Venus Laowa 65mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

Sony E

Review

The Venus Laowa 65mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO lens for Sony E mount is an impressive addition to the macro photography world. With its unique abilities and exceptional optical performance, this lens is a favorite for both amateur and professional photographers who want to delve into the mesmerizing world of close-up photography.

One of the standout features of the Laowa 65mm is its impressive 2x magnification capability, allowing you to capture subjects that are half the size of the sensor at life-size. This lens is perfect for photographing small subjects such as insects, flowers, and detailed textures. The APO (Apochromatic) design helps in reducing chromatic aberration significantly, and this delivers sharp and contrast-rich images that maintain color fidelity across the frame.

The build quality of the Laowa 65mm is commendable; it's constructed with durable materials that give it a solid feel in hand. The smooth focusing mechanism is a delight to use, whether you are fine-tuning your shot at maximum magnification or capturing slightly larger subjects. The lens is also relatively lightweight and compact, making it perfect for fieldwork where portability is beneficial.

While the lens excels in macro photography, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The lack of autofocus might be a downside for those who are used to more modern, automated lenses. Macro photography often requires precise manual focusing anyway, but beginners may find this challenging. Additionally, the lens has a relatively narrow aperture of F2.8. While this is adequate for many situations, it may limit depth of field control compared to faster lenses.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional 2x magnification for detailed close-up shots.
• Apochromatic design minimizes chromatic aberrations.
• Durable and robust build quality.
• Smooth manual focusing mechanism.
• Lightweight and compact design for easy transport.

Cons

• No autofocus, requiring manual focus for all captures.
• Relatively narrow maximum aperture which may limit depth of field control.

Verdict

The Venus Laowa 65mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO for the Sony E mount is a fantastic option for macro enthusiasts looking for top-notch optical performance and impressive magnification capabilities. While the manual focus might be a hurdle for some users, the detailed, vibrant images this lens produces make it a worthy investment for anyone serious about macro photography. Whether you're capturing the subtle textures of a flower petal or the fine details of an insect, this lens will not disappoint.