Venus Optics just announced a new 100mm full frame e-mount lens to their Laowa line with macro photographers in mind. It’s a fully manual lens and has a fast f/2.8 aperture and a impressive 2:1 maximum magnification! The price is a fairly reasonable $450 US, and I can tell you the Venus Optics lenses are very well made, because I got my hands on them down at the Photo expo in NYC which I wrote about here >>
That is a pretty spec list for this new Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens, and to see the full Venus lens line-up for Sony E-Mount, be sure to check out my Venus Optics E-Mount Lens Guide Here >>
Key Features:
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- APS-C = 150mm effective
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- Two Low Dispersion Elements
- Maximum Magnification: 2:1
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 9.72″ / 24.7 cm
- Manual Focus Design
- 13-Blade Diaphragm
- Filter Thread = 67mm
- Weight = 1.4 lb / 638 g
- Price = $450 US
Overview courtesy of BHPhoto:
Characterized by its close-focusing capabilities and apochromatic design, the Sony E-mount Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO from Venus Optics is a unique and versatile short-telephoto prime. Featuring a pair of low dispersion elements, color fringing and chromatic aberrations have been virtually eliminated throughout the focusing range in order to achieve high clarity and color accuracy. The lens’s manual focus design also suits its macro capabilities, which permit working with subjects as close as 2:1 with a minimum focusing distance of 9.7″. Additionally, a 13-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
Telephoto prime is designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras and can also be used with APS-C models where it will provide a 150mm equivalent focal length.
Featuring an apochromatic designation, this lens uses a pair of low dispersion elements to effectively eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing for greater clarity and accurate rendering.
Greater-than-life-size 2:1 maximum magnification pairs with a 9.7″ minimum focusing distance to suit working with close-up subjects.
Manual focus design, along with focus distance and depth of field scales, aids in precise focusing control.
A 13-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
Sample Photos:
Closing Remarks
I have not reviewed any of the Venus Optics lenses yet, but perhaps I will get this new macro lens to play with at some point in the near future. Please let me know if you would like me to review this lens and any other thoughts you might have on the matter.
Have a wonderful day and I’ll catch up with you later, Jay
