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

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Venus Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO lens for Nikon Z mount is a remarkable offering for photographers who have a keen interest in macro photography. Standing out with its 2x magnification, this lens provides an incredible opportunity to capture the smallest details, whether you're shooting insects, flowers, or intricate textures.

Build Quality and Design

The Laowa 85mm f/5.6 is solidly constructed, sporting a robust metal body that feels durable in hand. The lens has a sleek design, with a matte finish that minimizes reflections, making it a great companion for outdoor shooting. It features a focus ring that is smooth, allowing for precise adjustments at high magnifications. However, the lens does lack a weather-sealed design, which could be a drawback for those shooting in challenging conditions.

Optical Performance

With an aperture of f/5.6, this lens excels in sharpness across the frame, particularly when stopped down. The APO (apochromatic) design does a great job of reducing chromatic aberrations, leading to images with excellent color rendition and contrast. One of the standout features is its 2x magnification capability, which allows for stunning close-ups while maintaining clarity. However, achieving focus can be challenging, especially at such high magnifications, and the relatively narrow depth of field means that precise focusing is critical.

Autofocus and Usability

One important aspect to note is that the Venus Laowa 85mm f/5.6 is a manual focus lens. While many experienced photographers may appreciate the control that manual focus provides, beginners or those accustomed to autofocus might find it less user-friendly. Additionally, the absence of image stabilization could be a limitation for handheld macro photography, requiring a steady hand or the use of a tripod for optimal results.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness and color rendition.
• 2x magnification allows for extreme close-ups.
• Solid build quality with a premium feel.
• Smooth manual focus ring for precise adjustments.

Cons

• Manual focus might not be suitable for all users.
• Lacks image stabilization, which can hinder handheld shooting.
• Not weather-sealed, limiting its use in challenging conditions.

Verdict

Overall, the Venus Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO lens for Nikon Z mount is an outstanding choice for dedicated macro photographers seeking high-quality optics and high magnification capabilities. While it may present challenges for those accustomed to autofocus, its optical performance and build quality make it a commendable addition to any macro photography toolkit. If you’re willing to embrace the manual focus and work within its limitations, this lens can deliver stunning and highly detailed images that capture the wonders of the miniature world.