Venus Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Venus Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO lens is a unique offering in the realm of macro photography, especially well-suited for Leica L mount users. With its impressive 2:1 magnification capability, this lens promises to capture the tiniest details of your subjects with stunning clarity.

Build Quality and Design

One of the first things to notice about this lens is its exceptional build quality. The Laowa 85mm is constructed from high-quality materials, providing a solid and robust feel. It has a relatively compact design, which is a plus for macro photography where space and weight can be constraints. The lens comes with a few handy features, such as an integrated lens hood to help prevent stray light and a focus ring that is both smooth and precise, critical for macro work.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Laowa 85mm f/5.6 lens does not disappoint. It features an apochromatic design, which helps in reducing chromatic aberration and producing images with excellent color fidelity. The sharpness at the center of the frame is impressive, even at wide apertures. As expected in macro lenses, sharpness across the frame improves significantly when stopped down. Bokeh quality is smooth, making it aesthetically pleasing for isolating subjects.

Usability

While the lens performs well optically, there are a few usability considerations to keep in mind. First, the f/5.6 maximum aperture might be limiting in low-light conditions. Photographers might find themselves pushing the ISO or using a flash. Additionally, the lack of autofocus could be a drawback for those who rely heavily on it, especially when trying to capture fast-moving subjects or when shooting in challenging situations.

Compatibility

Being designed for the Leica L mount adds a premium feel to the lens, as it fits well with many Leica cameras in terms of ergonomics and balance. The compatibility is generally seamless, but if you are switching from other camera systems, you may need to get accustomed to manual focusing.

Performance in the Field

In field tests, the Laowa 85mm stands out for its versatility. It's not limited to just macro photography; it can also be utilized for portraiture due to its flattering focal length and pleasing background separation. The feeling of capturing intricate details in nature or working with small objects such as jewelry is truly rewarding, making this lens a worthwhile investment for devoted macro photographers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High build quality with a robust, compact design.
• Excellent optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration.
• Impressive 2:1 magnification ratio for extreme close-ups.
• Smooth focus ring for precision when shooting.

Cons

• Limited maximum aperture of f/5.6 may hinder low-light photography.
• Manual focus only, which could be less convenient for some users.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Venus Optics Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO lens is an excellent choice for photographers serious about macro imaging who appreciate meticulous detail and build quality. While its limitations in low-light situations and the absence of autofocus may deter some, its remarkable optical capabilities and compact form factor make it a must-consider option for Leica L mount users looking to elevate their macro photography game. For those prioritizing image quality and detail over shooting speed, this lens is certainly a rewarding addition to your kit.