to do the same
I really want this lens... But having no AF. is really something I don't like 😟
Hello Micael! Great review!)) I really like your channel! What do you think about a new macro lens 7artisans 60mm f2.8 Macro ?? It would be cool to watch your hand on review as a macro photography master =))
Would be fun to try it, perhaps I should ask them for a review copy :)
Hi Micael. As always an excellent video and amazing macro images. Could you help me answering this question? I understand this lens will work on a Nikon D5100, it is only necessary to consider the crop factor. But, which features would it lose on that body? Does it have to see with the EXIF Data? Thanks in advance.
Good review and the photos are so stunning. How is the lens perform in video mod? does it worth it for shooting products !!
I think this lens is great for videos and product photography.
where i live in sweden we call the cap a "budget toupe´", and yes i wear one, when it´s cold it warms my partially hairless head and in the summer... well, a sunburnt skalp is not pleasant.... ;)
Thank you for the review, i think i will look at the 60mm instead to pair with my 25mm laowa as i will only use it for macro the vignetting probably wont bother me and weight is important.
Yeah there will be no trace of vignetting on macro distances. And the 60mm is a very great lens overall.
That lens on full frame is not great. Even zoomed in where you do not get vignette, there is crazy wavy distortion that would be really hard to correct. Not just barrel or pincushion distortion but an extreme amount of both so you get a wavy effect. It works great if you put your camera into crop mode however. Amazing sharpness, contrast, control of aberrations, and beautiful Bokeh at all apertures. Definitely designed for APS-C though. Plus the lens is open at the front unless you attach a filter of some sort (it comes with a UV filter for this reason). It makes beautiful images at all distances as long as you use crop mode. I had this lens on APS-C and thought I would use it on my Full frame when I eventually got an A7. But after trying it, I find it really only makes sense in APS-C mode.
Also, that lens is $400, the sigma 70mm macro with autofocus and amazing image quality is a full frame lens that goes for $465. For that small difference in price you loose 2:1 and get 1:1, but you get 70mm instead of 60mm, and you get a full-frame lens instead of a crop lens, and you get autofocus, and you get a lens that electronically communicates with the camera so you get automatic vignette and distortion corrections and the lens info to make in-camera stabilization work without manually entering that info when you attach the lens. Something to consider.
@@0ooTheMAXXoo0 I am not worried about distortion, i only shoot bugs and other small things, not flat surfaces with straight lines, so it wont be a problem.
And i am not interested in a 1:1 macro as i already have a sigma 150mm, i am looking for a 2:1 to complement the 2.5-5X 25mm laowa i already have and it will be used in the "macro range" only where there are no vignetting.(according to a friend that owns a 60mm laowa).
Amazing shots ! Im think about this lens for my canon 90d. I have never done any macro photography before, are these images taken focus stacked or simply one shot ? Ive never done any focus stacking before. Great video !
All the shots in this video are single shots. Not focus stacked. You don’t need to do focus stacking to get nice photos.
A couple more questions first , do you have any videos with the per gear 60 mm 2.8 the new version that the photos have not been stacked? and final question if I have a crop sensor Sony a 6000 and use the 60 mm pergear 2.8 would it be like using a 90 mm equivalent. Love your videos by the way very interesting I want to get into macro photography.
Yes all the photos in my video about the new pergear are also not stacked. Yes a 60mm lens on APS-C is equivalent to a 90mm lens on full frame.
Still trying to decide between the Sony 90mm macro, Sigma 105mm and this lens. I’m leaning towards this lens because of the 2:1 your photos are stunning! Just concerned about image shake with handheld but you seemed to do it very well with a flash
Image stabilization is not very relevant in macro photography. See here czcams.com/video/MREYOL2NkSs/video.html
What did you end up buying? I'm also trying to decide between the two lenses you mentioned.
some reviews by other people are way too long, into detail where you are not able to even say / tell the difference. You do great with your own way and if you look around of other reviewers... many times they review 2 products for 45 min saying at the end of the review "both products are awesome" witch will not help to decide one way or the other many people anyway..so after 45 mins you are at the square one... Thank you for your videos.
Looking at the lens where it connects to the A7iii I cannot see any electrical contacts !? So is what you say wrong or am I missing something?!
Is that possible to make sharp photo on 2x magnification with flash on 1/180 f2.8?
Hello Micael,
Do this lens works normal with lens adapter?
I currently have Fuji X-T2body and Canon RP.
I don't want to buy RF version because if I do so, I can only use the lens on my Canon RP but won't be able to use the lens on my Fuji X-T2. There is no lens adapter RF-FX yet exist.
So my first choice will be the EF mount full manual version.
I already have EF-RF adapter and also plan to buy Viltrox EF-FX.
i've just seen some of your videos on macro photography i have a canon 1200d and i would like to know if i can use the laowa 60mm macro lense with my camara thanks
Yes, just buy it for Canon mount and it will fit on your camera.
The diffuser that you are using in this video doesn't appear to be available anywhere. Do you know of a similar diffuser that is readily available? Thanks for this video I will most likely grab a copy of this lens very soon because of your no nonsense approach to the review!
Thank you Micael! If you had to decide between this and the Canon RF 100 2.8 - which one would you choose?
I think I would pick the Laowa. But it is a close call.
Great video!!! I'm on the fence between this lens and the Nikkor 105mm Macro 2.8/s (I have a Nikon Z6II). The Nikon's is SUPERB for also using it for portraits but I have not been able to find a comparison video of the Laowa and it. Anyone have any experience on that?
This is the first review I have seen of anyone hand holding this lens. Thank you! What do you think it's going to be like on the new Canon R5 with the in-body image stabilization (venus website says its available in Canon RF mount)?
I guess the experience would be very similar to the one I had using it on my Sony A7iii in this video. It is a similar sized camera which also has image stabilization. Image stabilization doesn’t make a huge difference by the way, if you are using a flash, which you should do anyway at these apertures.
@@MicaelWidell thanks! That explains your low shutter speeds!
Did you ever tried a macro ringflash on the Laowa? Or is the distance too close
Curious,have you used the Sony 90mm g oss or the Voigtlander apo 110?just curious..im still researching,ive even looked at the Tamron 90mm SP f017..
I think the Sony 90mm is overpriced for what you get. But it is a great lens. Did not try the voigtländer either. Used to own the Tamron and it is great. But none of the lenses you mentioned go to 2x magnification, which makes them less interesting to me.
@@MicaelWidell understood..i like the reviews on the Laowa 2:1,originally wanted that as a first macro lens,but i may get that as my second macro lens.ive got the Sony A7III and the Sony A7RII,i think ill use the A7RII for macro due to how good the 42mp sensor is in detail...ive been looking at the newer Tamron sp 90mm f017,imagine it would be a good macro..
If I need to have her on MFT mount, what's the solution?
Does the fstop affects the ability to do 2x magnification?
thx for the nice video! why do you use the adapter? is it that important to control the aperture via the camera? I just started at macro so I'm honestly curious why :)
I used the adapter because Venus Optics sent me the Canon EF version, and I wanted to use my Sony A7iii camera.
@@MicaelWidell thx for the answer! :)
People like that their photos have the aperture setting saved in the file as that info is usually published together with photos. If your camera has built in sensor stabilization then the focal length of the lens is important to make the effect work well so having the electronic contacts telling your camera the focal length saves you from entering that info manually when you attach the lens.
@@0ooTheMAXXoo0 thx for your answer! you just made me research how to change the focal length manually on my a7iii! I'm glad you made me aware of this!
Would you recommend this over the "Canon EF 100mm f2.8L IS USM" + fitting extension tubes to reach higher magnifications? I'm looking to mostly get it for macro photography. Price wise in my scenario, they are the same.
Tack för en fin recension!
Honestly I cannot understand why on earth you would buy the Canon 100mm with extension tubes? That solution would be very unflexible, as you would have a very narrow magnification range. Also the extension tubes would make the whole setup wobbly, long, and unbalanced. With the Laowa lens you have everything from infinity to 2x.
@@MicaelWidell Tack för svar Micael. Kom fram till en liknande slutsats mha dina videos :)
Bought this lens. Curious if you can check whether yours has "focus creep" when focusing at minimum distance (x2) pointing up? i.e. it will slowly move slightly down (to farther focus). Mine does it, one other person said theirs doesn't. Trying to find several others before I make the long drive to replace it. Thanks!
Sorry I do not have it in my possession anymore. I just had it for a week to make the review.
I tried one on my 6dmkii last year. It kept causing errors. I hope they fixed that
Hi Micael! Thank you for the interesting videos. 👍🏻 Could you recommend please is it better to buy 60 mm or 100mm? Hello from Finland!
This video is for you: czcams.com/video/QBgJHQUSzxQ/video.html
Micael Widell many thanks for your prompt reply!