Laowa 90mm Lens Review - the new King of Macro Photography?
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 23. 07. 2024
- The Laowa 90 mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO lens: bit.ly/mwlaowa90
My Macro Lens Guide: lensguide.micaelwidell.com
Products I currently use for everyday macro photography: đ
đ My favorite macro lens: bit.ly/mwlaowa60 (I always buy Venus Optics Laowa lenses from their website - best price, good service, and fast, free shipping worldwide)
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Fun fact on infinity overfocus. To compensate the temperature related expansion/shrinking especially on metal designed lenses you have to build it this way. otherwise it could happen that u are good when it's warm and fail in could weather...speaking big temperature variation.
This explains why lenses have been built this way seemingly forever... Makes 100% sense.
I bought this lens using your link. Very fast free shipping! I'm excited to get out and try it. Thanksđđ»
Thank you đ
Trevligt! :)
Ha en fin vecka!
Lens weight matters. I appreciate how you incorporate usability in the field in your reviews. Have a good week!
As a user of the 100mm Laowa I have no issues w/ the weight, yes it is heavy but IMO you'd have to be very out of shape for it to be problematic.
@@taylorhickman84 My husband uses the 65mm Laowa. He prefers it for handheld macro shots.
Thanks for sharing this video Micael.
Really informative, Laowa lenses, are a piece of art. I have myself a 60mm that I bought it used. It was a great investment
I love the look of the images I get out of my Laowa 60mm macro... Sharp and smooth, great colors.
I bought the Canon MPE-65 1-5x and I'm in love with it. I use on the RP with Godox MF-12 K2 or the ring flash MF-R76(very powerfull).
all your videos are great, congratulations
Great video! Well done!
I love your website! It's pretty cool, precise and to the point!!
I'm very excited about this lens!! I haven't bought a pure Macro lens. I use Raynox and extension tubes. And this 90mm news is amazing! I've been contemplating buying the 100mm but I'm pretty sure I'm going to spend $ on this 90mm!!
Thanks!!
Glad you appreciate it!
Looks like a winner but I would like to have some electronics, to enable focussing at full aperture in low light situations (and for the EXIF data). Congratulations on having some of your macro images on the Venus Optics webpage for this lens ;-)
Glad to see there is a mirrorless lens designed for 2:1 macro. For now, I enjoy 1:1 macro with Fujifilm XF 80 for the X-T4 and the Voigtlander 110 APO for manual focus on my Sony cameras but every once and a while I want that 2:1 macro. Looks like the Laowa might be a good lens for that thanks to its size and weight. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and providing examples of this lens.
For Fuji I would recommend the Laowa 65mm which is basically the same as the 90mm but smaller and optimized for APS-C. Excellent lens!
@@MicaelWidell agree, the 65mm is excellent ⊠and almost half the weight of the 90mm
Nice review, thanks :)
I absolutely love it!
I got the Laowa 65mm for my Fuji (APS-C mirrorless), great lens, very sharp even for general photography. I haven't done as much macro though, I found it hard on my arm and back, as I have to crouch down or bend awkwardly and the flash I have, designed for portrait work, is heavy, so problematic when shooting sideways, so I tried using a wireless adapter and holding the flash with my other hand, which then makes it awkward to focus the lens. I prefocus and rely on moving the camera instead. When I crouch, I'm more unstable, so it's harder to get the tiny focus. I have a diffuser similar to your Dorr one, but the opening is designer for wider lenses, and the Laowa 65mm is quite thin; the small size is generally a bonus for me, but with the flash it becomes bulky anyway. I basically need a smaller less powerful flash and to adapt the diffuser somehow to the lens, so it grips better, or find a diffuser that can handle the small barrel or attach differently.
Thank you, Michael, for another great video! I enjoyed your video about the GFX50SII as well. I have the Laowa 65mm, which I bought upon your recommendation and with your discount. Thanks! I use it on my Fuji X-T5. I would like to know what Laowa lens you would recommend for doing macro with the GFX50SII with an adapter? Your kids are beautiful!
Nice review! Thanks. You also use a very propper folding ruler! I love Hultafors tools
I have the Laowa 100mm lens which I use with my Z7. I am very happy with this combination.
Thank you very much. Fantastic video. I Will buy 90mm Lens.
Hi Micael! Thanks for all information in your videos! Do you maybe have a video comparing the 65mm and the 90mm from Laowa for APS C or maybe in the planning ? Iâm not sure if Iâm going to upgrade one day to FF, and would like to know the differences between the two lenses for APS C and what this means in terms of practical applications :)
Very informative review. What do you think about hand holding this lens using a camera body such as Canon EOS R that doesnât have in-body stabilisation?
That is such a cool photo of the spider!!
Thanks for the review. Just ordered one for my Nikon Z :) Absolutly looking forward to that 2x magnification. It's finaly time to put my old Sigma 105mm makro to rest.
Itâs so much fun when you are used to 1x đ
Thanks for another nice review. Nice that this is designed for mirror-less. 2x sounds tempting! Are all Laowa lenses always without electronic contacts?
Yes. There are a couple of exceptions. Their 50mm for MFT has contacts, as well as the special Canon EF version of the 100mm.
I use Laowa 100 mm RF version. This one seems to be a small upgrade but a tempting one due to its lower weight and size only. I will have to see what the price is.
I have the Loawa 100mm Z macro. Very shallow depth of field, very sharp
After watching your several videos, i purchased my Laowa 90mm F2.8 and it is my first manual focus lens. I was kind of disappointed with it until I put my flash on. Wow!!!
Thank you, just ordered this for my Canon R6 using your link :) This will be a nice upgrade from my Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG HSM Macro lens (that was/is a great lens).
Thanks again :)
Thanks for using my link :) congrats on ordering a truly great macro lens
@@MicaelWidell Thank you for providing top quality content, I got into macro photography because of your videos, and I love it :)
Essa lente Ă© maravilhosa!!!!!!!
I'm sure I would enjoy the image quality and features of the Laowa macro lenses. Since my R6 and the upcoming R7 have focus bracketing I think it makes much more sense for me to go with a Canon 100mm macro lens. Using auto focus with animal eye tracking my R6 and my Sony A7iv with the 90mm G sometime grab the eyes of bugs and butterflies when I'm getting close up shots. It's hard to choose a lens with no autofocus even when I use manual focus some of the time. I enjoy your videos and experiences and information and best of luck to you!
Yeah if you need electronics and autofocus, the Canon RF 100mm is a very excellent lens, albeit expensive.
I use Laowa 100mm Canon EF version on RF body because the EF version has automatic aperture and electronics allowing the use of canon's magic focus assist. So you can easily focus even without 10x magnification or focus peaking.
The electronic control of the aperture allows for more accuarate focus as dof is shollower wide open and Canon cameras focus wide open even if you stop down. So I think for canon shooters its worth dealing with longer lens for this benefit, but Its only possible with this combo of EF lens and RF body.
Yes this is a great feature that I wish they included in all their macro lenses, I would happily pay a bit more to have a chip in the lens.
Not with nikon z6ii
I was wanting an auto macro lens for my canon rp - so do you suggest the EF version?
@@clairejohn-lewis5138 Hi, what do you mean 'auto'? The EF version of the 100mm has electronicly controlled aperture and no autofocus. The aperture is huge advantage over the RF version.
Yes I recommend the EF version.
Cheers
@@maksimsimeonov sorry, I mean to be able to control aperture through the camera? I would like to use canons magic focus assist on my rp
Thank you
Very well explained and presented video. I own the basic Sony A6000 and need to take flowers macro pictures to show on a web page on a regular basis, which macro lens is better the Laowaâs 90mm f/2.8 macro lens or the Laowaâs 65 mm f/2.8 macro lens with this camera? Thanks
I think you should definitely buy the 65mm, as it is optimized for your camera sensor and much smaller and more compact. The image quality is equal to the 90mm.
I recently got the 105 mc lens for my Nikon Z. Truly exceptional image stabilization and sharpness
I bought the 105mc for my Z6ii but I have not had a chance to use it much yet, as its winter here.
I'm between both lenses. Laowa has 2:1 but the Z 105 is able to get use of focus stacking functions from the Z6II. How are you liking your lens?
Hello Michael đđ
I have a question you may be able to help me âŠ
I am into macro and have a extension tubes i have practiced with.l, and had great results đ
Now I want a proper macro lens.
I have a Nikon Z5 and was thinking about Z 105 macro lensâŠ
But it has 1:1 only and Laowa has 2:1âŠ
So the question would be What do you sugggest???
I think Laowa is the way for really macro workâŠ
If I had a full frame mirrorless camera and would be very interested in a direct comparison between the Laowa 85mm and this 90mm, beyond the obvious maximum aperture!
Are you planning to do such a video?
I donât think I will do such a video. They are very similar in image quality. It is only a question of whether you value wide max aperture or tiny size higher. The rest is pretty equal!
Hi dear Micael, maybe I missed previous conversations, which lenght do you suggest for insects/flowers 58 Vs 90 for Sony FE full-frame?
Itâs a matter of personal taste. Both work well. I personally prefer 58mm to get a bit shorter working distance which makes stacking easier for me.
Would love to see a comparison between the 60mm and the new 90mm ! Loved the 60mm performance so much .
Basically the 90mm is slightly better in most regards. But the biggest difference is that the 60mm get heavy vignetting on full frame if you focus on longer distances, which the 90mm will not give you.
@@MicaelWidell thanks for the reply Micael I use the 60 on a crop sensor and have tried the 100 also I actually like the 60âs performance better or same as the 100⊠again for what I shoot with the sensor that I have đ
@@Richoecreate yeah the 60mm is very very good for macro photography and especially on crop sensor. No reason to replace with this one.
Would i be able to use focus peaking with the Z mount version? I think that would be of a lot of help when trying to focus
Yes focus peaking is designed for manual lenses like this one
If you have the sony 90 would you switch?
May i ask - what flash would you recommend with li-on battery? Not a big one.
Sorry I don't have any good recommendations for flashes with li-ion batteries. I had better luck with the Meike MK320 and good AA batteries (check my videos about it). I would definitely switch to this if I owned the Sony 90mm - the sony only has 1x magnification which makes it not that great for small insects.
Great review thanks! I'm wondering why choose this over the 85mm which it's way smaller
Good question. I will make a video about this today, as a lot of people ask me this!
Thank u mateđ
When I just bought the 85 now comes this review :D
You did the right thing. The king of macro is Laowa 85 f / 5.6. A wide aperture is not required without stabilization. Macro requires a tripod or light. But in these cases, a wide aperture is not required.
@@dmytrod.3834 I know I wanted light setup for my son to be able to carry it easily and play with macro so I am more then happy. 85 is great lens.
Hi ! Can anyone help me with some advice ? I am currently shooting some POV videos with my iPhone 11 Pro ultra wide angle lens which I understand is a 13 mm lens. My question is, if I get a full frame mirrorless, which lens should I get in order to replicate the image from the iPhone ( but better quality ) ? One important thing to consider is that I would like everything in frame to be in focus ( no bokeh ) and very good low light performance . Thank you !
The 13mm on the iPhone is in full frame equivalent, which means you need a 13mm lens for your full frame camera. I suggest buying a 12-24 mm wide angle zoom lens, so you have some flexibility.
@@MicaelWidell thank you so much! Any suggestions of a particular lens? And also, Will everything in frame be in focus? ( very close objects as well as very distant objects)
Hi
Iam not sure what 2x magnification is this like double the focal length =180 mm ?
Compared to a normal macro lens.
Hope you can help
Magnification is not related to focal length at all. Please see this video for an explanation m.czcams.com/video/YTl9-VWe1xg/video.html
So I have a full frame Sony A1, I bought the Laowa 100mm for it, although a beginner I could never get anything great or super magnified even with the 2x magnification.... like I see others get after using it all the time for 3 months. Do you think it had to do with the 100mm being for dslr? Might I have better luck with the 90mm since its made for full frame mirrorless.
You will get exactly the same look and image quality with the 90mm and the 100mm. Only difference is that the 100mm is longer and heavier.
Hey Micael, I've always loved your macro photography and your videos, and had always been very curious about your Laowa 60mm lens, but never tried it out because I already owned the Sigma 105mm F2.8 Art lens for my Sony A7R3 (and it's the only lens I have). I'm really interested in trying 2x macro now, and specifically Laowa. Is this new 90mm lens better for Sony full frame mirrorless, or is the 60mm still your favorite? I ask because I know the 60mm was designed for APS-C primarily and has the vignetting and whatnot on full frame, plus because of the crop factor it would actually effectively be closer to 100mm when used in full frame sensors. Are they any different on the Sony full frame? Is the 60mm still your favorite, or is this new 90mm better suited/replaces the 60mm in full frame? Edit: TLDR Is this new lens replacing your older 60mm as your favorite, or is the 60mm still your fave? I tried your website and it always recommends either the 90mm or the 85mm, so I'm thinking the 90mm is now your favorite and will replace your 60mm, but I want your confirmation to be sure because I'm really between those two, not really interested in the 85. Thank you for your time and for your videos!
You are basically answering the question yourself. The 90mm is better in all ways than the 60mm.
@@MicaelWidell hi and thanks for super great informative channel! I am going to buy Laowa 25mm ultra macro and thinking which one from these two I should choose to my a6400: 90mm or 65mm? I checked your neat website for choosing lens, but still wondering. I know 65mm is for APS-C but while having a 25mm Laowa it seems more reasonable to buy 90mm for two reasons: with a6400 25mm is more like 38mm (right?) and 65mm is quite close to 38mm compared to 90mm (which will be about 135mm with APS-C, right? Another reason is compatibilty with full frame body (if ever even upgrading). Third reason could be wider usability due 90mm has Infinity Focus.
Edit. 65mm seems to have Infinity Focus also. đ€
My favorite lens for youtube video in ef 17-40 f/4. But for photos 24-104 f/4đđ
Excellent video. Q: what is the setting for your flash? Thx
Manual mode 1/16 - 1/32 in strength
Just in time for father's day :)
Can you please comment how lens would work the Raynox or Nisi closeup add-ons? Or way to get even more magnification while keeping a good working distance?
The Raynox probably works great together with a macro lens. Many macro photographers combine them. I havent tried myself though, because I never felt the need for more than 2x magnification.
First, thanks Micael, you're the part of the reason we are taking up macro after some 2 decades of landscape/street/architecture/wildlife etc. photography. Macro is indeed most different and rewarding as you say, and your Newton/Einstein analogy now one that I make to others.
My drive on magnification is this (We are on a Canon RF system):
For example, lets take a ladybug 3mm-5mm in size, after max 2x Laowa magnification, a 6mm-8mm ladybug hits a full-frame sensor of 36mm*24mm. 6mm-8mm on 36mm is only 1/6 to 1/4 of the sensor. If we put that on a 20-50mp sensor, significant resolution may need to be cropped away.
We've seen some of your ladybug photos, did you also crop as such? How do you go about smaller insects?
Having a magnification of 3x or 4x would result in a size of 9mm-20mm, just about right size on the sensor.
So far, our ideas on more magnification on the Laowa 90mm:
1. Raynox DCR-250
The Laowa 90mm, at 2x mag. has a min. working distance of 72mm. I know the Raynox 250 will lower that distance, not sure how much. The closest reference I've found is here:
www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4576719
Both the Laowa 90mm and 100mm are roughly similar focal lengths, max 2x mag, with similar working distances. However, the optical formula is different, but I can only extrapolate that the loss in working distances will also be similar.
In sum, the loss of working distance to 31mm may just be too much and scare away most insects.
2. Raynox DCR-150
Not sure about the loss of working distance here, but less than the Raynox DCR-250 for sure. We can expect a working distance of maybe 50-60mm?
In sum, one option to potentially try. Smaller loss of working distance, but also smaller magnification, maybe an acceptable middle ground.
3. NiSi closeup
I found that the NiSi closeup is suitable for mid-telephoto lenses, that the recommended focus distance is 90mm to 200mm, bringing the magnification to 1:1.
Does this imply that the NiSi closeups are incompatible with Laowa macro lenses?
In sum, not sure about this one, more no than yes from sources online.
4. Extension tubes
We've seen your videos here, among other sources.
czcams.com/video/1e-kIptETfM/video.html
At this time, only Meike makes extension tubes for the RF system (13mm and 18mm for 40 USD). We will need approx. to stake 4 of these (13mm+18mm+13mm+18mm) for 2x magnification, maybe a bit too nonsensical.
Also not sure how the above translates to loss in working distance. Might just be too much.
In sum, also not sure about this one, could start to experiment with one stack of 13mm and 18mm.
5. Teleconverters
Based on afermentioned source here:
www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4576719
Teleconverters appear to be the most ideal solution, however, the new RF teleconveters will extend into the back element of most lenses (except for a few big telephoto prime, even its own 70mm-200 are incompatible). Will need extension tube here.
The 2x teleconventers are also a big detriment to imagine quality, solution here is also the most expensive.
In sum, also not sure about this one, maybe a 1.4 teleconvter plus 1 or 2 extension tubes are the way to go.
What are your thought here? Thanks again.
I have the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 macro 2x with my Sony A7iii but perhaps I need to go back to using flash as not able to get good shots.. Have been thinking of getting the Sony 90mm macro because of the ability to use the auto focus... any comments?!
Autofocus is worthless when photographing insects. The Sony 90mm is more expensive and has half the magnification of the Laowa. I would never make that switch. Start using a flash and a diffuser and watch my videos in the "Beginner" playlist and follow the advice there, and your photos will look awesome :) You already have the best lens on the market.
**Don't beat me up too bad, I'm new at macro** Just bought this Laowa 90mm for my Sony A7RV. I always heard about "rocking" while taking macro photos. Am I to interpret that as you set your focus to 2:1 or 1:1 based off of the size of the bug and then rock forward or backward till it's in focus? Then take your single shot or begin your focus bracket? Any constructive response is greatly appreciated.
Great lens and if you want 2x macro, the way to go. I shoot Nikon so have the 105 MC which I picked up new for 350 USD more than Loawa but you get image stabalisation sync, auto-focus, in camera photostacking, a great portrait lens and great landscape short telephoto, all sharp corner to corner with beautiful rendering. It only goes to 1x macro though which is fine for me for a general lens.
Hi Micael. I see this is describe a being for full frame cameras, is the Laowa 90mm lens compatible with Canon R7 / R10 APS-C cameras too?
Yes absolutely. But I would buy the Laowa 65mm for APS-C cameras as it is much smaller while delivering the same image quality
@MicaelWidell Thanks Micael. I currently run a canon R6ii so will be using the lens on that primarily for macro and possibly portrait and think the 90mm may be a better all-rounder. Looking at the R7 crop as a second body so want to be able to interchange lenses.
Thank you
Can you use an external shutter trigger with this lens on the R5?
Yes you can use an external shutter trigger with any lens
Can you please make a video showing your editing workflow for your imagesđđŒđđŒđđŒ
I have a whole playlist with several Lightroom videos. Check my Lightroom playlist on my channel page.
Micael if you were just starting out with no macro lenses, you can only get one, would you go for the 60mm, 100mm or the new 90mm Laowa , also which diffuser do you recommend with the choice of lens
Depends on your camera and needs. Use lensguide.micaelwidell.com and the answer is what I would buy if I was you :)
Thank you, Sony A1 camera, macro only so Iâm guessing the new 90mm,
Which diffuser
@@pauldryer6683 yes then the 90mm is an excellent choice. I havenât tested that many diffusers but I think the Pope Shield is the best Iâve tried yet. See my review of it.
I am using a Nikon Z50 at the moment but will be upgrading to the Nikon Z7 ii shortly. Your guide recommends the 85 mm. Would this 90 be a good choice? I really enjoyed your review here.
If my guide recommends the 85mm, it must be because you answered that small tiny size is more important than a wide max aperture for you. It basically comes down to that between these two lenses - is tiny lens size or wide max aperture most important to you? Otherwise the image quality is very very similar according to my tests - both are excellent optically.
@@MicaelWidell thank you. That is exactly what I did. I from your review I really like the 90 mm . Thank you for answering back so quickly
I have the Nikon Z50 with me. Would any of these laowa macro lenses work for my APSC camera? Thanks! I am thinking of the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO. Thanks!
Which macro lens would you recommend for Nikon Z50 APSC camera? 58/60/65/85/90/100mm? So many options, it's hard to choose. Thanks! :)
I made this lens guide to make it easier to pick: lensguide.micaelwidell.com
@@MicaelWidell Thanks for the guide Micael! It recommends 65mm lens for the Z50. I've one doubt though. Z50 has neither focus-stacking nor focus-bracketing nor IBIS. Without these three features would you still recommend this combination of camera and lens for serious macro photography? I'm especially concerned about working with a razor thin DOF. Thank you!
Hello Micael! I am considering buying LAOWA 90mm for my sony, but I wonder how this lens performs longterm, I mean are there any problems with mechanical quality / focus ring accuracy etc. Could you please share your experience in this regard? Thank you!
I haven't used this particular lens a lot. But I have used other Laowa macro lenses for years, and I never had any issues with the things you mention. Solid quality in my experience.
Thank you; I just wonder if this might be a design flaw affecting this particular lens. @@MicaelWidell
I got this lens a month ago, but i just noticed today when i was playing with it that the front part where the hood attachment is( blue ring), got a little room for some wiggle... is it normal?
Not sure what you mean wiggles? The hood? That is normal.
@@MicaelWidell i mean where the blue ring part exactly is (the whole part above focusing ring). If i remove the hood then twist the part where the hood is attached to. If i try to move it with a little bit force, it wiggles.
Would you get even better results using it on a MFT camera with a speedbooster?
A speedbooster is not what you want in macro photography, in fact you want to use a small aperture to get enough depth of field.
Did you make that flash diffuser yourself ? I wish to buy one if something like that is being sold online
I did not make it myself. It is a diffuser from DĂRR. Search youtube for DĂRR macro diffuser to learn more.
@@MicaelWidell Thank you!
Does it still have that open front design where you have to attach a UV filter at the front to keep the dust out?
No it is completely sealed and you cannot open
@@MicaelWidell Still looks like a protective glass more than a working lens in the front.. I always leave the protective lens off of my 60mm since there are visible reflections added by the included UV filter... I wonder if this is more about consumer appeasement than about what makes sense for image quality?
As this lens is for full frame cameras will it still work for APS-C cameras? Wanting to buy it for Sony a6000
it will work great on a Sony A6000. But I would rather buy the Laowa 65mm which is a lot smaller and optimized for APS-C. Only reason I would buy the 90mm is if I planned to upgrade to full frame.
@@MicaelWidell thanks for replying and yh not planning on going full frame so I'll get the 65mm thanks alot
Nice lens! What difference versus a Sony 90mm macro OSS + Raynox DCR 250 (2.5x magnification) ? Between we achieve similar results ?
The Sony 90mm on its own is much less sharp, more chromatic aberration.Then you add magnification which will reveal the resolving difference even more... So, not similar results...
You can probably get similar results, but it is more of a hassle as you cannot just smoothly change magnification between infinity and 2x.
I really hope they release the 65mm for RF mount soon for the R7, otherwise I might get this one
Hello Micael, can you please compare Laowa 85mm to Laowa 90mm Lens? Thank you.
Both are excellent optically - depends on if you prefer small size or large max aperture.
@@MicaelWidell Thank you
Which difuser are you using on your camera?
It is the DĂRR diffuser - search youtube for my video about it
Ordered with your link. Anyone experience any issues with ordering Venus lens products direct from China? Did they add any tax to anyoneâs order after purchase was made? Just curious, thanks!
I think they often write very low numbers in the customs declaration, so I think in most cases you will not get a lot of tax to pay. But might vary by country.
Where is the 90mm for APS-C Fujifilm use?
There is the 65mm which is much smaller and gives equal image quality, and which is optimized for APS C.
Would u recommend this over the 85mm x2? I just bought it on your recommendation.
I would say both are equally good. It is a question of whether you prefer small size or large max aperture.
@@MicaelWidell since this lens will only be for macro and not portraits, I don't think I need 2.8, right?
If you only do macro, you seldom need f/2.8. I personally prefer the 85mm because it is so compact
If you already had the 60mm with an ef-rf adapter would you replace it with this new lens?
Tough call. I have the 60mm now and I am not 100% sure I will replace it with the 90mm, although the 90mm clearly is the better lens, because it can focus longer distances without vignetting, and has a nicer build quality. But the 60mm simply is excellent for most things I do.
@@MicaelWidell thanks I am thinking I wont rush and wait till I see one show up used
question. why do you not use the lens hood?
It would block the flash and scare the insects. Also it is of absolutely zero use if you don't have sunlight shining directly into your lens, which I pretty much never have.
@@MicaelWidell thanks because of your videos I got into macro photography. i bought this lens yesterday.
So 90 and 100mm are the King and Queen of macro ;)
Do you know how much. Can't see it listed anywhere.
Click the link in my video description to get to the website. it is 500 dollars
I bought the 90mm laowa lens, but now I canât stop debating if to return it and get the Sony one to stick with 1st party lenses. So hard to know without trying it.
Not sure what the benefit of only using 1st party lenses would be? The sony only has 1x magnification so it will definitely not be as much fun to use.
@@MicaelWidell I keep having to remind myself of that. Haha.
Can you use this aspc sensor
Yes
Thanks for the review, Michael.
The url for the lens seems to be broken.
Yeah Laowa tend to not keep their launch times themselves. Try to go to their website and reload until it appears under macro lenses.
Happy to tell you the url works now. Do you have a discount code?
@@pradiptapd Nope, sorry, I don't have any discount codes
Please review the 100mm cine version from Laowa. I'm between the Sony 90mm, the Laowa 90mm and the Laowa 100mm cine. If you have any suggestions outside of a full review, I would greatly appreciate it.
EDIT: Also for consideration, for me personally, money is not a factor, and weight is not a factor.
The cine version most likely is exactly the same lens in a different casing. The 90mm is for mirrorless cameras, the 100mm is for DSLRs - so depends on your camera - no point at all in buying the 100mm if you use a mirrorless camera. The Sony 90mm is only a good option if you absolutely must have autofocus - otherwise it is just an expensive lens with half the magnification of the Laowa lenses. All of these lenses are perfect optically, and you would not be able to tell the difference in a photo.
@Micael Widell on Photography Thank you. Well I suppose the only remaining question would be why the Laowa 90mm would be better for mirrorless aside from size and weight, as the 100mm cine lens weight is actually even heavier than the normal 100mm, and I don't have an issue with that for my purposes (video). I suppose I am asking whether or not the mirrorless design is beneficial mostly due to physical dimensions in your view. I should note that for video purposes (my usage), the absolute sharpest Optics aren't as much of a priority as it would be in photography, so the cine housing and extra reach is tempting, and there are essentially no major reviews on it.
Have you ever had any success with a ring flash?
I donât think ring flashes give any good results. See my video on the Godox MF12 to get some more thoughts from me.
Sadly this lens is unavailable in the UK right now, as is the camera I would like to use with it - Canon R7...
Laowas lenses usually are unavailable in most retailers in the world. What I do is I just order them online from their official website, and they ship for free within a few days.
Thanks, I'll bear that in mind once I can get my hands on the camera.
I think Venus optics has removed the lens from their catalogue! I do not find it.
They haven't added it to their website yet. It is funny with Venus Optics. They tend to announce launch dates and times, and never keep them themselves, probably losing lots of sales đ It will come soon.
@@MicaelWidell Fingers crossed!
@@SalarHaghighatafshar If you click the large banner for the 90mm that is now up, you get to the product page, though it is still not listed in the top menu for some reason ^^
I've noticed you almost never use a lens Hood, why is that?
I seldom shoot with the sun on my lens, because that would destroy the look of the photos. And since the sun never shines on my lens when I take photos, I don't need a lens hood. Also, at 2x magnification that I use a lot, the lens hood would block the light from the flash. Also, my diffuser kind of works as a lens hood as it can block the sun when needed.
@@MicaelWidell ok, i've almost been religous with using a lens Hood, maybr i've ought to take it of once in a whileđ
@@williamvesterberg1107 A lens hood is great for non-macro photography but for macro I think it mostly gets in the way :)
0:38 I am suprised that Laowa have a spelling mistake in their table. Refractive index rather than reflective.
Does no electronics mean no focus peaking?
Focus peaking is always available, even when there are no electronics in the lens. Actually, it is most useful for lenses without electronics :)
@@MicaelWidell Thanks!
Brother how many days took to deliver laowa 90mm lens to you. Because after placing order money got debited and received mail that no stock. And I called customer care that don't cancel my order once it is in stock they make sure. Brother offcourse this comment is irrelevant to you but. As I saw your video I strictly stick to 90mm f2.8 ultra macro lens. Thanks for your explanation in this video.
Usually they deliver within a couple of days. If they are out of stock I cannot answer when they will be delivered. Only Laowa can answer that
@@MicaelWidell no I agree but as keep watching your video got inspired brother.
Please explain why a 65mm macro by this company is better than my 90mm f2.8 Macro lens - Very good clarity in your examples PS: I only own Sony E mount cameras
The laowa lenses have 2x magnification, the Sony 90mm, if that is what you refer to, only has 1x magnification. It makes a big difference if you want to photograph small things like insects. Also, the 65mm lens is extremely tiny and lightweight compared to the Sony 90mm, and costs 1/3 of the price.
@@MicaelWidell Thanks for the advice, Micael - Loving your channel, got into macro during lockdowns but as you say the 90mm is a bit heavy for hand held photography.
can you make a comparison with the Laowa 85mm? I want to use it on the Sony a6600
Both are equally great in image quality. Which one to buy depends on whether you fancy tiny size or wide max aperture more. But for Sony A6000 you should get the 65mm. No point in buying big bulky full frame lenses for aps c when there exists smaller ones optimized for aps c.
I own the Laowa 100mm f2.8 and it is heavy.
I will like to know how it performs with a 60 megapixels Camera !? But I think the Laowa 90mm Lens do not live up to my very high expectations, I have the VoigtlÀnder Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm 2.0, I do not need 2:1 or 1:1 because I have a 60 megapixels sensor Camera which I often use in APSC mode and still have lots to crop from. In the last 10 to 12 years I have moved from 90/100 Macro Lenses towards 60/65mm Macro Lenses, I love my old analog Leica Macro-Elmarit-R 60mm 2.8 and I still hope for a new Lens that have the excellent built quality of the old Leica, the Leica have beautiful color rendering and very smooth bokeh.
Megapixels do not matter in high magnification macro photography, as you are limited by diffraction anyway. I am sure it will give you great results at 60mp if you manage to balance aperture and diffraction.
@@MicaelWidell For most of my macro photography I use either aperture 4.0 or 5.6, more rarely 2.8 or 8.0 and many times I use APSC mode. But I do see differences from Lens to Lens with 61 megapixel camera, a lower resolution camera do not "see" the differences so much as a high resolution camera.
@@cameraprepper7938 The Laowa macro lenses tend to be as sharp as, or sharper than any other brand in comparisons... Lots of tests are using high resolution sensors if you want to do a little search. Super sharp with super smooth bokeh are the signatures for Laowa lenses IMO. They are seen as the one of the best lens makers these days...
@@0ooTheMAXXoo0 " Lots of tests are using high resolution sensors" Show me 3 at 60 megapixel and 'Laowa macro Lenses !
The king of macro is Laowa 85 f / 5.6. A wide aperture is not required without stabilization. Macro requires a tripod or light. But in these cases, a wide aperture is not required.
But if we talk about a universal macro lens, then the king is Canon RF 100 f/2.8.
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It is a shame Laowa doesn' t ship to the Netherlands.
I guess they must have a deal with a local distributor that prohibits them from shipping directly there.
@@MicaelWidell It seems several large resellers have made a deal with Laowa, it comes down to paying ⏠160,- more for the 90 mm I cannot even buy it on Amazon, they just don't ship it here. Strange.
Have autofocus???
No
Laowa sure doesn't like people removing their lens from the camera. Virutally of all their lenses have super tiny fixed parts to grip when mounting/dismounting... Quite annoying.
Boy these CZcams ads are obnoxious now. Smh!
Get CZcams premium. Itâs so worth it!
No x mount đ
You have the 65mm for X-mount, which is basically the same lens but much smaller and lighter. Can't see why you would want to buy a lens designed for full frame for an aps-c camera?
@@MicaelWidell i don't know too much about the technicalities of photography, since I'm new to it. Sry :P