Venus Laowa 60mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro

Sony E

Review

The Venus Laowa 60mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro lens is a remarkable option for photographers who are looking to delve into the intricate world of macro photography. Designed for Sony E mount systems, this lens offers a well-rounded feature set suitable for both enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Design and Build Quality

Constructed with a robust metal housing, the Laowa 60mm lens exudes durability while maintaining a relatively lightweight profile. The design is sleek and compact, making it easy to carry and handle during extended shooting sessions. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, providing precise control over your focusing. However, the lack of weather sealing means that you’ll have to take extra care when shooting in less-than-ideal conditions.

Optical Performance

The 60mm F2.8 lens offers stunning optical performance, particularly when it comes to rendering fine details in macro photography. With a 2x magnification ratio, you can capture subjects at life-size and even smaller, making it perfect for photographing tiny subjects like insects and flowers. The lens maintains impressive sharpness across the frame, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. The bokeh, while not as creamy as some might prefer, is still pleasant and adds a nice aesthetic to out-of-focus areas.

Versatility

While it shines in macro applications, this lens can also be used creatively for portrait photography and even landscapes. The f/2.8 aperture allows for good low-light performance and provides decent background separation, although it’s worth noting that the depth of field can be very shallow at macro distances, making focus challenges more pronounced.

Autofocus and Manual Focus

One of the downsides of the Laowa 60mm is the absence of autofocus, which can be a significant drawback for photographers who prefer the speed and convenience of autofocusing systems. This lens is designed for manual focus operation, which, while precise, can be challenging when you're working at extreme close-up distances. Patience and practice will be necessary to get the most out of this lens.

Compatibility

The Laowa 60mm is designed exclusively for Sony E mounts, so users of other systems should look elsewhere. However, for Sony E mount users, this lens provides an excellent option for macro photography that won’t break the bank.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness and detail at macro distances
• 2x magnification ratio for life-size reproduction
• Sturdy metal build with a lightweight design
• Smooth manual focus control with a well-damped focus ring

Cons

• No autofocus, which can slow down shooting
• Lacks weather sealing
• Bokeh may not be as creamy as other lenses

Verdict

If you're a macro enthusiast or someone looking to explore the intricacies of small subjects, the Venus Laowa 60mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro lens is a fantastic addition to your toolkit, especially for those using Sony E mount cameras. While it requires a manual focus approach, its optical quality and versatile applications make it a worthwhile investment for photographers serious about macro work. Just remember to appreciate the beautiful detail this lens can unveil, as it opens up a world that many may otherwise overlook.