Laowa 25mm vs Laowa 100mm Macro Lens - Which one to buy?

I always buy Laowa lenses from their website - best price, good service, and fast, free shipping worldwide. 🐞 Buy the Laowa 25mm here: bit.ly/mwlaowa25 🐞 Buy the Laowa 100mm here: bit.ly/mwlaowa100
🐞 Buy the Laowa 65mm here (best one for Fujifilm, Sony APS-C, Canon EOS-M): bit.ly/mwlaowa65
Products I use for macro: 👇
🔎 My personal favorite macro lens: bit.ly/mwlaowa60
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✊ I use a Sony Grip extension: amzn.to/2xHKsrR
🎗 This is my camera strap: amzn.to/2XMi4iSMy
A couple of good howto videos I recommend if you are a beginner in macro photography:
📺 • 7 Foolproof Steps for ...
📺 • 10 Camera/Flash Settin...
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#photography #macrophotography #tutorial
In this video I compare the Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5x-5x macro lens with the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x macro lens, and try to explain the differences and which one you should purchase. I also give you a mini tutorial / how-to on how magnification works in macro photography.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for watching! Subscribe for more videos! More regular content from me in these places: 💌 newsletter: mwroll.com 🌄 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll 🌆 patreon: patreon.com/micaelwidell 🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell

[@macsaikrisztina]

The 100 mm is a GREAT macro lens, it never disappoints. Also very useable for handheld macro - which I do. I think the 25mm is strong when you want to do stacking, and you want to use it on a tripod.

[@Dartheomus]

I have the Canon RF 100mm macro for my R5, and it's spectacular. The extra working distance is very helpful when compared to a wider angle macro. If I were going for my first macro lens, I'd pick 100mm every day of the week.

[@SmolStufff]

As someone who owns a Laowa 100mm I would 100% agree. The 25mm would only work for very specific and very tiny things. About the size of an ant or smaller. I'd argue that it might even be better to go with microscope objectives when you plan to go to 4x magnification and beyond.

[@laelwilliams925]

For macro photography you are the greatest. Please keep your instructional videos coming. Learned a lot. Thank you, a avid watcher.

[@paul-henriksjoberg8685]

Notice how the feeling of the Photo also change, just like compairing a 100mm for portrait of people, and a 35mm for example. The 25mm macro does have that "here and now" look, were the 100mm macro gives you some sort of glimpse into another life and more of an artsy feel in the photograph. Both are great feels, just depends on what you want out of the Photo. I think most people will be more satisfied with the 100mm macro and what kind of photos it can give you, just like a 100mm for portrait... But I think with time, and the more photos you take you start to really enjoy some other looks than the really compressed look, and then other focal lenghts come into play 👌🤔😊

[@MathieuStern]

I see the Tamron 90mm f2.5 in your shelf ... :)

[@MicaelWidell]

Hmm I don't remember owning that lens - you must have confused it with another one. Perhaps the old 7Artisans 60mm macro lens that looks similar. But I would love to get one some day :)

[@aavery3931]

Just bought the new 58 mm Laowa. Very excited!

[@tomrhardwick]

I'll put in a good word for the 25mm f/2.8, a lens I've been waiting for for many years, and which I first saw on your channel Micael. I do a lot of 8mm cine film transfer, and with this Laowa lens fitted to my Sony A7RII I can photograph (film) the gate of my Elmo projector as the film passes through. At f/4 the lens is cut-your-finger sharp, and although the depth of field (at 3.6x magnification) is miniscule, it doesn't matter as the film is being held flat in front of the projector's LED lamp.

[@Phantomias7]

I am really happy with my choice of EOS M50 (APS-C, 1.6x crop) and the laowa 65mm 2x, giving me a fullframe equivalent magnification of 3.2x to infinity. Quite small and versatile setup.

[@Phantomias7]

@@neovo903 sure, it doesn't change the physical magnification, just like it doesn't change the physical focal length. But as the sensor is smaller, a 2x magnification lens on a cropped sensor gives you the same image as a 3.2x magnification lens. That's why i wrote fullframe equivalent magnification. A 11 mm object at 2x magnification on a aps-c sensor (22.5mm wide) fills basically the whole image, while on fullframe with a 2x lens that object would still only cover 22mm, therefore about ⅔ of the sensor, and you'd need a ~3.2x lens to make the object fill the full frame sensor.

[@neovo903]

@@Phantomias7 the thing is, it is still replicating the same size image on the sensor so it is still the same magnification. All that's going on is the smaller sensor just cropping the image. With your logic I could take a photo and crop it 100x and call it a 500x macro. It isn't it's just a 5x macro cropped by 100x.

[@Phantomias7]

@@neovo903 that is exactly why i said "fullframe equivalent magnification" and not magnification, just like how people like to use "fullframe equivalent focal length" when talking about lenses on cropped sensor cameras. I just wanted to say that to get an equivalent picture on fullframe, i'd need either a 61mp sensor (24*1.6², M50) or even 82mp (32*1.6², M6mkii or R7) and crop in, or a 3.2x magnification lens... My point being that 61mp FF sensors are still very expensive, and 82mp FF sensors and infinity-3.2x magnification lenses don't even exist to my knowledge. So a 2x lens with a high resolution aps-c body is perfect for what i'm doing.

[@pramnaw5837]

Tons of thanks for this simple to understand and imforative video ❤

[@Mitch.Wasserman]

Great explanation of image size and magnification on the sensor. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mykyton]

Great comparison, your video is huge! Thank you so much! I'm on the half way of choosing first macro lens for my friend.

[@geoffcox75]

Micael, I have the Laowa 100mm Macro lens but a question re flash/diffuser. Say I set the lens to f5.6/ and 1/1000 second on my A7iii and use a flash. Why the flash because it cannot change the aperture/depth of field can it? Guess I am confused!

[@lShishkaBerryl]

I have both 🤭 They're so affordable compared to Sony, Canon, etc. especially when you get them on sale. If I ever win the lottery I'm buying their whole collection lol.

[@roud11]

Why not both? Also you can get away without a flash with 100mm (or that tamron 90mm that I have), but it's mendatory with the 25mm Laowa lens which I also have. Last point to consider is the learning curve, it's easier to get a sharp photo at 1x or 2x than at 4 or 5x

[@aussiecoastie72]

This is very well explained , the best I have seen . 👍🏻

[@koolkutz7]

Great explanation and images Micael. I am considering getting the Laowa 65mm f2.8 2x macro lens for my Fuji X-S10, I think it would be a great combo for close-up and other general shooting scenarios too.

[@joannaz68]

Superb video! As always 🙂

[@grigoriysukonnov2965]

Thanks for your video. I have 25mm for insects and Sigma 150/2.8 for flowers and other beauties:)) but to work with 25mm slightly difficult gue to shaking and shallow depth of field.

[@neovo903]

I took a few thousand photos with my fathers 100mm f2.8 macro before shelling out money for my macro lens. I did go with the 25mm and it's by far the hardest lens to use that I own. I'm just starting to get decent pictures with it and I'm looking to get a good flash setup for it, currently I have a 470EX-AI flash and looking at your other video I think I'm going to try to get a defuser for it to mount on the lens

[@macrogiants]

buy both

[@PhilThach]

I'd like to see a 65 versus the new 85 comparison. I love your channel. Thanks for your efforts. Your lens selection tool picks the 85 for me.

[@MicaelWidell]

When it comes to image quality and size the 65mm and 85mm are pretty much the same I think. The question is if you prefer full frame compatibility (85mm) or larger max aperture (65mm).

[@PhilThach]

@@MicaelWidell Thank you. Excellent answer. The part I did not know was image quality is about the same. Your lens selection tool was correct for me in this case.

[@5RustyBin]

that's really useful. I like shooting insects but can't see that I would need the extremes of the 25mm except rarely. I have a 100mm macro from Nikon that is 1x but thinking of getting the laowa for the 2x - would you recommend the 100mm or the 65mm version?

[@MicaelWidell]

Use my lens guide to get the right lens for your camera. See micaelwidell.com

[@5RustyBin]

@@MicaelWidell thank you - I ordered the 90mm.!

[@derinmavi9946]

That was very informative. Thank you so much.

[@Klickerman]

Very informative and succinct. Thanks. It helped me decide.

[@tedtedsen269]

im using my 100mm laowa on my fuji gfx100s with nikonmount and gfx adapterring loosing half of the megapixels but i still have over 50mgp to work with im adjusting my 100s to fx mode and 16:9 ratio no black corners

[@brendamilstein1062]

I would like to get into macro and so found your video interesting but would like your opinion on getting the Laowa 60mm for my Nikon D500 camera. The lens is a price I can consider unlike Nikon lenses. Many thanks ...

[@MicaelWidell]

Definitely a great purchase. That is my favorite macro lens! Check my videos about it.

[@edycafe]

Hello Micael and thank you for sharing your video ! How are you doing? I have a canon 90D with canon Ef 100 mm 2.8L IS USM lens and I have a question if you don’t mind to ask you. What do you think about the Laowa 65mm macro lens compared with the one I have (canon 100mm ) I have been watching several videos on KZbin but still have doubts if it’s worth buying it or not as I already have the canon 100mm. You know I don’t want to buy it and get disappointed.. is the 2x magnification worth it ? I’ll appreciate your help ! Thanks again and have a wonderful day ! 😊

[@MicaelWidell]

I personally prefer the Laowa lenses over Canon's, because they have double the magnification (2x instead of 1x) and that makes a big difference for insects. At 1x it is very hard to fill the frame with a small insect. The 65mm will not work on your camera though - it is only for mirrorless cameras. You can however get the excellent Laowa 60mm which will work on your camera and give you 2x magnification.

[@edycafe]

@@MicaelWidell hello again, Micael Thank you so much for your help, I thought the 65mm would work on my camera, thanks to let me know ! I Love your videos 😊

[@mariotsck]

One question what is defraction? awesome video

[@MicaelWidell]

A bit too complicated to answer here. Please read this: photographylife.com/what-is-diffraction-in-photography

[@MOAB-UT]

I can buy a 60mm or a 100mm Laowa. I have a crop sensor (D5500.) I am new, but can edit raw find with Affinity and Neo. I will do a mix of shots- I have a great new tripod. I also have a 50mm and 18mm-140mm kit lens. Which do you recommend- focus on mostly still things? Everything is manual for Nikon on these including flash- no TTL since no elec. connectivity.

[@Mike0193Azul]

So helpful thank you 💚

[@Uncle_Donald]

Hi, i want to make super close macro videos for tiny objects that hardly move. I think the 25MM will be better. What camera would you recommend to use with it? I was struggling to chose between the FX30 and the BMPCC6K

[@MicaelWidell]

I personally would buy the FX30, because I have seen so many people who are in love with it, and also I personally love Sony cameras

[@perigee1275]

The Laowa 65mm and the Meike 320 flash work beautifully with my X-T4. It's the perfect size and weight for handheld macro in the field. I just use a different diffusor. Thanks for the tip!

[@zsoltferenczi192]

hi Micael, I'm trying to figure it out which macro lens should I buy. Is there any of them which has autofocus on it? do you make your macro photos by moving your camera on the subject until you see that is sharp enough if there is no autofocus? thanks

[@lesw.1748]

Micael, you missed MFT photographers. Which lens should they buy? Are you aware of a new macro lens from PERGEAR 60mm 2.8? Will you review it in the future?

[@MicaelWidell]

I would recommend you to get the Laowa 50mm for MFT. Check my review. I have the pergear and will make a review soon!

[@Hrishi1970]

Great clarity and excellent demo! Do you have a recommendation for Nikon z 105mm mc ?

[@MicaelWidell]

Sorry I have no experience with that lens

[@d.a.5415]

I will definitly buy the Laowa 65mm or 100mm for next years insect season to go with my Alpha 6000, think ill rent em out and try around before i make my final decision. I was thinking about buying it this year but i went with the Sony 30mm SEL 3.5 1:1 to get my feet wet and gather some experience with focus and composition. It is so much fun going out and finding little subjects to take shots. At first i wasnt sure if i really want to spend more then double what i paid now for my lense but i am definitly sure i want to upgrade for next year. Really like the Sony lense tho , its very sharp and i was able to get some very nice shots in my first steps with macro shooting. Great Video as always !

[@MicaelWidell]

I would get the 65mm as it will get you the same image quality and look but much much smaller lens. Only reason you might want the 100mm is to get slightly longer working distance.

[@d.a.5415]

@@MicaelWidell thank u very much for the input :D i got used to absolutely zero working distance with my Sony lens now so i dont think the 65mm distance will be a problem cause its impossible that its smaller then what i am dealing/working with now.

[@christianmarasigan981]

Hi micael I'm using sony a6500 what do you think is the best macro lens that I should buy for macro photography

[@MicaelWidell]

I would definitely buy this one: bit.ly/mwlaowa65

[@ArcanePath360]

Is the 65mm RF better optically on the R7 than the 100mm EF? I'm seeing the 100EF used for only £300 but the 65mm RF is only available new and is £429. Just looking to justify the extra expense. Also, the EF one for sale says it has auto aperture. I didn't think these lenses had electronics in them?

[@MicaelWidell]

They are probably similar optically. But the 65mm is optimized for an APS-C sensor, so might be a tiny bit better - I haven't compared them though. The most important difference is that the 65mm is extremely small and lightweight compared to the 100mm. I would never buy the 100mm for an APS-C camera, because it is so big and bulky. And yes, the 100mm is the only Laowa macro lens that actually has electric components - there is a special EF version of it with electronic aperture, to make it work better on DSLR cameras where you have a very dark viewfinder on smaller apertures.

[@ArcanePath360]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks. That clears things up a bit. Weird that Laowa don't mention AA on their website. And also weird how the RF version goes back to MA. Being able to see the focus peeking highlights on a bright screen and being able to use auto ISO is probably what will swing it for me. Plus I have a full frame DSLR (6D) which I might want to try it with. I'm no stranger to heavy lenses. I have a Tamron 150-600 G2. I also want the meta data to show my aperture so I can learn and refine. As the 65mm is relatively new it's hard to get in the UK and is much more expensive than a mint used EF100. This is also a consideration. I just wish they did a AF version of anything so that I can use the R7's focus stacking modes.

[@cornishblue58]

Very good explanation and very helpful. Thank you

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cameraprepper7938]

Hi :) I used 90 and 100mm Macro Lens for many years, now I use an analog manual 60mm 2.8 Macro Lens and sometimes Sony 135mm 1.8 in crop mode on Sony A7RIV, great for Butterflies and Dragonflies.

[@MicaelWidell]

I recently purchased the 135mm GM, such a wonderful lens!

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@MicaelWidell Congratulations, I guess that you will make a review of it soon :) Yes, it is a very wonderful Lens, most often I use it at aperture 1.8 to 2.8 for close-up, for landscape I most often use 5.6. I wish Sony will make a 1.4X tele converter for the 135 GM :D

[@agustinsapad7575]

Yes Sir!!!! You helped me a lot!!!!!... Thank you!!!

[@eladmichaely4849]

Hi Michael, I'm pretty sure I will buy the Laowa 60mm from their original website and I wanted to ask you, are you getting any Import fee deposit on the delivery? because it's not a small order.

[@MicaelWidell]

I didn’t get any fees for the Laowa lenses I bought but I guess it can differ depending on country

[@PHUKU]

Which one is best for video work and film making on a full frame cam

[@MicaelWidell]

Both of them are equally good for video work I would say

[@RefaelBrudo]

First thing first, awesome video. Second thing, When you gonna review the Sony FE 50mm 2.8 macro?

[@MicaelWidell]

Might take a while. But I have it on my list to get my hands on some day

[@RefaelBrudo]

Thanks mate! Love your channel. Keep up the good work!!

[@Malloki100]

I have Canon 90d , is canon 100mm macro lens good with this camira or do you recommend other macro lenses? Thank you

[@MicaelWidell]

The 100mm is excellent for Canon 90d! I recommend getting the version with electronic aperture control, makes it easier to focus with a Canon DSLR

[@Malloki100]

@@MicaelWidell u mean the red L series?

[@nenadtrimeresurus]

I use Laowa 100mm as my main lens. It even replaced my Tamron 90mm F017. That's how much I love it :) On the other hand I use Laowa 25mm very rarely, it's a cool thing to have in your camera bag, but don't expect to use it very often, especially in the field.

[@Peyre]

Let me just resurrect this comment to say that I plan on doing the same thing. Switching from the Tamron 90mm SP (F017) to the LAOWA 100mm.

[@nenadtrimeresurus]

@@Peyre Haha, that was 1 year ago. I would now say that Tamron is much better, unless you plan to use that 2x magnification a lot.

[@Peyre]

@Nenad Preradovic Thanks for being so honest. Of course the Tamron has image stabilization and autofocus which is huge in some cases. Then again since of now there are also the Laowa 90mm (2022) and 85mm (2021) Ultra Macro to consider. But I guess you are right that those lenses only really "make sense" becaue of the 2x magnification.

[@nenadtrimeresurus]

@@Peyre I would also add that Tamron 90mm doesn't show a notable diffraction at closed apertures, at least according to my standards. :) Even f32 is pretty usable for me sometimes.

[@Peyre]

@@nenadtrimeresurus True, I have also used it at F22 and beyond without any problems. I guess the Tamron is all in all the higher quality lens. It's just only missing the 2x but by simply using a Reynox DCR-250 you could even go to 2.4x with the Tamron.

[@romvac]

I would like to ask you about Micro 4/3. I have Olympus 60mm macro lens and I would like to have bigger magnification. Which lens should I buy? Any recommendation...thx.

[@MicaelWidell]

I would definitely buy this one: bit.ly/mwlaowa50 (also check my review of it - very good lens). You could also put a Raynox DCR-250 on your Olympus lens.

[@cornishblue58]

@@MicaelWidell I have just bought the Raynox DCR-250 for my Olympus 60mm macro lens, after watching your video on the Raynox lens. It works very well. FYI you do need a 46mm to 43mm step down ring which I sourced on Amazon. I’m new to macro, so I did find it quite challenging with the Raynox due to depth of field, but got some decent results, which I am sure will get better with more practice.

[@Doa616]

Which would be better the Sony 90mm macro or the laowa 100mm ,,, I use a Sony a6500

[@MicaelWidell]

I would buy the laowa 65mm for that camera. Check my buying guide: lensguide.micaelwidell.com/

[@Wilhelm8e]

Your pronunciation of Laowa is quite good 😊

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you. I’m just guessing 😄 It means old frog?

[@Wilhelm8e]

@@MicaelWidell exactly, 老蛙

[@Walkinginthewoods]

Another very informative video from you. Thank you. I am looking at the Laowa 100mm. It looks like the ideal general purpose macro lens. I am used to carrying around a 200-500mm super telephoto lens so the 100mm will seem small and lightweight to me.

[@blkmidia]

Great video!

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stanlygaston3305]

Thanks so much great video ❤️ i got 4 60mm ultra macro...cause 4 me is okey....100mm maybe later...but by the way thanks 4 all this information...👍

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stanlygaston3305]

@@MicaelWidell for sure Yeahhhhh....👍

[@mejvoj4248]

Hi there and thank you for providing such a rich reviews with no bullshit around like we are use to watching from the GUYS in the west :)

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks. I try my best to have a high signal to noise ratio :)

[@CloudSpecter]

I just had this question as a beginner the 100mm sounds great

[@DrHectorDuran1]

Very clear. Thank you

[@joshuadivahar7719]

I'm confused whether to buy loawa 90mm or 100mm !! Any suggestions ? Thanks

[@MicaelWidell]

Please use my lens guide: lensguide.micaelwidell.com In general you should get the 90mm if you have a mirrorless camera, and the 100mm if you have a dslr

[@matthoffman6962]

The one issue I’m having is the focus peaking with Sony cameras. Most of the time for macro the pictures are in focus but if I want to use the 100mm to infinity or something far away while the focus peaking “lights up” as in focus it clearly isn’t.

[@MarijnvdZaag]

Yeah it seems like a useful feature but I have the same problem with it

[@matthoffman6962]

@@MarijnvdZaag good to know. At least I’m not alone lol sometimes it will be in focus but I have to keep adjusting never really knowing what’s in focus or not

[@MarijnvdZaag]

@@matthoffman6962 Yeah I use the Focus Magnifier or Manual Focus Assist when I really need manual focus, but they're not easy to use either.

[@DanielMaquiling]

very cute ruler

[@a2roland]

Thank you! 🖐👍

[@pregroove]

Hi @Micael Widell, I have a Sony 1:1 macro lens. At some given aperture and distance (magnification) it will have some defined DOF. Will a 2:1 macro lens have "better" DOF due to the fact that it is magnifying more, or is the DOF same as the 1:1 lens? Thanks:-)

[@MicaelWidell]

Typically the DOF is mostly dependent on focusing distance and aperture, at least at 1:1 and beyond. So the lens does not make a difference.

[@pierrevilley6675]

At the same aperture and magnification, the DOF is the same, no matter the lens.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Sound advice Micael....

[@lassebirkhenriksen]

I would say the 100mm. Its much more simple to use than the 25mm

[@SinaFarhat]

Bra information! Ha en fin vecka!

[@MicaelWidell]

Detsamma :)

[@patricketp8356]

In comparison to the Tamron 90mm SP 2.8 the Laowa 65mm is much better to handle and optically much better. And the Tamron was really great

[@Fexone718]

Thank you !

[@MicaelWidell]

You're welcome!

[@Fexone718]

Michael I mean this in a good way, but yr the bob Ross of macro photography

[@MicaelWidell]

What a compliment, thank you :)

[@shapomacro]

I want them both:)

[@someguy9608]

Have you had any issues with dust in your 25mm? Mine is now unusable for stacks, due to dust.

[@MicaelWidell]

It is impossible that dust inside your lens affects your image quality. Unless it is literally so full of dust that no light gets through. If you see “dust spots” it is most likely debris on your camera sensor, which will be much more visible at the extreme effective aperture you have at these magnifications.

[@someguy9608]

@@stef2499 It's not the sensor, I don't have the problem with any other lens or my microscope objectives.

[@MicaelWidell]

In that case clean the back element of the lens. I have never heard of dust inside a lens affecting the image quality.

[@patjustpat5014]

I bet if you showed macro photography of smashed flies on swatters no one would kill a fly anymore..

[@Fexone718]

Seriously ty

[@loukashareangas4420]

If you don't have the macro experience already and you need to ask somebody to explain it to you, then the 25mm will be too much for you, is my guess.

[@MicaelWidell]

Good summary :)

[@ipadize]

so i already have the sony 90mm that means i will get the 25mm from laowa :)

[@Renzsu]

clickbait thumbnail, was hoping to see 100mm long ants... ;)

[@dadffeewff1421]

It's not really accurate, with the 25mm you cannot take the coin in the frame IF you're using the minimum focus distance, you can always step back from the subject

[@MicaelWidell]

you cannot step away very far when the minimum magnification of the lens is 2.5x... This is not like your normal macro lens that can focus to infinity.

[@dummag4126]

100 mm is a real macro lens. 25 mm is a normal lens on extended variabile tubes.

[@MicaelWidell]

The 100mm works exactly the same way. Look inside and you will find a variable tube that moves when you turn the focusing ring.