If you are interested in this lens, you can order it directly from Laowa's official website using my affiliate link: www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-100mm-f-2-8-2x-macro-apo/ref/11/ And if you are from New Zealand, you can buy this lens from PhotoGear: photogear.co.nz/laowa-100mm-f-2-8-2x-ultra-macro-apo.html
It is a great lens, I bought it. The only thing that disturbs me is that it is very difficult to take pictures without tripod. It has no image stabilisation. But because I do a lot of jewelry and diamond photography that is not a big issue. If you engage into field photography, then that might be a bit of problem. For me the 2x magnification was the most important.
This is a really excellent, detailed review complete with pros and cons and lots of useful information for people who may be new to macro photography. Anyone who has done a review like this should be aware that it is time consuming and not all that easy to do. Wish all reviews were even half this good. Thank you for doing such an excellent job.
Thank you very much Dan! Glad you like the review. Yes I always try my best to create informative and fair review and make it easy for beginners to understand as we were all beginners once and I understand how overwhelming it could be when trying to understand some of the reviews Thanks again for the kind comments!
A very thorough and infofmative review, Richard. It's a lens I've been thinking of getting for some time. (But then I've also been thinking of Laowa's 15mm ultra-wide macro or their 25mm 2.5~5x macro lens...)
Thank you Andrew! I have actually tested all three lenses. They are all macro but very different. 15mm is great if you want ultra wide macro. 25mm is an ultra macro only but pretty insane 5x magnification. This 100mm is probably the most "traditional" short telephoto macro lens but with 2x magnification
Exceptionally sharp lens that is a lot of fun to shoot with. At 2x magnification, depth of field is very shallow, but it work well with focus stacking software. Overall highly recommended. It is built very well. At least the US version comes with a UV filter that serves as a barrier to the front element, reducing dust and dirt. Not weather sealed, but at least some protection.
Sure, I got this lens and it is marvellous. Just remember, this is a portrait lens and very good at that, but don't use this lens at an aperture of 1.8 for landscape or the like because only the centre part of this lens will be sharp. If you want to shoot landscapes and not portrait be careful of the aperture. The best sharpness is around 5.6 one stop over or under this will still give you a decent sharpness.
Se agradecería este tipo de reseñas en español de su parte, no sólo en su idioma de origen y en inglés... (It would be appreciated this type of reviews in Spanish on your part, not only in their language of origin and in English ...)
@@TheRealRichardWong Thank you, but my comment was addressed in response to the comment of Laowa Venus Optics and by way of observation. Excuse me, your work is perfect. Thanks for your reply. Miguel
@Laowa - Venus Optics : Se agradecería este tipo de reseñas en español de su parte, no sólo en su idioma de origen y en inglés... (It would be appreciated this type of reviews in Spanish on your part, not only in their language of origin and in English ...)
Richard, I had the same question. I am just a tiny bit concerned that if the UV lens is air tight, it might provide a bit of resistance to the movement of the internal optics. If you have a chance to test this, I think we would all be very grateful. Thanks again
Nice review that I was looking for. I ordered my a week ago for Sony camera at Laowa Website but I could not found any information how the lens works (Movement Of The Barrow). I just find out by watching your Video. By the way They are sold out on Laowa Website right now. I might use the filter to protect insides but it is 67 mm which I don't have. Need to get one.
On a m43 camera, it becomes a 200mm 4X macro ! Does it meter at full aperture on your Nikon ? So it is basically a lens with an integrated extension tube.
Nice review Richard. Does this lens work well with the z6/7 ? I was thinking that using focus peaking through the viewfinder would be a bonus as this a manual focus lens. Thanks.
Hi Barry yes it works fine with the z. Actually all the photos in this review Were shot on my z6. Only one thing is the aperture coupling doesn't seem to work on the FTZ adaptor? Ie when I stop down the aperture would go small immediately on the FTZ. Is this some setting I can change to make it work the same as on a DSLR? I don't know but I didn't look into it as I don't really mind on a Z
Richard Wong Hopefully ! With no native Z mount macros on the Nikon road map this could be a good option - as a Z7 owner I will be considering it certainly. Maybe Venus Optics will send you a review copy ! : 😀
yes technically yes i guess as the total length of the lens doesn't change. But the front element would move from middle of the lens to the front when you change focus from infinity to 2x magnification
Hi Richard, I have a question: Micro four thirds cameras are well known for having a relative smaller shallow depth of field... do you think that this is an advantage in macro photography? What is more suitable sensor size for Macro?
Hi German Bueso, i think the answer is yes and no. Yes because if you compare micro four thirds to full frame, you have 2 stop deeper depth of field at same aperture setting and equivalent focal length, so that means you can shoot at two stops lower ISO. But on the other hand, full frame sensor usually also has 2 stops of advantage when it comes to high ISO performance, so they kind of balance out each other.
German Bueso to add, lenses made for full frame cameras, while they may be mounted to APS-C or MFT cameras, are sharpest on full frame because they are using all of the glass, which means you can potentially crop in more and you’re not magnifying the imperfections of the glass And I think you meant wider depth of field on MFT
German Bueso I also thought I’d add that, while macro is defined as being 1:1, because of the differences in sensor size, you will get more zoomed in pictures on MFT and APS-C than full frame, so 1:1 on full frame is not the same composition as 1:1 on MFT.
@@TheRealRichardWong Thanks, Richard! By "practical" I meant less than $3,000. :-) My only concern with the Laowa would be the "pumping" action introducing dust into the lens/camera, but I understand that a UV filter would mitigate that. Also, that it's not weather-sealed like the S1 body. But if it's as sharp as I've read in these reviews, it may be worth a try. I assume it would be sharper than the Lumix S 24-105 f/4 at 100mm?
Great review Richard. If I get this 100mm macro for my gh5 micro4/3 camera would it look like a 200mm macro lens? If thats the case would it be better to get the laowa 60mm macro
hi Ramy, yes the equivalent focal length would be 200mm, which makes it quite a long focal length! I think you are right, the 60mm (which makes it 120mm equivalent on m43) would be a more common focal length for macro lens instead.
@@TheRealRichardWong thanks for the quick reply. Keep in mind that I'm forced to use a viltrox speed booster adapter with that 100mm on my gh5. So it won't be totally like a 200mm. Do u still think the 100mm would still be too much magnification.?
You can get EXIF data saved in the files, and aperture to apear in viewfinder by setting the lens specifications into the non-CPU menu; like every digital Nikon that works with AI/AIS lenses.
@@melvinch Not pointless for me, I use EXIF to record know what I set the lens aperture to. Why do you want to record the actual light level, isn't want the lens was set to more useful?
@@TheRealRichardWong of course, the FTZ has no AI coupling, so camera nor adpater can tell the position of the ring. Your review was using the DF, that can report aperture when lens data is entered.
Unfortunately so far dxomark hasn't tested any Laowa lenses yet. I would like to buy this lens. Do you know what is the sharpness of the lens, what is the maximum amount of megapixels that it can 'handle', transfer through this lens?
Thanks for review. I was thinking of getting this lens for my D500, or do you think I would be better getting the 60mm Laowa macro for the crop sensor body? Thanks if you get time to answer.
I think they are both great. The 60mm is quite a bit smaller but downside is you can't use on full frame camera in the future (without cropping). Another lens you can consider is the Laowa 85mm 5.6
Hi Pong, thank you, and from memory the focus confirmation doesn't work. But it's been a few months since I last used the lens so i'm not 100% sure. Maybe other viewer who have the lens can confirm?
I was looking for the real life usage of this lens and I found your video! Thanks for the review. I was curious about its focusing system, does whole group of lens is moving forward when it focus closer, or just front group of elements is moving forward?
Great review! Will the Sony FE version have control over the aperture? Also, will the Sony version connect directly to the camera or will it require an adapter?
Very nice review as always, Richard! I have this lens on a Z7, and when I tried to enable the "Focus Shift" feature of the Z7, I found that it remained disabled (unselectable). I was using Manual Mode, EFCS Off, ISO 100, at f/11. (I was able to use Focus Shift mode with other lenses, i.e., Nikkor s 24-70 f/4, 50 f/1.8). Is it possible that Focus Shift won't work with this Laowa lens because of the unrecognized f/stop, or do I have something configured incorrectly? Thank you!
Would you recommend a tripod collar with it for macro? I'm shooting with a Canon 5D Mark II (weighing 810g) and this lens apparently weighing 638g. I've never used a collar before, thoughts?
Hi, I have Canon’s version as of right now (625g and about the same length as this lens) and I would say absolutely no need for a collar. I even mounted it with Canon’s 35mm f2 IS USM reversed on the 100mm and the weight was ok-ish for the camera tripod mount. Also if you didn’t know, the Canon version of this lens does have EXIF data and electronics for in body aperture control, as well as metering.
@@TheRealRichardWong Thanks you two! I'm going to be getting one of these ASAP! :D I've been looking at the used market for lenses over the past month and this pops up with double the zoom capacity? Very cool.
I've got the same camera and often do not us a collar, in agreement with all the other replies. However if you at any point decided to get one, forget the Canon version, since a number of 3rd party companies makes ones that are excellent, for much lower price.
@@shang-hsienyang1284 I don't think that you need to get Canon lens for Sony. The electronics don't do too much. And manually changing aperture to me will not kill me. Plus why I need extra weight to the camera. I do have the adapter but I ordered the Sony any way.
When you use the Metabones adapter and set it in adv. mode, the camera would think a manual focus e-mount lens is used. You get all the perks such as auto magnification when you rotate the focus ring and correct focal length information for IBIS. Without electronic contacts you have to set everything by yourself.
Would there be any issues using this lens on an apsc crop sensor camera, I'm using a Canon T7i, also how does it compare with the Laowa 60mm 2x ultra macro lens which I am currently using. Very nice review!
No issue at all when used on Apsc camera. It is a longer focal length than the Laowa 60mm and I think the 60mm isn't APO as well so this should have better Chromatic aberration control. Oh and thanks!
Richard Wong I bought a clear B+W 007 protective lens for my 60mm because it worried me the same with dust being able to enter the barrel of the lens, so I guess I will do the same for this lens. Thank you for getting back to me so quickly! If you care to see my work, check out my Facebook page. facebook.com/JaySunLen/ or just type Microcosm.
Did you use my affiliate link? :P the aperture coupling just works... If you mount it on your Nikon DSLR, change to a smaller aperture won't reduce the aperture immediately until you take the photo
I would be very interested to know the real focal length at 2:1; the way the focus ring has only a tiny amount of movement between 1:1 and 2:1 suggests to me a very rapid change in focal length to acheive the higher magnification (e.g. dropping it to 50mm with the same extension would go from 1:1 to 2:1). Does the focus distance rapidly drop between 1:1 and 2:1, suggesting the focal length is being reduced?
the focus distance (measured from the camera focal plane mark to subject) decreased by approx 1/4 when change from 1:1 to 2:1. And re focus ring travel..travel from 2:1 to 1:1 is a bit more than from 4:1 to 2:1, and then from 1:1 to 2:1 is a bit more than from 2:1 to 1:1. In other words, the focus ring travel amount is actually larger when you getting to the ultra macro side.
@@TheRealRichardWong great info, thanks Richard; your measurements combined with known closest focus of 247mm gives the focal length at 1:1 as 83mm and 55mm at 2:1; which is pretty good, better than I expected.
excellent review, thank you. I think the only fault is saving the 2 bucks for a exif chip. sorry I will not buy, on the sony version also the focus magnify will not work, very important for macro work.
Can i ask what this means for nikon users and will it work with my d3400? Ive been trying to find info out on this but info is very limited on the nikon version. What is aparture coupling?
Price will be available on official website once it's available: www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-100mm-f-2-8-2x-macro-apo/ref/11/ (this is my affiliated link)
Laowa still does not understand that a fully mechanical lens without contacts IS NO GOOD as its ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE to focus in the field. Put contacts on the nikon version !!!
@@TheRealRichardWong for macro you need to close lens to f16 or more, since the lens does not close the aperture diafragm at the moment you take the picture the viewfinder is dark almost black ( with a dslr) and with mirrorless there is grain, blooming and more so with either case its alnost impossible to focus at f/16, f/22 etc..
Maybe I didn't do a good job in the video when explaining this, but that's exactly what Laowa has done to both canon and Nikon version (by different mechanism). If you stop down on Nikon DSLR, the aperture remain wide open until the moment it's taking the photo
You are correct to some extent, but if you paid attention, Richard explained that the Nikon version does not have the problem that you describe in your detailed explanation. However, it would be great to have full control, and even optical stabilization (which would certainly add to the cost). For some of us however, even with these cons, it may be a very worthwhile lens at it's very competitive cost.
If you are interested in this lens, you can order it directly from Laowa's official website using my affiliate link:
www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-100mm-f-2-8-2x-macro-apo/ref/11/
And if you are from New Zealand, you can buy this lens from PhotoGear:
photogear.co.nz/laowa-100mm-f-2-8-2x-ultra-macro-apo.html
It is a great lens, I bought it. The only thing that disturbs me is that it is very difficult to take pictures without tripod. It has no image stabilisation. But because I do a lot of jewelry and diamond photography that is not a big issue. If you engage into field photography, then that might be a bit of problem. For me the 2x magnification was the most important.
This is a really excellent, detailed review complete with pros and cons and lots of useful information for people who may be new to macro photography. Anyone who has done a review like this should be aware that it is time consuming and not all that easy to do. Wish all reviews were even half this good.
Thank you for doing such an excellent job.
Thank you very much Dan! Glad you like the review. Yes I always try my best to create informative and fair review and make it easy for beginners to understand as we were all beginners once and I understand how overwhelming it could be when trying to understand some of the reviews
Thanks again for the kind comments!
A very thorough and infofmative review, Richard. It's a lens I've been thinking of getting for some time. (But then I've also been thinking of Laowa's 15mm ultra-wide macro or their 25mm 2.5~5x macro lens...)
Thank you Andrew! I have actually tested all three lenses. They are all macro but very different. 15mm is great if you want ultra wide macro. 25mm is an ultra macro only but pretty insane 5x magnification. This 100mm is probably the most "traditional" short telephoto macro lens but with 2x magnification
Exceptionally sharp lens that is a lot of fun to shoot with. At 2x magnification, depth of field is very shallow, but it work well with focus stacking software. Overall highly recommended. It is built very well. At least the US version comes with a UV filter that serves as a barrier to the front element, reducing dust and dirt. Not weather sealed, but at least some protection.
Sure, I got this lens and it is marvellous. Just remember, this is a portrait lens and very good at that, but don't use this lens at an aperture of 1.8 for landscape or the like because only the centre part of this lens will be sharp. If you want to shoot landscapes and not portrait be careful of the aperture. The best sharpness is around 5.6 one stop over or under this will still give you a decent sharpness.
I just bought this lens and plan to use it for product photography aside from macro.
Nice review as usual! Might be interested in this lens!
Thank you Ken!
Thank you for your support as always Richard!
Always excited trying out your lenses!
Se agradecería este tipo de reseñas en español de su parte, no sólo en su idioma de origen y en inglés... (It would be appreciated this type of reviews in Spanish on your part, not only in their language of origin and in English ...)
I would love to help but I can't speak Spanish.
@@TheRealRichardWong Thank you, but my comment was addressed in response to the comment of Laowa Venus Optics and by way of observation. Excuse me, your work is perfect. Thanks for your reply. Miguel
@Laowa - Venus Optics : Se agradecería este tipo de reseñas en español de su parte, no sólo en su idioma de origen y en inglés... (It would be appreciated this type of reviews in Spanish on your part, not only in their language of origin and in English ...)
An excellent, useful review Richard -thanks!
Thanks again Eric! :)
2x macro! I need this!
Haha it's super fun! And if you do get it, please use my ultra rare affiliate link or if you from new Zealand, go visit my friends at Photogear
Use a lens filter to protect it from dust.
How about using UV filter to protect it from the dust?
yes you can do that!! i don't know why i didn't think of that when doing the review!!! :/
Richard,
I had the same question. I am just a tiny bit concerned that if the UV lens is air tight, it might provide a bit of resistance to the movement of the internal optics. If you have a chance to test this, I think we would all be very grateful.
Thanks again
I will check if I have a filter of that size and test it!
@@DrDaab just checked all my filters, unfortunately none is the correct size so sorry can't test it for you.
That s very nice!
Nice review that I was looking for. I ordered my a week ago for Sony camera at Laowa Website but I could not found any information how the lens works (Movement Of The Barrow). I just find out by watching your Video. By the way They are sold out on Laowa Website right now.
I might use the filter to protect insides but it is 67 mm which I don't have. Need to get one.
Glad you like the review and found it useful! Yeah I think using a filter is very good idea for this lens!
Nice review Richard!
Thank you!
Great review
Thank you very much
Fantastic review my friend 👌👌👌👌
On a m43 camera, it becomes a 200mm 4X macro !
Does it meter at full aperture on your Nikon ?
So it is basically a lens with an integrated extension tube.
It would meter correctly because of the aperture coupling mechanism (at wide open aperture) on a Nikon DSLR
Richard Wong does it only apply the aperture you set when you press the shutter? So that you can focus with max light?
Yes that's the reason. Brighter and also easier for you to check the focus is accurate too
I believe it would be a 200 mm 2x macro on M43...
Nice review Richard. Does this lens work well with the z6/7 ? I was thinking that using focus peaking through the viewfinder would be a bonus as this a manual focus lens. Thanks.
Hi Barry yes it works fine with the z. Actually all the photos in this review Were shot on my z6. Only one thing is the aperture coupling doesn't seem to work on the FTZ adaptor? Ie when I stop down the aperture would go small immediately on the FTZ. Is this some setting I can change to make it work the same as on a DSLR? I don't know but I didn't look into it as I don't really mind on a Z
Richard Wong Just to note that this lens will be available in Z mount also ! (According to Venus Optics to Nikon Rumours )
Thanks for the info Barry! I guess there is good demand for z mount?
Richard Wong Hopefully ! With no native Z mount macros on the Nikon road map this could be a good option - as a Z7 owner I will be considering it certainly. Maybe Venus Optics will send you a review copy ! : 😀
Haha I could ask them.. but I have a feeling it will be the f version with a built in FTZ adaptor so virtually the same as what I have tested
很親切的香港英文口音～ 加油！！
多謝支持！我會努力！
Hello, Lens is completely manual(Focus and aperture)
Will this lens work on a Nikon D850? Thanks in advance, excellent review. Mahalo
Yes definitely!
internal focus?
yes technically yes i guess as the total length of the lens doesn't change. But the front element would move from middle of the lens to the front when you change focus from infinity to 2x magnification
Hi Richard, I have a question: Micro four thirds cameras are well known for having a relative smaller shallow depth of field... do you think that this is an advantage in macro photography? What is more suitable sensor size for Macro?
Hi German Bueso, i think the answer is yes and no. Yes because if you compare micro four thirds to full frame, you have 2 stop deeper depth of field at same aperture setting and equivalent focal length, so that means you can shoot at two stops lower ISO. But on the other hand, full frame sensor usually also has 2 stops of advantage when it comes to high ISO performance, so they kind of balance out each other.
German Bueso to add, lenses made for full frame cameras, while they may be mounted to APS-C or MFT cameras, are sharpest on full frame because they are using all of the glass, which means you can potentially crop in more and you’re not magnifying the imperfections of the glass
And I think you meant wider depth of field on MFT
German Bueso I also thought I’d add that, while macro is defined as being 1:1, because of the differences in sensor size, you will get more zoomed in pictures on MFT and APS-C than full frame, so 1:1 on full frame is not the same composition as 1:1 on MFT.
Thanks for the Reply 🎉
Excellent video, Richard! I was wondering if this Laowa is the only "practical" macro option for the Panasonic Lumix S1?
Thank you!
hey Steve, i guess depends on what you mean by practical? but this Laowa 100 2x macro is definitely a really good lens!
@@TheRealRichardWong Thanks, Richard! By "practical" I meant less than $3,000. :-) My only concern with the Laowa would be the "pumping" action introducing dust into the lens/camera, but I understand that a UV filter would mitigate that. Also, that it's not weather-sealed like the S1 body. But if it's as sharp as I've read in these reviews, it may be worth a try. I assume it would be sharper than the Lumix S 24-105 f/4 at 100mm?
Great review Richard. If I get this 100mm macro for my gh5 micro4/3 camera would it look like a 200mm macro lens? If thats the case would it be better to get the laowa 60mm macro
hi Ramy, yes the equivalent focal length would be 200mm, which makes it quite a long focal length! I think you are right, the 60mm (which makes it 120mm equivalent on m43) would be a more common focal length for macro lens instead.
@@TheRealRichardWong thanks for the quick reply. Keep in mind that I'm forced to use a viltrox speed booster adapter with that 100mm on my gh5. So it won't be totally like a 200mm. Do u still think the 100mm would still be too much magnification.?
You can get EXIF data saved in the files, and aperture to apear in viewfinder by setting the lens specifications into the non-CPU menu; like every digital Nikon that works with AI/AIS lenses.
Pointless as EXIF data will not take into account 4X light -transmission loss when fully extended to 2x magnification.
@@melvinch Not pointless for me, I use EXIF to record know what I set the lens aperture to. Why do you want to record the actual light level, isn't want the lens was set to more useful?
@@benox345 Unfortunately AFAIK, this is not how Nikon Z6/Z7 with FTZ handles it. It doesn't record the actual aperture in EXIF
@@TheRealRichardWong of course, the FTZ has no AI coupling, so camera nor adpater can tell the position of the ring. Your review was using the DF, that can report aperture when lens data is entered.
Unfortunately so far dxomark hasn't tested any Laowa lenses yet. I would like to buy this lens. Do you know what is the sharpness of the lens, what is the maximum amount of megapixels that it can 'handle', transfer through this lens?
Thanks for review. I was thinking of getting this lens for my D500, or do you think I would be better getting the 60mm Laowa macro for the crop sensor body? Thanks if you get time to answer.
I think they are both great. The 60mm is quite a bit smaller but downside is you can't use on full frame camera in the future (without cropping). Another lens you can consider is the Laowa 85mm 5.6
@@TheRealRichardWong Thanks Richard, I was looking at the 85mm 5.6, but I don't seem t be able to find it for Nikon mount.
Does it have focus confirmation at least for a Nikon dslr? Very nice review as always, thank you.
Hi Pong, thank you, and from memory the focus confirmation doesn't work. But it's been a few months since I last used the lens so i'm not 100% sure. Maybe other viewer who have the lens can confirm?
I was looking for the real life usage of this lens and I found your video! Thanks for the review. I was curious about its focusing system, does whole group of lens is moving forward when it focus closer, or just front group of elements is moving forward?
I just checked, the whole group of lens move forward when focus is closer.
@@TheRealRichardWong Thanks for your answer.
Great review! Will the Sony FE version have control over the aperture? Also, will the Sony version connect directly to the camera or will it require an adapter?
FE version control is via mechanical aperture ring. And it can connect to camera without adapter
@@TheRealRichardWong But if I'll buy Canon version and use it with MC-11 adapter on Sony - I should get Aperture control...Just thoughts..
Very nice review as always, Richard! I have this lens on a Z7, and when I tried to enable the "Focus Shift" feature of the Z7, I found that it remained disabled (unselectable). I was using Manual Mode, EFCS Off, ISO 100, at f/11. (I was able to use Focus Shift mode with other lenses, i.e., Nikkor s 24-70 f/4, 50 f/1.8). Is it possible that Focus Shift won't work with this Laowa lens because of the unrecognized f/stop, or do I have something configured incorrectly? Thank you!
The Laowa is a manual focus lens so focus shift won't work :)
Would you recommend a tripod collar with it for macro? I'm shooting with a Canon 5D Mark II (weighing 810g) and this lens apparently weighing 638g. I've never used a collar before, thoughts?
Hi,
I have Canon’s version as of right now (625g and about the same length as this lens) and I would say absolutely no need for a collar. I even mounted it with Canon’s 35mm f2 IS USM reversed on the 100mm and the weight was ok-ish for the camera tripod mount.
Also if you didn’t know, the Canon version of this lens does have EXIF data and electronics for in body aperture control, as well as metering.
Yes agree with Cameron, I don't feel it's needed as the lens isn't that long or heavy
@@TheRealRichardWong Thanks you two! I'm going to be getting one of these ASAP! :D I've been looking at the used market for lenses over the past month and this pops up with double the zoom capacity? Very cool.
I've got the same camera and often do not us a collar, in agreement with all the other replies. However if you at any point decided to get one, forget the Canon version, since a number of 3rd party companies makes ones that are excellent, for much lower price.
Great Video :) Does the lens have electronic contacts on the sony e version?
Thank you! I have not seen the Sony version but from what I've read, no, only Canon version has it.
I would get the Canon version and use a Metabones adapter.
That would make sense if you can afford the Metabones adapter : ) We're talking around $700, no ?
@@shang-hsienyang1284 I don't think that you need to get Canon lens for Sony. The electronics don't do too much. And manually changing aperture to me will not kill me. Plus why I need extra weight to the camera. I do have the adapter but I ordered the Sony any way.
When you use the Metabones adapter and set it in adv. mode, the camera would think a manual focus e-mount lens is used. You get all the perks such as auto magnification when you rotate the focus ring and correct focal length information for IBIS. Without electronic contacts you have to set everything by yourself.
Would there be any issues using this lens on an apsc crop sensor camera, I'm using a Canon T7i, also how does it compare with the Laowa 60mm 2x ultra macro lens which I am currently using. Very nice review!
No issue at all when used on Apsc camera. It is a longer focal length than the Laowa 60mm and I think the 60mm isn't APO as well so this should have better Chromatic aberration control. Oh and thanks!
Richard Wong I bought a clear B+W 007 protective lens for my 60mm because it worried me the same with dust being able to enter the barrel of the lens, so I guess I will do the same for this lens. Thank you for getting back to me so quickly! If you care to see my work, check out my Facebook page. facebook.com/JaySunLen/ or just type Microcosm.
Richard Wong also could you explain a little more on the aperture coupling, how to use it? I just ordered the lens😁
Did you use my affiliate link? :P the aperture coupling just works... If you mount it on your Nikon DSLR, change to a smaller aperture won't reduce the aperture immediately until you take the photo
Just checked your page, awesome photos !!! enjoy the lens
I would be very interested to know the real focal length at 2:1; the way the focus ring has only a tiny amount of movement between 1:1 and 2:1 suggests to me a very rapid change in focal length to acheive the higher magnification (e.g. dropping it to 50mm with the same extension would go from 1:1 to 2:1). Does the focus distance rapidly drop between 1:1 and 2:1, suggesting the focal length is being reduced?
Let me check and get back to you soon
the focus distance (measured from the camera focal plane mark to subject) decreased by approx 1/4 when change from 1:1 to 2:1.
And re focus ring travel..travel from 2:1 to 1:1 is a bit more than from 4:1 to 2:1, and then from 1:1 to 2:1 is a bit more than from 2:1 to 1:1. In other words, the focus ring travel amount is actually larger when you getting to the ultra macro side.
@@TheRealRichardWong great info, thanks Richard; your measurements combined with known closest focus of 247mm gives the focal length at 1:1 as 83mm and 55mm at 2:1; which is pretty good, better than I expected.
@@benox345 I did some more precise measurement. 1:1 is approx 27cm . 2:1 is approx 24.7cm
can we use this lens for food photography ?
Yes for sure you can!
Quick question. How can I measure the actual amount of magnification of a lens ? There is any chart that I can print for that test ?
Hi Navi this link may help seeinginmacro.com/macro-photography-magnification-ratio-calculation/
excellent review, thank you. I think the only fault is saving the 2 bucks for a exif chip. sorry I will not buy, on the sony version also the focus magnify will not work, very important for macro work.
Thank you for watching the video. I am sure the manufacturer will read your feedback
NIce review! Too bad that the Canon version is more advantageous because it has an automatic aperture transmission!
Nikon version has aperture coupling so it's not too bad
And thanks for watching the review!
@@TheRealRichardWong But it does not write the EXIF data into the RAW file! Not bad at all but a little annoying. Best Regards
That is true. No Aperture setting recorded is not good if you want to check/compare settings later on!
Can i ask what this means for nikon users and will it work with my d3400? Ive been trying to find info out on this but info is very limited on the nikon version. What is aparture coupling?
what about minimun focus at 1:1 macro ? Need to know image quality at 1:1
Hi there, Image quality at 1:1 is very decent. I have some extra info such as focus distance at 1:1 on my website (link above)
No autofocus?
No autofocus, but people usually dont use autofocus when taking macro photos anyway :)
Fake News! I always have used autofocus for macro especially jumping spiders 😀
@@codyrobinson22 It's not fake News. You don't use auto-focus for macros especially at 2:1. Maybe at 1:1 you can.
I love u mr. wong.
haha thanks Nina Nice!!!
Hello, what does Laowa Costa for Nikon Z7
Price will be available on official website once it's available: www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-100mm-f-2-8-2x-macro-apo/ref/11/ (this is my affiliated link)
what ND filter U recomend fo it ?
Recently i started using the H&Y Revoring and very happy with it. ua-cam.com/video/DbHyX1AxvBQ/v-deo.html
What about Olympus? Can I use it?
If you use an adaptor you can
@@TheRealRichardWong Can you please do a video with using it on M43?
I wouldn't mind unfortunately I have sent the lens back to the manufacturer already. Sorry
how this match up with 90mm just launch one?
Check my 90mm macro review for some comparison
ua-cam.com/video/eTZkPH2NmFQ/v-deo.html
6:50 I think we can expect alot of attention to all the little details from a company that realize 5x magnification lens :)
I always love when company pay attention to details
Sorry ,is this lense compatible on Nikon D 810 ? thanks.
Yes it does
@@TheRealRichardWong Thank you very much 👍
Is there an image stabilizer?
Not the lens itself
Laowa still does not understand that a fully mechanical lens without contacts IS NO GOOD as its ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE to focus in the field. Put contacts on the nikon version !!!
Why is that? Can you explain a bit more please?
@@TheRealRichardWong for macro you need to close lens to f16 or more, since the lens does not close the aperture diafragm at the moment you take the picture the viewfinder is dark almost black ( with a dslr) and with mirrorless there is grain, blooming and more so with either case its alnost impossible to focus at f/16, f/22 etc..
Maybe I didn't do a good job in the video when explaining this, but that's exactly what Laowa has done to both canon and Nikon version (by different mechanism). If you stop down on Nikon DSLR, the aperture remain wide open until the moment it's taking the photo
You are correct to some extent, but if you paid attention, Richard explained that the Nikon version does not have the problem that you describe in your detailed explanation.
However, it would be great to have full control, and even optical stabilization (which would certainly add to the cost). For some of us however, even with these cons, it may be a very worthwhile lens at it's very competitive cost.
@@TheRealRichardWong did you try this on a Nikon Z6 with a FTZ adapter ? because at f/16 finder is grainy ... correct?
Great review
Thank you shang-hsien!