The Venus Laowa 65mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is a standout choice for macro photography enthusiasts using the Nikon Z mount. This lens is designed specifically for achieving excellent detail at extreme close-up distances, making it perfect for capturing the intricate beauty of small subjects. With a maximum magnification of 2x, it offers impressive capabilities that push the boundaries of traditional macro photography.
The construction of the Laowa 65mm macro lens is robust yet surprisingly lightweight, which is a big plus for those long shooting sessions often associated with macro work. The all-metal body gives it a premium feel and adds durability, while the compact size enhances portability. The lens features a 62mm filter thread, which should be compatible with many filters available on the market.
The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments, which is critical in macro photography where depth of field can be incredibly shallow. The lens also has a unique design feature with a 12-blade diaphragm, contributing to beautifully rendered out-of-focus areas, which can be particularly lovely when highlighting small subjects against a blurred background.
This lens does not shy away from delivering exceptional optical performance. It is equipped with ED glass elements and aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion, ensuring that your images are sharp and color-accurate across the frame. The APO (Apochromatic) design greatly reduces color fringing, especially at high magnifications, leading to an impressive level of sharpness in the final images.
In terms of bokeh, the Venus Laowa 65mm offers a pleasing, creamy background, which enhances the subject isolation. Macro shooters will appreciate the razor-sharp center with edges that maintain their quality.
One of the advantages of this lens is its adaptability. It's fully compatible with Nikon Z camera bodies, and its focal length makes it suitable for both extreme close-ups and portrait work, providing versatility to your photography toolkit. However, it is worth noting that the lens lacks autofocus capabilities, meaning that manual focusing will be necessary. This can present a challenge, especially in low-light conditions or when working with skittish subjects.
Additionally, the fixed aperture of F2.8 is great for achieving good results in both indoor and outdoor settings, but it might not offer the same creative options as a lens with a wider maximum aperture.
The Venus Laowa 65mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is an impressive tool for anyone serious about macro photography with a Nikon Z mount. While it does require a commitment to manual focusing and sacrifices some versatility due to its fixed aperture, the exceptional optical performance and build quality make it worth considering. If you want to delve into the world of extreme close-ups and appreciate the smallest details in your subjects, this lens could be the perfect addition to your photography kit.