Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Macro - the lens I didn't know I needed until now

[@samsamson2491]

This is by far the best review out there - thanks so much. Exactly the kind of information I was looking for. You've sealed the deal for me on the Laowa 85 (vs the Canon 100),

[@MatthewRaifman]

Thank you for your comment! Glad it was helpful

[@dalefrolander3583]

Great video. Macro photographer Micael Widell recommends the Laowa lenses, and shoots macro hand held at 100 iso with a flash and diffuser. The flash freezes the motion as it's way faster than the shutter.

[@MatthewRaifman]

I really enjoy his work. I haven’t made the jump to flash yet but I am sure that’s right.

[@bodinian]

My experience also strongly favors using flash and high shutter speeds with macro. The results are better.

[@moaliyt]

I did some research but eventually went ahead and bought the 85. I'm still getting the hang of Macro and more I use this lens, the more I'm liking it. Jumping to 2x was a bit of a challenge but that's one arrow that's good to have in the quiver as you succinctly put it. For me 85 is solely a Macro lens and I don't do portraits, except street and for that I use 35 GM or 40 G. Thanks for the wonderful, useful review. Take care.

[@MatthewRaifman]

Awesome! Laowa make pretty amazing lenses for the price

[@simonbanfield6949]

Great video. Hugely helpful

[@fellowcitizen]

Subscribed! I'm hoping to get this in M-mount eventually

[@Vindi11]

Do i need an adapter to use it on Eos Rp 😊

[@MatthewRaifman]

No, they still sell it in the rf mount I believe

[@robgerety]

I have the 90mm RF mount Laowa and an R5. I debated whether to buy the 85mm. I think you are correct about the manual function of these lenses. You really don't need, or even want, auto focus etc. for macro. The 90mm is a lot smaller than the 100mm and so the size and weight advantage the 85 has is not so significant when compared to the 90mm. I agree that the f/5.6 limitation on the 85 is not really an issue at all. Maybe I'll try the 85mm. I live in the upper valley, (Vermont). Seems maybe you have spent some time up this way?

[@MatthewRaifman]

Yes, exactly. The 85mm is super lightweight and sharp. I think the 90mm might be a tiny bit sharper but not sure and it might come down to variation in product production. Ah, jealous. I’m in the Boston area but love it up there. Trips are less frequent with a kid now, but when I can get away. Happy shooting

[@bernardthongvanh5613]

autofocus is nice tho because you can use AUTO focus bracketing with some cameras, here I have to switch between my manual lens and autofocus lens when I want to do that :/

[@tibor123]

Hi Matthew! I just bought one of these lenses. I don't have the loud noise when I shake the lens like you have in the video, but there is a minimal noise when I shake it. Is this normal?

[@MatthewRaifman]

A little noise is probably ok. It should make much noise though because there is no image stabilization built in.

[@333raffles]

I have the sony A9, so it would be interesting to see if I can focus stack at 20fps. Not sure how the flash would work, or use an led light.

[@MatthewRaifman]

Could the a9 focus the manual lens? I suppose you can manually focus stack by moving away from the subject while shooting

[@satyarod]

Would this be good for scanning film negatives for a compact scanning rig?

[@MatthewRaifman]

I wish I could advise but I haven’t tried it for that purpose yet. But I would think you could mount it, adjust focus, and then scan away. It’s certainly compact!