Venus Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO

Canon RF

Review

The Venus Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO lens for Canon RF mount is an impressive piece of optical engineering designed specifically for macro photography enthusiasts. With the ability to achieve a 2:1 magnification and an impressive level of detail in your subjects, this lens is truly a valuable tool for those looking to capture the minute details of the world around them.

One of the standout features of the Laowa 58mm is its exceptional apochromatic (APO) design. This allows for minimal chromatic aberration and color fringing, which is crucial when you're working at such close distances. The lens also boasts a sharpness that remains consistent across the frame, providing photographers with beautiful, clear images devoid of the common issues associated with macro lenses. Additionally, the lens is equipped with a 14-blade diaphragm, contributing to stunning bokeh and smooth background highlighting, which is particularly appealing for artistic photography.

The build quality of the lens is solid, with a fully metal construction that feels durable yet relatively lightweight considering its capabilities. The focus ring is smooth and precise, allowing for fine adjustments to achieve the perfect focus on tiny subjects. However, due to the unique design of this lens, it lacks autofocus, which could deter some photographers who rely heavily on autofocus systems for their shooting style. Getting accustomed to manual focusing can take some time, especially when dealing with fast-moving subjects or when shooting in challenging conditions.

Another important aspect to note is the minimal working distance. At 2:1 magnification, the lens requires you to get within a few centimeters of your subject. This can lead to challenges, particularly with living subjects that may be easily disturbed. Additionally, when using this lens in brighter lighting conditions, you may need to adopt additional lighting techniques, as getting so close to the subject can cast unwanted shadows.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness and detail at 2:1 magnification
• Beautiful bokeh thanks to the 14-blade diaphragm
• Excellent build quality with a durable metal construction
• Minimal chromatic aberration due to APO design
• Smooth and precise manual focusing

Cons

• No autofocus can be a limitation for some users
• Requires close working distance, which may disturb subjects
• May need additional lighting in bright conditions to avoid shadows

Verdict

Overall, the Venus Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO lens for Canon RF mount is an outstanding choice for macro photographers looking to expand their creative reach. While it does not cater to those who prefer the ease of autofocus, its sharpness, build quality, and ability to produce stunning images at close distances make it a worthy addition to any serious photographer's kit. If you're prepared to embrace manual focusing and work within its limitations, this lens can facilitate extraordinary creative opportunities in the world of macro photography.