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

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Venus Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is an exciting addition to the realm of macro photography, particularly for Nikon Z mount users. With its impressive capability to achieve a 2x magnification, this lens allows you to capture subjects in stunning detail, making it a must-have for enthusiasts of close-up photography.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 is exceptional. It features a solid metal construction that feels robust while maintaining a relatively lightweight profile for a macro lens. The lens has a sleek design, and its knurled focus ring offers a smooth and precise manual focusing experience. This is crucial in macro photography where precision is key. Its compact size makes it easy to carry for extended shoots, while the included lens hood protects the front element and reduces flare during bright conditions.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 shines. It boasts high resolution and excellent sharpness across the frame, even at wide apertures. Chromatic aberrations are well controlled, thanks to the apochromatic design, which effectively minimizes color fringing - a common issue in macro photography. The lens produces stunning micro-contrast, ensuring that details in textures are rendered beautifully. The bokeh is creamy and pleasing, which is an added bonus when shooting flowers or insects.

Usability Features

One of the standout features of this lens is the 2:1 magnification, allowing photographers to capture minute details that would otherwise go unnoticed. The 90mm focal length strikes a balance between working distance and perspective, making it convenient for shooting skittish subjects without getting too close. The lens lacks autofocus, which could be a deterrent for some users, but seasoned macro photographers often prefer manual focus control for finer adjustments.

Compatibility and Limitations

Being a Nikon Z mount lens, the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 is fully compatible with Nikon Z cameras, but it does not support any electronic communication. While this gives a lot of control to the photographer, it means that users have to rely entirely on manual settings. Some photographers may find this limiting, especially if they're used to automatic focusing. Additionally, the absence of any weather sealing might make it less suitable for shooting in extreme conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality and design.
• High resolution and sharp images, even wide open.
• Minimal chromatic aberrations due to the apochromatic design.
• Beautiful bokeh and pleasing micro-contrast.
• 2:1 magnification allows for incredible detail capture.

Cons

• Manual focus only; lack of autofocus might deter some users.
• No electronic communication with the camera body.
• Not weather-sealed, limiting versatility in certain environments.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Venus Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is a fantastic choice for Nikon Z photographers seeking a dedicated macro lens. With its impressive optical performance and build quality, it excels in capturing intricate details in a variety of subjects. Although the manual focus and lack of electronic communication may present challenges for some, the lens is an excellent addition to the toolkit of any serious macro photographer looking to explore the minutiae of the world around them. If you value intricate detail and artistic control in your macro photography, this lens is certainly worth considering.