Venus Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

Canon RF

Review

The Venus Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is a unique offering for Canon RF mount users, particularly for those interested in macro photography. This lens offers a stunning level of magnification, allowing photographers to capture fine details that are often missed with conventional lenses. With a 2:1 magnification ratio and excellent optical performance, it is a fantastic choice for nature, product, and detail photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its apochromatic (APO) design, which minimizes chromatic aberrations considerably more than standard designs. The result is sharp images with excellent color fidelity, even at extreme magnifications. This feature is particularly beneficial when photographing colorful subjects, as it helps ensure that colors remain true to life without unwanted fringing.

The build quality of the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 is commendable. The lens is constructed primarily of metal, giving it a robust and premium feel. It includes a focus ring that provides smooth manual focusing, which is vital when working at such close distances. The lens is also relatively compact for a macro lens, making it more portable without sacrificing optical quality.

In terms of performance, the lens produces exceptional sharpness from the center to the edges, especially at f/5.6 to f/11, which are the sweet spots for macro photography. The bokeh, or out-of-focus areas, is pleasing, allowing for beautifully blurred backgrounds that help isolate the subject. Moreover, this lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 10.2 inches (26 cm), allowing for stunning close-ups of even the tiniest subjects.

However, the Venus Laowa 90mm f/2.8 is not without its drawbacks. The lack of autofocus can be a significant hurdle for those accustomed to modern conveniences in photography. This lens relies on manual focus, which can be challenging, particularly at high magnification. Additionally, while the lens is generally well-built, it does not have weather sealing, making it less suitable for outdoor scenarios where elements like dust or moisture are a concern.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High 2:1 magnification ratio for extreme close-ups.
• Excellent sharpness and detail retention, particularly between f/5.6 and f/11.
• Apochromatic design minimizes chromatic aberration.
• Robust build quality with a smooth manual focus ring.
• Pleasing bokeh for subject isolation.

Cons

• No autofocus, requiring manual focusing technique.
• No weather sealing, limiting outdoor use in challenging conditions.

Verdict

In summary, the Venus Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is a superb lens for macro enthusiasts using Canon RF mounts. It excels in optical performance, offering fantastic sharpness and color accuracy, while its robust build ensures it feels great in hand. However, the manual focus limitation and lack of weather resistance may deter some photographers. If you're willing to embrace these challenges, this lens can help you unlock a new world of detail in your macro photography.