Laowa 85mm vs 90mm Macro Lens - Which One To Buy?

[@MicaelWidell]

My Laowa Affiliate Link - Support me by using this link when buying Laowa gear. I get a 5% commission: bit.ly/mwlaowa My Lens guide: lensguide.micaelwidell.com

[@jordiolbe]

I bought the 85mm two weeks ago and I can't be more happy, a game changer for handheld macro photography, the f5.6... I always shoot at f5.6 or f8 so I don't mind

[@larrykay6606]

I sold my Laowa 90mm and just bought the 85mm and used it today for the first time. I couldn't be happier. It is so small and light making it easier to use for insect photos in the field. And thank you for the discount from Laowa! Keep up the great work Micael.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes I also love the 85mm!

[@pepemau5]

I just strugeling at this question, I dont know if I want to buy a 85 or 90 or 100 laowa, only for macro, only for small objects, will go to 85 too, but I read some bad reviews, I dont know what to do

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

I’d like to buy both! I have a Sigma 105mm macro so am going to opt for the 85mm - the weight really attracts me! First I will watch your videos again. Thank you Micael for all your macro help, I really appreciate it.

[@MicaelWidell]

Good choice! I love the 85mm!

[@kaiyankwong1465]

I have both Laowa 85mm f/5.6 and 100mm f/2.8 2X macro lenses. Both lenses are sharp ( may be 100mm a bit better ) I prefer 85mm for 1-2X macro works and enjoy its light weight and compact size. It is more easier to use in the field. One drawback or weak point of 85mm is the six blades aperture which makes the highlight rendering not ideal , the disc become edgy at f/8 already and the inner zone of the discs is fairy busy. On the other hand, 13 blades aperture in 100mm f/2.8 (as well as 90mm f/2.8 ) will have a better highlight rendering.

[@timoohlsen]

Thanks for your lens guide Micael! I found it very helpful 👍

[@DaveMuller]

Thanks to your videos I bought the 100mm. I absolutely love it! I was originally using it on a 90D and have mostly moved to a 6D now and I wish they made a 160mm macro for full frame :D

[@mattdp846]

Hope your channel grows with your many videos these days.

[@MicaelWidell]

So far it is looking very good :) More videos = more views.

[@mattdp846]

@@MicaelWidell Good

[@The-50-Simmer]

Bedankt

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you so much :)

[@unclebuck5957]

I ordered from your link got my lens in a week. I got the 90mm looked at all the reviews

[@nelsonpiedade61]

i im the happy owner of an Sigma 50mm F2,8 EX DG MAcro lens and ive just yestedday aquired the 100mm F2.8 Macro EX DG from Sigma too.and i must say im impressed by the ease of uze of the two of them. and because i also do some creative works with some pieces of cloth and litle "Subjects i find layng around my porche i can testify off the very pleasing time i got from uzing the both of the sigma lenses on canon 1300d T6 body with 18megapixeis. good showdown by the way.keep them coming

[@cameraprepper7938]

Well, we are many macro photographers who never uses flash ! So 5.6 are often too dark ! I guess you have a 24 megapixels full frame camera since you need 2:1 macro.

[@brodylockwood14]

Also, because I am canon, I cannot use the 65mm as its obly for M mounts and I don't believe you can adapt M lenses to RF. I think I'll go with the 85mm. Love your videos!

[@Carbonisation]

I'm in the same dilemma. Currently, I have the Sony 90 G 1x and Laowa 25 2.5-5x. Sometimes, I just want to bring one lens, and often 1x isn't quite enough. Also, I don't need the AF or OSS of the Sony, which I thought would come in handy at first. So, I'm probably trading in the 90 G for one of the Laowa 85 or 90 lenses. I'm leaning more towards the 85 based on these points; size and weight (a perfect pair with the 25), I rarely use anything wider than f/8, even when photographing plants from the side (I want to bring in the environment more), and speed doesn't matter to me, as I always bring a flash. I'm less sure about what diffuser to choose. As of now, I just have one of the cheap circular ones. I use the Godox V1 flash, which I think is great, but I'm new to macro, so I'm not sure.

[@MicaelWidell]

I finally ordered the 85mm. Will try it out as my primary macro lens and see how it feels.

[@Carbonisation]

Great choice, and so will I! I'm looking forward to your future videos. Laowa lenses are so interesting. I just ordered their 9 f/5.6 as well for extreme architecture and landscape perspectives. As already mentioned, and that you already have tried, I own their 25 as well and find it great.

[@rossk7927]

Such a hard decision between the 90 and the 85 for my R5... I went with the 85 via your affiliate link because I figure I have other lenses for "normal" photography and after using the 900g RF 24-70 with extension tubes for a while - the < 300g of the 85mm sure sounds good! What do you think about making a video with defuser/lighting suggestions for working with such a small/short lens? 😁

[@hound83]

Great video, i purchased the 90mm version just yesterday and received it today! Awesome lens! Do you have a link for that fabric diffuser thing you use around the 4 minute mark?

[@BernardoSeguraSilva]

Thank you Micael! I'll go with the 85mm

[@ovi.1000]

Hi Michael, I'm happy that I can see your review about these lenses. I own the Laowa 60 mm which I consider it a good lens, but I find it a bit sensible about dust, though I keep it with the filter on it. I'd like to know your opinion, How do you consider the 85 mm and 90 mm on this aspect? How do you see the built and sealing on them? Thanks!

[@KPAki1Ler]

I own the Nikon 105 2.8 Z. I've been using it for everything macro except insects(tried couple times, turned out good but I want more magnification). I'm considering the 85mm because it's small, same optical quality as the 90mm, and for my flash/hood/diffuser setup I think it will light directly above my subjects. Do you ever have issues with bumping into subjects with the 85 ? As the whole setup is physically closer to the subject?

[@lancealbon46]

Great video. Since I saw the video released about the Laowa 90mm, I’ve actually been trying to see a comparison between the Laowa 90mm and Laowa 100mm, and maybe even against the Sony 90mm macro. At the moment I’m watching an auction for a Laowa 100mm EF lens. I have a Metabones adapter for my Sony a7rii, and I also have an old Canon 650d which I could use this lens on. So far I bought extension tubes to try, the Meike MK320 flash, and a diffuser like yours that fits over the lens. So I’m starting small … to take photos of small creatures : ) haha

[@SpeedoEdoo]

Hi, what did you buy at the end? I'm planning to get the Sony a7riii and with macro lens for my dental photography so mostly i will use appreture f22, I'm not sure which lens to get the sony 90mm or the loawa 85mm or 90mm What do you recommend?

[@lancealbon46]

@@SpeedoEdoo , for dental photography the Laowa 85mm will probably work best for you because of how small it is. Because you shoot at f22, the Laowa 85 is all you need, in my opinion. Michel has a great video on why he moved to the Laowa 85mm.

[@mi3mi80]

Thanks. I were looking for a 85 vs 90 review 2 days ago.😎

[@martinoberstein8431]

Very helpful, Micael, thank you ever so much!

[@ajcaiado1]

Hi Micael, would it be great if you make an outdoor comparison of both lenses by taking photos of insects using the same flash and diffuser set up. I wonder if there will be a problem in having a well lit insect with such a small lens like Laowa 85mm, as the flash light will hit beyond the insect. What are you thoughts on this?

[@peterviragphoto]

Great video mate. I’ve been looking at these two for a few days & would like to buy both lol but might go for the 90mm. Finally internal focusing, no more dust / jumping spiders inside the barrel 😂

[@BobSouthDakota]

Micael, great video as always. I'm about to purchase either a Laowa 60mm for my Canon 70D or the Laowa 85mm seen in this review for my Canon R6. Is there a big difference in image quality between the 60mm and the 85mm? What would you do? Thank you

[@MicaelWidell]

The difference in image quality is pretty much impossible to spot for macro photos. I would buy the lens for R6, as macro photography is much easier to do on a mirrorless camera.

[@ishanr8697]

I have the 100mm, not really happy with it due to its size. Worth trying one of these? I ended up not using my 100 often, a actually rarely do macro.

[@petrduchac2580]

The main question is if you don't do the macro because the setup is heavy then the 85 is great my 7 year old son can carry it around no problem. If you don't shoot the macro because you shoot mainly other things then maybe sell the lens and just get extension tubes if you would need to have macro capabilities.

[@SinaFarhat]

Intressant jämförelse! När jag fotat av mina negativ så använder jag f11 så det är ok att ena varianten inte är ljusstarkt Ha en fin vecka!

[@IanHobday]

85/5.6 hands down. It's absolutely tiny, it's hard to understand how small and light it is without seeing it first hand. I've never shot macro at a wider aperture than 5.6 or 8.0 so why carry the extra weight? [Edit: I also have the 100/2.8 2x but should sell it, haven't used it since getting the 85/5.6. I bought the 85/5.6 soon after it came out using your affiliate link. Have serial # 000553!)

[@samsen3965]

Very well described. Thank you.

[@cameraprepper7938]

What about you start to test good old analog macro Lenses !?

[@Israel9068]

cannot wait for the photo walk! Already exited😍

[@markusschlevogt]

Hey Micael, great comparison :). I've owned the 25mm 2,5-5x. Do you think there is a benefit from the 85mm at 2x over the 25mm at 2.5x? I already have the new Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Z so it is only the 2x magnification which is interesting for me. Thank you for your opinion.

[@MicaelWidell]

I think the 85mm is a much better choice than the 25mm. Only get the 25mm if you already own a regular 2x macro lens first

[@markusschlevogt]

@@MicaelWidell Well, in my case it is the opposite. I've owned the 25mm since it's announcement and want to know, if there are some serious benefits from the 85mm. I don't know if I should consider to buy this one too. Thank you :)

[@TrueToad]

I purchased a Laowa 85mm a week before the 90mm was announced LOL> The 85mm is a joy to carry and use, being as compact and light as it is, it is my go-to lens for macro. The f5.6 and no autofocus is where the lens falls short but I have other Nikon Z lenses for photography other than Macro. I am still considering the 90mm as well since it is such a nice lens.

[@coltoncyr2283]

I have a Z body and i was almost all on board with the 90mm but considering I would never shoot 2.8, I'm now leaning the 85mm. But I have to compare the working distance. I'll be getting one of these. The 100mm is off the table.

[@angelathomas2117]

Hi I have the Sony 90mm Macro lens but its big and heavy. Do you think the image quality is better the Sony or the Laowa please

[@MicaelWidell]

Image quality is the same - perfect. But the Laowa has 2x maximum magnification.

[@Hend_wij]

should i buy laowa 90mm or sony 90mm which is better? please help! thanks

[@MicaelWidell]

I would buy the Laowa because it has the same image quality but 2x magnification and half the price.

[@Hend_wij]

Thank you!

[@pepemau5]

I have a Sony 90, but I want to buy a Laowa lens only for 2:1 mag becouse its gamechanger, Sony only has 1:1 mag

[@godface81]

Have you taken a look at the laowa 100 T2.9 2x macro cine? I just ordered that one off their site. I know it doesnt have the clicking aperture Wondering what if any image difference . Was torn on that one and the 90mm. anywho cheers

[@MicaelWidell]

Haven't tried it, but I imagine it is exactly the same lens in a different casing.

[@speedeurXJR]

Hi Micael. Finally I will buy an aps-c camera for macro, the canon r7. Witch lens do you recommand for me betweeen 65 and 85 mm for apsc rf mount ? Thx a lot for your super youtube channel.

[@speedeurXJR]

When I test with your lens guide the 65 mm is the winner, what your opinion ?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes I would buy the 65mm for the Canon R7. It has a wider max aperture and is almost the same size as the 85mm.

[@jeroenvdw]

Usually sites offer 0% tax option if you live in a different country than the one you're buying from. Unfortunately I don't see that on their site so in the end I would pay more than in the store in my own country. As I can get tax back on purchases in my own country

[@LouisPhilippeTessier]

Very useful, thank you!

[@sigurdurbaldvin2145]

Hello and thank you for this great video ! Do you now how long time it takes to ship lens from this company to north of Europe ?

[@MicaelWidell]

When I have ordered stuff from them it usually takes around 5 days

[@sigurdurbaldvin2145]

I hope they ship to Iceland. Thank you !🙂@@MicaelWidell

[@sigurdurbaldvin2145]

I will use your link !

[@niclasholst7941]

Hi Michael,wich Laowa macrolens are the sharpest in your opinion?

[@MicaelWidell]

All of them are equally sharp. All of them pretty much perfect. Chose lens on other parameters. Feel free to use my lens guide at micaelwidell.com

[@niclasholst7941]

@@MicaelWidell Ok thanks for answer,being using Tamron macros all my life until i got Laowa 60mm 2,8 and to my surprise its a notch or two sharper so i was curious if this goes for all Laowa macros

[@Fujik1966]

Greetings. Do these lenses cover the Fujifilm GFX sensor? Or there will be vignetting.

[@MicaelWidell]

I have no idea. Likely you will get vignette. At least on longer focus distances.

[@Fujik1966]

@@MicaelWidell OK. So I don't need it. There is no information available regarding image circle compatibility with GFX. (Google transletter)

[@SalarHaghighatafshar]

Hej Micael Betalar man tull/moms om man köper objektiv online från Venus optics? Eller kostar det totalt den summa som man betalar till Venus optics?

[@MicaelWidell]

Tror de fuskar lite med sin tulldeklaration så det brukar oftast inte bli någon tull eller moms

[@zalanv9490]

Does it make sense to replace 100 with this? Only minimally shorter and lighter.

[@MicaelWidell]

If you find the weight and length of the 100mm bearable, no point in switching. If the size/weight of the 100mm is a major annoyance, then switch.

[@zalanv9490]

@@MicaelWidell Looking at it that way, there really is some difference :O dustinabbott-net.translate.goog/wp-content/gallery/laowa-90mm-f2-8-apo-macro-review/02-Smaller.jpg?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=hu&_x_tr_hl=hu&_x_tr_pto=wapp

[@SpeedoEdoo]

I'm planning to get the Sony a7riii and with macro lens for my dental photography so mostly i will use appreture f22, I'm not sure which lens to get the sony 90mm or the loawa 85mm or 90mm What do you recommend?

[@MicaelWidell]

All of these lenses will do the job well. I would go with the Laowa 90mm because it is the most versatile and at a good price.

[@damianhdm]

Thanks for the video Micael, I bought already the 85mm and the biggest issue on the beginning was that the diffuser did not fit very well but by now i got used to it and I simply hold it with one finger from the bottom, the diffuser hole is still small enough that it rests on the front part of the lens.. Although it seams for me little dark, on sunny day I shoot f11 and I use the mike 320 flash with 1/4 settings and it is just right, when it gets really dark i would have to go even lower, but 1/8 is definitely too dark, do you think there is something wrong with the flash ?

[@MicaelWidell]

I think this is pretty normal if you have the flash on top of the camera. There are a couple of things you can do to improve this. First, make sure to use the best possible flash batteries - I use GP Photoflash and they are incredible. Second, get some kine of adapter to mount the flash closer to the front of the lens or to angle the flash, or perhaps use a diffuser that doesn't leak light, for example a pringles diffuser.

[@Don_terrenos]

What are the differences between the 90mm vs the 100mm?

[@MicaelWidell]

The image quality is the same, both perfect. The difference is that the 90mm is optimized for mirrorless cameras and therefore a lot smaller, lighter and more compact. So if you have a mirrorless camera I definitely recommend the 90mm. The 100mm is your only choice if you have a DSLR.

[@Don_terrenos]

@@MicaelWidell thank you for your reply!

[@ArcanePath360]

Their website does not seem to do international shipping. I cannot find a way to ship to anywhere other than the states

[@MicaelWidell]

In the checkout at venuslens.net there is a country drop-down with most countries in the world. You don’t have that?

[@ArcanePath360]

@@MicaelWidell I do not. It only lets me put in the US state and the rest of the address. No box for country anywhere.

[@ArcanePath360]

@@MicaelWidell OMG ignore me! I just saw it at the top ! Unusual place to have it, normally it's at the end, lol. Looks like they do free shipping too. I'm just wondering now about import charges.

[@pashedu_if]

For me the biggest minus in laowa lenses lack of aperture coupling. Its so difficult to understand when your subject is in focus on grainy noisy picture

[@MicaelWidell]

I think you get used to it pretty quickly, it doesn't bother me.

[@robgerety]

I think the impact of this varies between camera bodies. I am told (and will soon be able to test myself), that with the R5 for example it is a non issue.

[@JCMShadow1994]

does the Laowa 90mm macro work on the APS-C ZV-e10?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes. But I would recommend getting the 65mm instead for that camera, as it is optimized for APS-C and at least as good in image quality as the 90mm.

[@dougsmit1]

A feature that makes a difference to me is the working distance at 2:1. Is there much of a difference between the two? I assume that both lenses focus by lessening the focal length as you focus closer so the lens set to 1:1 would not give as narrow field of view as the lens set to infinity on extension tubes equal to the marked focal length. The question is not measurements at infinity but at minimum focus. In theory, it would seem that the 85mm might be a few mm closer when focused to 1:1 or 2:1 but that is not certain depending on the way the internal focusing works. Have you tested the amount of difference between the two?

[@MicaelWidell]

I haven’t tested the difference but I think it is probably negligible. Pretty much all lenses have a very short working distance of at most 7cm at 2x.

[@filipsnevajs6401]

Thnk, super video

[@r.h.1693]

I want to by one of the two lenses and because i like your videos (the helped me much) i will use your link. I´m from Austria and i think there will be a lot of import tax when ordering direct from the website? What is your experience?

[@MicaelWidell]

My experience is that Laowa aren’t always 100% honest with the tax declaration so usually it is pretty cheap ;)

[@r.h.1693]

@@MicaelWidell thx, will order :)

[@r.h.1693]

@@MicaelWidell done:)

[@mygg15]

@@r.h.1693 how did it go? Did you have to pay any import taxes?

[@mygg15]

Ordered myself now to Austria, came 5 days later with FedEx and no import taxes.

[@tiktokfavorite3070]

I got 100mm last year. Should I sell that and get one of these ?

[@MicaelWidell]

Only if the size and weight of the 100mm feels like a big problem to you.

[@tiktokfavorite3070]

@@MicaelWidell thank you

[@os2baba]

How about the Laowa 100mm f/2.8?

[@MicaelWidell]

If you have a mirrorless camera there is no point in buying it

[@os2baba]

@@MicaelWidell Except that it's $410 right now on Amazon. That's a 20% difference in price. Image quality is the same. So tempting. Wonder if I'll regret it later.

[@MicaelWidell]

@@os2baba sure the 100mm is like the 90mm but bigger and heavier, still great lens

[@pbft.j]

Hey do you have an extra lens I could borrow lol

[@coltoncyr2283]

Me next!!

[@dariuszdrozdowski5736]

60mm is cheaper after all and they are already second hand, even 50% cheaper, I think that 60mm is the best at the beginning. how to buy it through your link

[@eladmichaely4849]

Hi Michael, I loved the video and after selling my old laowa 60mm I have decided to buy the 85mm so I’m asking you before buying, do u maybe have a promo code?😂 Either way thank u🙏🏻

[@MicaelWidell]

Sorry, no. Laowa provided a discount code earlier, but then they retracted it. But please click my affiliate link if you order from their site, and at least I get a small commission at no extra cost to you :) here it is: bit.ly/mwlaowa

[@barrieharwood5645]

The Olympus system is such an obvious choice for anyone serious about macro photography yet Laowa virtually ignore the brand. The 50mm 2x is a great lens but come on Laowa, how about more choices?

[@MicaelWidell]

What exactly do you want for MFT that doesn’t exist?

[@barrieharwood5645]

@@MicaelWidell more choice would be good. There’s only one MFT macro lens yet APS-C and FF have several as your video demonstrates) 😀 I’d love a 100mm 2x

[@torkelstenqvist1279]

Since Laowa now is a MFT member, why not a 100-150 mm max 2.5x that supports the focus stacking feature.

[@smithbrownjones]

I bought the 100mm because of your previous videos......now you're saying I shoulda bought the 85 or 90......! Damn you Widell.....! Lol.

[@MicaelWidell]

Haha nothing wrong with the 100mm. If you already have it no big reason to switch unless you find it too heavy to use comfortably.

[@coltoncyr2283]

Doesn't the 100 give you a larger focus distance? That's pretty good. Besides image quality working distance is very important.

[@MicaelWidell]

@@coltoncyr2283 the difference in working distance is negligible

[@Jbobonline]

First comment!

[@Lon1an]

"Have A Promotional Code?" Står det när man ska handla på laowas sida.

[@MicaelWidell]

Det är rabattkod och jag har tyvärr ingen