Venus Laowa 105mm F2 Smooth Trans Focus

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Venus Laowa 105mm F2 Smooth Trans Focus lens for Nikon F (DX) mount is designed to offer a unique take on portrait and macro photography. This lens is particularly noteworthy for its innovative Smooth Trans Focus (STF) technology, which provides a distinct bokeh quality that is often sought after by portrait photographers.

Design and Build Quality

The lens boasts a sturdy and robust build that instills confidence while handling. It features an all-metal construction, which not only enhances its durability but also gives it a premium feel. Weighing in at about 1.5 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for a lens of its caliber, which makes it manageable during extended shooting sessions. The focus ring is smooth, with a slightly dampened action that allows for precise adjustments, an appreciated aspect for macro shooting.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Laowa 105mm F2 offers remarkable sharpness across the frame, even wide open at F2. It’s excellent for capturing fine details in both portraits and macro shots. The STF technology is effectively utilized, creating a beautifully creamy bokeh that separates subjects from the background without harsh transitions, giving images a dreamy quality. The lens also handles contrast well, resulting in vivid colors and impressive clarity.

However, it is worth noting that due to its specialized design, the lens does tend to struggle with chromatic aberration at times, particularly in high-contrast situations. Additionally, its minimum aperture of F22 may limit depth of field options, which can be a downside for certain styles of photography that require a greater depth of field.

Compatibility and Usability

While this lens is designed for the Nikon F (DX) mount, resulting in a focal length equivalent of 157.5mm, it retains versatility for various photography situations, particularly for portraiture and nature photography. One notable drawback is the lack of autofocus; this could be challenging for beginner photographers or those who prefer the convenience of quicker focus systems. Manual focus can be a rewarding process, but it may take some getting used to.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Innovative Smooth Trans Focus technology offers unique bokeh.
• Sturdy all-metal construction with a premium feel.
• Impressive sharpness and color rendition even at F2.
• Lightweight and manageable for extended shooting sessions.

Cons

• Limited to manual focus, which may deter some users.
• Prone to chromatic aberration in high-contrast situations.
• Minimum aperture of F22 might restrict depth of field options.

Verdict

The Venus Laowa 105mm F2 Smooth Trans Focus for Nikon F (DX) mount is a remarkable lens that excels in delivering exceptional image quality and unique bokeh effects that can elevate portrait and macro photography. While the manual focus and susceptibility to chromatic aberration may present challenges, the overall experience and results can be quite rewarding for those who are willing to invest the time in mastering its nuances. If you prioritize artistic bokeh and sharp imagery in your photography, this lens is definitely worth considering.