Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro

 
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25mm $372
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image of Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro

(From Venus Optics / Laowa lens literature) Venus Optics, the camera lens manufacturer who has previously launched a number of unique macro lenses (60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro & 15mm f/4 Wide Angle Macro), is proud to add another member to their macro products line, the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro lens.

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro

The new Laowa 25mm f/2.8 provides a magnification range from 2.5:1 to 5:1 and offers flexibility for photographers to capture macro subjects with different sizes. The 8 elements in 6 groups design with one low-dispersion element, creates outstanding image sharpness across different magnifications and greatly reduces chromatic aberrations and color fringing. The wide focal length gives a relatively deeper depth of field than lenses with a longer focal length. This feature is particularly essential for photographers who can then stack fewer images for achieving even sharpness across the frame.

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro

Dedicated solely to macro applications, the lens is carefully designed with an extended working distance (40mm @ 5x) & small lens barrel. This design is aimed at providing sufficient room for lighting to reach the subject. The lens weighs less than 400g and its compact size makes it suitable for shooting both in the field and in the laboratory. An optional rotating tripod collar is also released for photographers to benefit from mounting the lens on tripods and compose at different angles.

Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Pentax K & Sony E mounts are available for order through Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/) and authorized resellers. The suggested retail price (tax excluded) in United States is USD 399/pc. Pricing varies in different countries.

 

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro User Reviews

9.0/10 average of 2 review(s) Build Quality 10.0/10 Image Quality 9.5/10
  • 10 out of 10 points and recommended by Legacyman (1 reviews)
    Totally manual, no electronics to fail. Wide angle perspective gives very much needed apparent DOF at high magnification. Excellent on m4/3 and good on FF. Narrow tip of barrel get it in where wider alternatives cannot go e.g photographic tiny fu
    Would have liked to to also cover x2.

    I have used mine almost daily, for above 1:1, for about 2 years. I can take hand-held daylight shots in some situations, in bright sunlight but I prefer to use TTL, off-camera RC flash (2 units, occasionally 3). I never use a tripod.

    I previously used various legacy macro lenses, enlarger lenses or supplementary diopters. All gave good results but not the depth effect, and many of them required long extensions.

    I mostly use it on m4/3, which I use for most of my macro.

    reviewed October 5th, 2020 (purchased for $399)
  • 8 out of 10 points and recommended by Night-Knight (1 reviews)
    Extreme focus Cheap Very sharp Focus range is limited so stacking is often a must. All metal and is heavy but robust.
    Hard to focus hand held Lot of light is required. Got to get close Tripod or beanbag is useful.

    I have had this lend for some time and is most likely not the first, second or even 5th lens you are going to buy. Handheld requires a LOT of light as the DOF is very short on such short distance as 5-10 cm or shorter.
    There is a ring of light that helps a bit but have been using small LED-flash lights on the higher range of emitted light. Magic arms will help as you have to use your hands to focus manually and also to fire the trigger.
    Use Tripod or beanbag but be patient as this lens will challenge you.

    reviewed April 19th, 2020 (purchased for $470)