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

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Venus Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is a remarkable lens designed specifically for the Leica L mount, aimed at photographers who have a passion for capturing the intricate details of the world around them. This lens stands out in the macro photography domain due to its unique features and outstanding performance.

Build Quality and Design

The Laowa 90mm f/2.8 features a solid metal construction, which provides a sturdy feel and excellent durability. The smooth focus ring is a delight to use, allowing for precise adjustments—which is crucial in macro photography where even slight changes in focus can make a significant difference. Additionally, the lens is relatively compact compared to other macro lenses in its class, making it easier to handle in various shooting situations. Its sleek design fits well with Leica camera bodies, maintaining an aesthetic that many photographers value.

Optical Performance

This lens boasts an impressive 2:1 magnification ratio, allowing you to capture stunning details, from tiny insects to intricate textures. The APO (Apochromatic) design ensures that chromatic aberration is significantly minimized, delivering sharp images with vibrant colors. The lens's 12-element, 10-group optical construction helps achieve excellent sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/2.8. Users report high contrast and clarity, making it a fantastic choice for both macro and portrait work.

Focusing Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 is its focusing capability. With a minimum focusing distance of just 24 cm, photographers can get incredibly close to their subject without compromising image quality. Furthermore, the lens is equipped with a 5-blade diaphragm that contributes to beautiful bokeh, which is useful for isolating your subject in macro shots. However, it is worth noting that this lens does not feature autofocus, which may deter some users who prefer the convenience of AF systems.

Compatibility and Versatility

While primarily designed for macro photography, the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 can also be used for portraiture and other types of photography. Its focal length is flattering for headshots and can create beautiful backgrounds with the right aperture settings. However, potential buyers should be aware that its specialized nature means it may not be as versatile for general photography compared to other lenses that cover a broader focal length range.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality and design
• 2:1 magnification ratio for detailed macro shots
• Excellent optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration
• Precise manual focusing with a smooth focus ring
• Compact and lightweight design

Cons

• No autofocus, which may limit usability for some photographers
• Specialized for macro work, potentially less versatile for general use
• Manual aperture control may be cumbersome for quick adjustments

Verdict

The Venus Optics Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO for Leica L mount is a superb lens for dedicated macro photographers looking for high-quality optics and build. While it does have some limitations, including the absence of autofocus and a narrower focus on macro photography, the lens excels in its specialty areas, providing excellent image quality and a satisfying shooting experience. If you're serious about capturing the tiny details of the world, this lens is certainly worth considering.