All Laowa Macro Lenses Compared - Which One to Buy?

[@MicaelWidell]

I always buy Laowa lenses from their website - fast and free shipping worldwide. Below are some affiliate links - if you purchase through them I earn a small commission at no expense to you. Thank you. Laowa 100mm (good for full frame DSLRs): bit.ly/mwlaowa100 Laowa 60mm (good for full frame mirrorless): bit.ly/mwlaowa60 Laowa 65mm (good for APS-C mirrorless like Sony, Fuji and Canon M): bit.ly/mwlaowa65 Laowa 15mm (wide angle macro): bit.ly/mwlaowa15 Laowa 24mm Probe (good for video): bit.ly/mwlaowa24 Laowa 25mm 2.5x-5x: bit.ly/mwlaowa25 Laowa 50mm for MFT (Panasonic and Olympus): bit.ly/mwlaowa50 For full disclosure: I am not sponsored by Laowa or Venus Optics. I got paid to do this livestream, but that is for the time I put into it, not to convey some particular opinion. I will always express my honest opinion about lenses and gear. At the moment I love the Laowa macro lens lineup, but if some other brand comes along in a couple of months and make better macro lenses, I will recommend those instead. When I have reviewed Laowa's lenses I have always borrowed a review copy that I have sent back after the review. The Laowa lenses I own I bought with my own money at full price. Thanks for watching! Subscribe for weekly videos! More regular content from me in these places: 💌 newsletter: mwroll.com 🎞 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll 🪙 patreon: patreon.com/micaelwidell 🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell

[@delrcr05]

What do you suggest for an A7riv which has 61mp and 26mp in crop mode? I have the 100mm and it's fantastic but I'm only interested in a macro for macro and value increased depth of field so I think I should have got the 60 or 65, what do you think? Worth swapping or adding?

[@delrcr05]

I should also say thanks for the stream! Love your work. Do you have any numbers on working distance for all the loawa's? Say 0.5, 1 and 2x mags? Since this is so important for macro

[@delrcr05]

?

[@paulclay560]

Hi Micael - could you explain the upgrade options on the venuslens website? For example, you can buy a 60mm lens with a canon EF mount, or one with a Sony FE mount. But they also offer a lens mount adapter from canon EF to Sony FE, but it seems that you can only buy that with a lens. I emailed Laowa 2 weeks ago but they haven't responded. Thanks for getting me hooked on Macro!!

[@hanscaspersz4900]

Hi Micael. What happens if you use a 2 x macro lens with extension tubes?

[@canofanger]

Well, thanks to you I am now $400 poorer, but also so much richer! Thanks for the wonderful review.

[@grantpeier]

haha, join the club.

[@Chris-ey7zy]

Money is nothing if you until spend it on something you are passionate about

[@glathoppa]

Another great video - many thanks! I recently purchased a Dorr 60mm f2.8 Super Macro MF Lens - Sony E mount for my A6400, with a reproduction ratio of 2:1. I'm personally pleased with the build quality, output and price, but please be warned that I'm definitely no expert judge of such things. I obviously have no way of assessing its performance when compared to a Laowa 2x macro with similar focal length and aperture. I simply wanted to inform fellow photographers that at least one alternative 2x lens is currently available for their own scrutiny.

[@MicaelWidell]

I might get one and review it. Sounds interesting. Thank you.

[@walkermack7139]

I have a 100mm macro for my Z7 coming in the mail I’m so excited!

[@azangana1973]

Still happy with it?

[@walkermack7139]

@@azangana1973 after having it for about 8 months I can say that I am over the moon with this lens. It’s incredible! Extremely sharp and produces good color. The build quality is very good and it feels very solid. I really can’t recommend it enough

[@azangana1973]

@@walkermack7139 Thanks for replying so quickly. I was trying to decide between this and the 25mm version for my Z6, but I think I will go with the 100mm. Thanks again.

[@walkermack7139]

@@azangana1973 No problem! You won’t regret your purchase!

[@newton6664272]

Thank you Micael. I have finally decided for the 60mm Laowa lens, using your discount code. It arrive next thursday. I cannot wait to show you some pictures. Thanks for all your inspiring videos. Best regards.

[@Polygarden]

Great review! I like how much you go into detail about the lense's features and issues. Based on your older review I got the Laowa 100mm 2x and I'm super happy with it. It's still quite a bit finicky to use, but it's mainly due to the light source which is needed to go into full quality macro. It needs alot of light.

[@Mr.CanCan]

i have a canon 250D and am leaning towards the 65mm or 100mm. Would be taking macro shots and video of cannabis indoors. Which one would YOU be leaning towards for my situation?

[@Mr.CanCan]

it's aps-c but not mirrorless

[@uhhnush]

26:40 macro really is a whole new world and it's so cool! his red shirt in the background makes for such a dope image haha. i love photography :)

[@MaximumHorizons]

Micael Widell, thank you for such cool channel and advise! You practically change my opinion to macro photography! I've preorder, waited for 2-3 weeks, and bought laowa 65mm, cool design, for aps-c...but...uhh i totally forgot that is for mirorrless cameras, shit...so stupid ( I practically watched all review in internet and yours also). So I back it to a store, and for the same price buy 60mm. Now Its also my first and the best lens for macro also All you said is tru! Thanks :) Around 15 years of different types of photography, macro was my favourite (extreem as well), but I used all kinds of odd reverse, extention tubes and so on...huge, uncomfortable and heavy piace of optics. That days gone, now Laowa 60mm is the fresh air in my macro works! Its really best on a market lense for macro! Greetings from Ukraine!

[@MicaelWidell]

Happy to have inspired you :) yes the Laowa 60mm is a fantastic lens.

[@orjannystrom3153]

Glad I read your post before ordering the 65mm. I even asked the supplier what would fit my Canon 90D, but misread theire answer. Thanks Maximum for saving me the trouble of returning the lens. And of course - thanks you Micael for your great work.

[@Noisette1011]

Your videos are so helpful Micael. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and passion 🙌🏻

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Micael, both you and Camerville's Lee are my favourite YT photographers because when you review lenses and gear, you actually show many examples of what it can produce. So few YTers actually show their photos during a video, its actually weird to think about it.

[@Chris-ey7zy]

Because he’s actually passionate as a photographer and his photography not just the gear

[@iainlamble1079]

I bought the Laowa 65mm macro for my Fuji and really like the results. Unfortunately after 3 months of light use as I use a focusing rail the focus ring has failed. I hope this is not an indication of he build quality as it is the first time I have had a lens fail in 40 years of photography. The lens has gone back to China and it seems it is likely to take at least 2 months for repair under guarantee.

[@ads3453]

2 months seems slightly ridiculous... Was it a fuji mount lens or a canon lens with you having to buy an adapter ?

[@canopychondros]

JUST BOUGHT THE 60MM FOR MY NIKON D7200 CANTS WAIT, ATM I USE AN AWESOME 82MM WIDE TAMRON 24-70MM WITH AF ENABLED EXTENSION TUBES BUT ITS SO HEAVY I NEED TO TRY NEW EQUIPMENT EVEN IF ONLY FOR FIELD WORK. THANKS FOR ALL THE VIDEOS WE ALL LOVE THEM.

[@gablurg6901]

7:15 - how to start macrophotography at low cost (Reversing ring or Extension tubes) 9:10 - Laowa 15mm F4 (UWA, 1:1) 21:30 - Laowa 100mm F2.8 ULTRA MACRO APO (Not recommanded on APS-C, 2:1) 27:40 - Laowa 65mm F2.8 Ultra (Recommanded for APS-C, 2:1) 36:20 - Laowa 60mm F2.8 Ultra Macro (Made for APS-C but best on FF, 2:1) 45:28 - Laowa 25mm F2.8 Ultra Macro (2.5:1 to 5:1) 51:05 - Laowa 24mm F14 PROBE (May be waterproof, 2:1) 53:45 - Laowa 50mm F2.8 for Micro 4/3 (2:1) 56:00 Recommandations

[@Mike0193Azul]

Very helpful reviews! Awesome lenses. Might go with the 100mm as my first macro

[@MicaelWidell]

Good choice!

[@maxidrivemaxidrive4330]

Missed the live stream, so thank you much for this repost! I own both a full frame and an apsc, which lens setup would you recommend, full frame with the 100mm or apsc with the 65mm?

[@ovi.1000]

Hi Micael, I've seen your comparison about Laowa macro lenses and I found it very interesting. As most of the lenses have manual aperture I'd like to ask you how do you consider to work in the field with this manual aperture (for my needs I'd consider 60mm or 100mm)? The problem I see is, let's say for macro you choose F/11 than, you need a very good light to see through the lens and being able to focus and framing. I'd really appreciate your answer.

[@carlossantini]

Great channel. Looking at the prices in their website I see full retail prices there only. Do you have coupon code?

[@MicaelWidell]

Sorry I don’t

[@jamesreben1761]

Thanks for the video. I believe the animal at 43:21 is an acari (mite) maybe a Whirlygig Mite...

[@tkermi]

I would really like a 2:1 Laowa (FF) 200mm f/4,5 with 50cm minimum focusing distance and ~30cm minimum working distance. So at the way Laowa makes their 2:1 possible in compact size, I guess it's then actually f/13,5 at 2:1 (when wide open). Maybe f/5,6 lense would be okay but even Laowa lenses are slightly sharper when stopped a little so f/4,5 would probably have its sweet spot at f/5,6. And again - if I'm right - that f/5,6 would in reality only be f/16,8 at 2:1 (f/11,2 at 1:1). At that aperture range you begin to loose some sharpness to diffraction at high resolution FF sensors (well technically for a 45Mp FF sensor already from f/8, but not critical). But if you don't do focus stacking f/16,8 at 2:1 ("f/5,6 in lense") is of course very often fastest needed and more than fine. That longer working distance would also let the natural light freely to the subject and mostly no flash would be needed. I have taken a lot of 1:4 magnification photos with 200mm at f/11 (real/actual f value) and at daytime you very rarely need other than natural light. If it's an overcast day or bright evening you obviously need a low noise high ISO sensor though.

[@brodylockwood14]

Would you recommend getting an extension tube for my sigma art lens or get a laowa instead? I feel like an extension tube on the Sigma would be better as I know how sharp those lenses are and have never tested a loawa myself and it's hard to tell from KZbin

[@MicaelWidell]

Either get a laowa lens or a Raynox DCR-250 filter. You would need around 10cm of extension tubes to get to 2x magnification, which isn't very practical.

[@brodylockwood14]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks! Your videos are so helpful, and i love your accent!

[@humbertobarba9415]

Awesome video, Micael! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have a question for you: which lens would you get for a Nikon z5 mirrorless full frame camera: the 60 or the 65mm? I have the great Sigma 105mm Macro, but it is 1X only. I also have the laowa 15mm and the Mitakon 30mm 4-4.5X macro. I appreciate your insight.

[@hjones451]

Been watching loads of your videos...I've definitely got the BUG!

[@mehmett2172]

Hello. First of all, thanks for the video content. If you had to choose between the Fujifilm 80mm 2.8 and the laowa 65mm 2.8, which would you buy? Aut focus is not very important. Only the photo quality and the usefulness of the lens are important.

[@MicaelWidell]

I would buy the Laowa 65 without hesitation

[@mehmett2172]

@@MicaelWidell Actually, I asked the question wrong. I have Fujifilm 80mm right now; but I can sell this lens as second hand and buy a brand new laowa 65mm for 30% cheaper than the price of 2, and I plan to use the 1/3 money I get for another lens. Of course, I wanted to ask you if you sold the 80mm in this shopping, so as not to be upset. The question has changed a bit :) is your answer still laowa 65mm?

[@MicaelWidell]

@@mehmett2172 Yes I see no point with owning the Fuji lens as it is larger, more expensive and only has 1x magnification.

[@DrChip47]

I now have the 58mm and the 100mm I do enjoy using the 58mm more so than the 100mm, mainly weight am shaky with the 100mm

[@harpercm3]

Hi! Thank you for the great review! I have heard that the 100mm sometimes has an issue with the grease inside the lens heating up and moving, and was wondering if you had noticed or heard of this? Also, is the same grease used on the 60mm lens?

[@MicaelWidell]

Never had any issues with this. But one other person told me he has this problem, so I guess it can happen. I would email Venus Optics and ask for help and advice. I think the internals of the 60mm and 100mm focusing mechanics are very much the same.

[@CJFilea]

Hey, Thank you for this video, i now have an ideea which should i buy but i need your opinion also if you cand give me. For high detailed pictures of human iris which one do you recommend?

[@MicaelWidell]

Almost all of them work well for that. Please use my lens guide to pick the right one: lensguide.micaelwidell.com

[@orsabirding4196]

Hej Micael (writing in swedish). Om man beställer från Venus optics hemsida åker man väl på importavgifter? Ungefär hur mycket ska man lägga på i så fall?

[@silenceradiostation]

Bra fråga, men undrar också: hur lång tid tar frakten?

[@MicaelWidell]

Min erfarenhet säger mig att kinesiska företag ofta skriver ner värdet på paketet så ofta blir det inga avgifter alls för tull och moms. Annars tror jag man får lägge på cirka 25-30% beroende på värde. Så det är lite av ett lotteri. Laowas paket brukar jag få på mindre än en vecka.

[@orsabirding4196]

@@MicaelWidell Tusen tack för info, och tack för dina videos!

[@instantjustice164]

Hi Michael, Thanks so much for a lot of useful learning! I have the Laowa 60mm 2x lens. Is it advisable to shoot with extension tubes?

[@rfcarlson1]

I think a good macro lens at low cost is to look at older lens and adapt them. A 50mm Pentax macro with an M42 theaded connection is about $60 on eBay. A 100mm M42 Pentax is about $100. They're very high-quality lenses and Pentax M42 extension tubes and reversing rings as cheap way to get you down to 2:1 or better. Both adapt to the Fuji X mount easily (no auto control but you're shooting manual at fixed aperture anyway). If you're not shooting macro exclusively a $400 lens is a hard nut to crack.

[@MicaelWidell]

Would love to try some vintage macro lenses. Seldom for sale here in Sweden. Will start looking on eBay.

[@rfcarlson1]

@@MicaelWidell It seems that the most selection in in Japan and the shipping on eBay is not too bad. The Japanese companies got into the camera lens business after WWII. Although experienced in lens design (bomb sights, binoculars) for the war effort to construct camera lenses they copied designs by Zeiss and Lieca. Expert design, excellent materials and assembly. Pentax was especially successful. The made the first DLSR and at one time sold more cameras than Nikon and Cannon combined. Hope you like them.

[@heavyweather]

@@MicaelWidell I just got a reverse adapter for 49mm today and tried the Zuiko OM 50mm/1.8 and the 28mm/2.8 which gives you ~1,7x. The 50mm is not a great lens but the 28mm is good and easily the lightest setup. You will also need an OM adapter to hold the aperture metal thingy or aperture won't work. I also tried the OM adapter with the Zuiko Auto-T 200mm/f4 which is a great tele lens...total fan...with the Raynox 250 I get ~ 1,9x magnification...with the 2x teleconverter 3,8x. Here are some pictures shot on my garden door last night with the 200mm+Raynox 250 m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157141417650636&id=517155635 I

[@johnz5359]

@@MicaelWidell I have actually have both the 100mm f4 macro and the 50mm f4 macro Pentax with a sony e mount adapter and extension tubes and they're both incredible. I personally use the 50mm way way more than the 100, and mainly because the magnification is so much higher. The minimum focus distance on the 50mm is 27cm and the images are super sharp. I highly recommend the 50, if you couldn't tell hah. I've never tried any laowa lenses, which I plan on in the future thanks in no small part to your videos, but out of all the other macros I've tried in my life, the pentax 50 is hands down my favorite.

[@MOAB-UT]

The Laowa website is worth a visit. They let you accurately see images for each lens. I like the way the 100mm looks- more background blur and slightly more versatile than the lighter and, cheaper but still great 60mm lens images I saw. Also, they did not even attempt portraits on the 60mm but they did on the 100mm so it can do more- so not better or worse, just different. Leave the lens cover on all their lenses to limit dust- not sealed. ); If you buy new, you will get a warranty. Not true if you buy online from a non-dealer. Just something to consider or you could easily end up with a 1lb+ paper weight. Saving $50 could end up costing you $400. After 1 year (short warranty- I think Nikon and Sigma are 5...but very limited in scope) you are still out of luck.

[@markburger9784]

Hi, after watching your videos, I am very interested in trying out macro photography. I've always loved looking at the macro pictures that people take. My question is this: If I were to order from this company, how long could I expect the shipping to take? I live in the U.S. and I am not wanting to wait 6 months for an order. Thank you, Sir.

[@MicaelWidell]

You should ask them directly to be on the safe side. But when I order to Sweden I get the products within a few days.

[@nitailevi8001]

Hi, not sure if you'll see this comment on this older video... Struggling to find exact specs, and maybe I missed it in your video. Do you know what is the exact working distance (from end of the lens to target) at x2 and at x1 for the 100mm and the 60mm lenses? Closest I found is the 100mm is either 70mm or 80mm at x2, but not even sure about that. I found the min focus distance for both (from sensor). Problem is, the 100mm is apparently in different length for mirrorless and DSLR. The 60mm only lists one length on Venus' website and specs elsewhere are a little unclear. I hope to order one of them very soon, leaning towards the 100mm, but want to check those specific things before I decide. Thanks!

[@MicaelWidell]

Sorry I don't remember those numbers, but the ones you mention seem about right. I think in my review of the Laowa 100mm I measure the working distance at 1x and 2x. Check that video. The length from the sensor to the end of the lens will be equal no matter if you use the DSLR version or the mirrorless version of the lens, sine the DSLR lens mount is farther from the sensor (that is the reason the mirrorless version needs to be longer). Hope this helped a bit. If you want the exact working distance I think you should e-mail Laowa and ask.

[@trevorcurtis9643]

If the 60mm and the 65mm both vignette on full frame, then which would be better for an A7iii? The 60mm is actually listed on bhphoto if you search for full frame e-mount but does it show more viewable image vs the 65mm on full frame? The 65mm does not show up unless you search for apsc lenses (confusing). I have the 100mm laowa and it is amazing but also big and heavy! I am thinking of getting either the 60mm or 65mm to replace the 100mm. I would use either of them for macro in the range of 0.25:1 - 2:1 100% of the time. What do you suggest Micael? Or anyone else who has used those combos? Thanks!

[@WMedl]

I want to use the macro lens on both a Nikon and a MFT. So there are two options, the 65mm and the 100mm. Besides size and weight what would you advice for that shooting scenareo?

[@montxsuz]

Thanks for the review. Do you have an opinion on the following: Is it possible to use the Laowa 100mm on MFT using an adapter? How will that be for working distance, magnification and depth of field? I have both a Nikon DSLR and an MFT camera system and am looking for a greater working distance than the 50mm Laowa.

[@MicaelWidell]

You would get the same working distance as on a full frame camera. Visualize that you take a photo with the Laowa lens on a full frame camera, then you just crop out the middle of the photo - that is what you get with a MFT sensor. Magnification will be the same, but you get a lot closer because of the crop. Not sure any full-frame to MFT adapters exist, but maybe. In macro photography a rule of thumb is that the longer the focal length, the longer the working distance.

[@Venidos]

What are your Sony A7 III settings for macro photography?

[@romualdb5968]

Laowa, 7artisan, Olympus for em-1 Mark II macro photography

[@billtomlin6176]

Hi Micael …I have a tokina 100mm macro currently, do you have any thoughts on wether it would be worth it to upgrade to one of the laowa atleast as far as image quality in the infinity to 1:1 range? Thanks for all the time and effort you put into your videos!

[@Chris-ey7zy]

If you can accomplish what you want with your lens then no reason to change it

[@salamandar6691]

Hello ! First very helpful live but I was wondering what should I get for my apsc dslr camera, the laowa 60mm or the 65 they seem both great can you help me please? Thank you and have a nice day!

[@MicaelWidell]

Hi! If it is a dslr you have to get the 60mm as the 65mm only fits mirrorless cameras.

[@samsen3965]

Educational. Never knew Laowa can make s.a. good macro images. I may get one in near future.

[@samsen3965]

Update: many months back I got the 22:29 and can't thank you enough. I couldn't believe a lens could be this good, giving a very fast F, focus to infinity, Best portraiture opportunity, then an impressive, magnificent 2x Magnification ratio without the need for any adapter or bellow additional boost!. When and if using this lens, don't forget to carry some bandaid with you. It's razor-sharp!!! Ouch... I bought the Canon EF FF version that has electronically set Aperture, so no mechanical F ring on the lens body, and still I can use it with adapter on Sony E or M4/3 but some of my electronic adapters (Metabone or others) have trouble when trying to electronically adapt it so I have to tap the contacts and use the last set F stop on the native body. Its same story with dumb (Non-electronic coupling) adapters that are otherwise just fine. But surprisingly some smart adapters do just fine with F change and EXIF. Needless to say, dearly thank you for introducing me to such a MAGNIFICENT lens manufacturer and line of products. Simply the best glass in class, irrespective of price, and I adore the picture result it produces. 🙏

[@jblazar]

Hi Micael. Thanks very much for the reviews of these lenses. I'm attracted to the 100mm 2:1, but I've read that the focusing ring throw is only 1/3 turn, making it hard to get accurate focus, especially for focus stacks. What is your experience with this? And also, the glass filter on the front doesn't weather seal the inside of the barrel, sometimes fogging up. Again, any comments on this? Thanks very much.

[@MicaelWidell]

I don't remember exactly how long the focusing throw is, you can probably google that or check some review on youtube. I never care that much about how long the throw is because I always focus by moving the lens, no matter if I am doing freehand or stacking. I find that method a lot easier. I never experienced fog inside the lens, and I have used such lenses more than most people - but might of course differ depending on climate.

[@jblazar]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks for reminding me that moving the lens is the best way to focus in the field, even for focus stacking. Glad to hear that lens fog is not an issue for you.

[@Polygarden]

I personally don't use the focus ring alot. (yes, it's not the smoothest) I rather move the entire camera back and forth. But what I noticed is that you need lots of light with this lense. In most cases though, it's the preview on your camera which is worse than your actual picture. I'm using a Sony A7R2 and the focus highlight feature to look what I'm focusing at.

[@MprivetM]

Hi Michael! I can get 60mm for my Fuji for half the price used (2500nok). I need macro lens to digitise my film negatives. Do you think it would be a good match? Or should I look elsewhere... Extension tubes for regular lens maybe. Swallowing full price of Fuji macro for just this scanning job is to much for me.

[@MicaelWidell]

The Laowa 60mm is a great macro lens, one of my favorites. But it has one problem, and that is distorsion. So I would not use it to scan negatives, unless you have a good way of mitigating the distorsion in post processing. Extension tubes is often a simple, cheap and excellent solution for scanning film negatives.

[@markgoodchild998]

Really like the Laowa lenses, but I've had no response from their customer service dept. Not a strong first impression. I hope things improve.

[@just_eirik]

Did you eventually get a response from them?

[@markgoodchild998]

@@just_eirik I did, but it wasn't very enlightening or helpful. Disappointing to be honest.

[@ads3453]

@@markgoodchild998 It sounds like its taking 2 months to get things repaired so that doesn't sound promising either....

[@SatanSupimpa]

Do you intend to test their twin flash?

[@MicaelWidell]

Might be a fun thing to do. When I get time :)

[@abdullahharun2640]

Hi. I take a product photo. Which one is suitable for ring and jewelry photography.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

I just went to your 500px link and saw your bee photo, where it is submerged in the flower and has pollen all over it. What an amazing photo. Do you have a website where people can buy copies of your photo for their own personal, non-comercial use?

[@colingentile]

Thank you so much for this video !! Do you think it's a mistake to buy a Laowa 25mm 5X and mount it on a Fuji XT3 with an adaptation ring (I have a Viltrox EF-FX that could do the trick) ? Same thing for the 15mm F4 Macro (looks like a crazy lens !) Take good care !

[@MicaelWidell]

I see no problem in mounting these lenses on a Fujifilm camera. Only slight problem is that the 15mm will not be quite as wide as on full frame, but it should still produce cool looking photos.

[@colingentile]

Thanks a lot for your answer @@MicaelWidell !! I think I'll give them a try !

[@douglasstemke2444]

I'm very thankful that Laowa comes in Pentax K mount. So few third party companies cover Pentax anymore. I have and love the 15mm. Do you know if the Pentax K 100mm has Aperature Coupling? Is there a US warrentee? If you stop the 100 way down do you hace refraction issues?

[@flotinaway7]

What lens would you advise for my Canon as I have the 100mm 2.8L and wish for at least 2x and prefer not to focus stack. Have you tried and compared the Canon MP E65? Many thanks for the interesting video and keep them coming!

[@MicaelWidell]

I would probably buy the Laowa 100mm for a canon full frame dslr. The MPe 65 is nice but the Laowa 25mm is smaller and more lightweight. Depends on your priorities.

[@kaiyankwong1465]

I have both Canon MP-E 65 and lawoa 25mm 2.5-5X macro lens. They are equal in optical quality. For Canon MP-E 65, you have auto aperture ( provide you are brighter image to focus) and get 1-5X macro. However, it is heavy, long and bulky to use esp. in 5X and the working distance in 4-5X in very short. On the other hand, Laowa 25mm is smaller, easier to handle in the field. However, you will start with 2.5X ( you loss 1-2.5X) and need to stopped down ( I usually use f8) and it is a bit difficult to focus even using EVF.

[@flotinaway7]

@@kaiyankwong1465 Many thanks for the reply and your experience with the MP-E 65. I'll probably go for the 2X for now and see how I get on with that, although 5X sounds good for studio work I'm generally handheld outdoors. 25mm 2.5-5x also sounds like a very nice lens, and would be a good addition to my Canon 100mm 2.8

[@claystudiofx]

For 100mm vs 60mm, regarding focal length difference (let’s ignore weight/size/build quality etc) , for the same 2x magnification, which one easier to focus ? And which one better for portrait?

[@MicaelWidell]

Both are about the same when it comes to ease of focusing. The 100mm is maybe a bit better for portraits, as it is a longer focal length, also it covers full frame at all distances.

[@douglasstemke2444]

Loud and clear

[@oldpappy9477]

Loud and Clear

[@clpcreative8608]

pa reportedly very good results .. greetings from me Indonesia❤

[@franciscocalvo1980]

Thanks for this so great comparison. It's good to know there's a Canon EF version for aperture control via the camera. Still trying to learn how to manage 1x magnification...The example images are very tempting...I must resist! xD

[@TheRealJoeBlow123]

Hi Micael, do you or is it a good idea to use a clear/UV filter for macro work to protect the front glass? Thanks.

[@MicaelWidell]

I personally don’t do it, and I never ever scratched a lens. But doesn’t hurt to have it I guess.

[@Jezzhead2253]

What to buy? 65mm laowa macrolens or the 100mm ? 🤔

[@zolwikwkurwik]

In my country the 100mm costs about 600 usd (Poland)

[@wilypueo]

How difficult is it to achieve focus with these Laowa lenses (particularly the 65mm) with the Fuji X-T3? I very close to pulling the trigger on this body and one or two of the Laowa lenses.

[@MicaelWidell]

It is always difficult to focus in macro with high magnification, but it is more about practice than about having a specific camera or lens. I found it easier to focus on the Fuji X-T3 than on my Sony A7 III, and definitely a lot easier than on any DSLR.

[@rafael2886]

is the laowa 65mm also suitable for product photography (watches, fountain pens)?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes it would be great for that!

[@zolwikwkurwik]

Will 100mm on aps-c camera give 2x1,5=3x magnification?

[@bewbtewb]

Is your only issue with using the 100mm on APS-C the size disparity between the lens and the body? Aside from that, are there any other reasons you don’t recommend it?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes basically I see no reason to carry lots of dead weight when you can have the same performance in a much smaller and lighter lens optimized for an APS-C image circle.

[@MicaelWidell]

But if you for example plan to upgrade to full frame later it can be a great purchase. Or if you for some reason really need a few cm of extra working distance.

[@bewbtewb]

Thanks Micael! I have the Nikon Z50 and don’t expect to be able to afford the Z Micro whenever it comes out. I do have the Nikkor 105 Micro but have been eyeing Laowa for a while. The majority of my macro is on a tripod so I think it will be ok. There is no other Z mount Laowa macro for APS-C correct?

[@SammydesinasNL]

@@bewbtewb The 65mm isn't available for Z mount. The 100mm wasn't originally either and was later released in Z (initially for DSLRs only). Your options are: 60mm or 100mm on FTZ 100mm Z mount (lighter as no adapter, and has 13 instead of 7 aperture blades. Your 105 micro on FTZ I'd argue all you gain is 2x instead of 1x magnification, maybe less CA compared to your current lenses, less weight than the VR, but you lose the lens VR, autofocus, and EXIF data (not too important on a tripod)

[@dustinwilliams1949]

How would I send some photo to you to see what you think and what should do differently

[@michaelwhitehead8126]

All good here

[@deborahakers568]

thanks for this helpful video

[@sidvicious3129]

Nice photos, I use a Nikon 200mm macro and it is sharp corner to corner and it will take photos of this caliber. The Nikon takes outstanding portraits. The Nikon can be used from 1 foot away, but it is a long lens and although I have gotten great hand held shots from it, it’s best used on a tripod due to size and weight.

[@JJ-fromDK]

if you order from Laowa's site, do you know if there is tax to be paid :0) ( when it lands in ones country)

[@afiqzx]

Mine doesn't. At least none in Japan. Just got my lens Saturday last week

[@bikerdash27]

all good !

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

What about the 85mm?

[@MicaelWidell]

This video was published before the 85mm. But today the 85mm is my favorite Laowa full frame lens.

[@jalexanderevans]

Should have put some time stamps.

[@paulmeesters]

Availability is terrible. The 100mm Sony e-mount version is not for sale anywhere at the moment.

[@MicaelWidell]

Just buy it from Laowas website and you will have it shipped within less then a week, no matter where you live.

[@paulmeesters]

@@MicaelWidell Which website are you thinking of ? Can't find any where ordering is possible :(

[@MicaelWidell]

Paul Meesters Laowas official website at venuslens.net ?

[@paulmeesters]

@@MicaelWidell They just won't want me to get that lens :( They do not ship to The Netherlands

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@joey_outdoors]

YES! This helped me choose which lens to get. Thank you! Going for the 65mm to pair with my Sony A6600.

[@Brillig2]

All? The Aurogon is conspicuously absent.

[@Brillig2]

Never mind. I thought this was a new video. I see now it's 4 years old.

[@af5904]

see you

[@derTommy]

720p... nice ^^

[@Ron56W]

great

[@vpr5562]

May i ask - are you somehow sponsored by Laowa? And if you are - which is Ok!, please, don't be biased, you promise? :))

[@MicaelWidell]

No, I just happen to love their lenses, so I was happy to do this livestream when they asked me. Actually it was my suggestion to talk about the Laowa lens lineup, because that is a topic I could easily spend an hour talking about :) Also see my separate disclaimer that I added as a top comment.

[@zollieuncle9647]

Coupon has expired...

[@janingridijsselmaas4130]

Bra!