PR

Venus Optics, the Chinese camera lenses manufacturer endeavoring in crafting unique manual lenses that no two alike, unveil the pricing and availability of the highlighted product in 2020: Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X macro APO. It is the first macro lens that Venus Optics specially design for mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors. Looking at market offerings which can focus up to 1:1 at most, the Laowa macro lens is the only APS-C mirrorless lens in the market that is capable of achieving a 2:1 magnification. Despite its unique specifications and features, Venus Optics has decided to keep the lens reasonably affordable at US $399 (ex-VAT) only. Pricing varies in different countries. It comes with Fuji X, Sony E & EOS-M mounts.

Focus from infinity to 2X macro magnification

Unlike other macro lenses in the market which can focus only at 1:1, this new Laowa lens offers a 2:1 maximum magnification ratio along with a minimum focusing distance of 6.7" (17cm). The wide magnification range is essential for shooting insects and plants at different sizes. A ~100mm (FF equivalent) field of view is also a handy focal length for macro photography. The lens can focus from 2:1 all the way to infinity and can be used for normal portrait shooting. The great versatility makes it a very useful tool for macro, portraiture product photography and even videography.

Lightweight & Compactness

Weighted 11.8oz (335g), this remarkably lightweight, compact and versatile lens serves as an exceptional complement to APS-C cameras. Venus Optics takes advantage of the shorter flange distance and smaller sensors on Fuji X and Sony E cameras to compress the size of the lens to the minimal, making it the most compact macro set ever. Mirrorless camera shooters no longer need to adapt huge Canon/Nikon macro lens to a smaller Fuji X / Sony E camera to get quality macro images.

Unlike some other macro lenses in the market which extends when focusing, the Laowa lens features an internal focus design so that the overall lens length is maintained during focusing. Macro lovers will certainly find this additional feature a big plus when shooting at insects at close distances.

Apochromatic optical design

The new Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X macro incorporates a 14 elements in 10 groups design with 3 extra-low dispersion glasses to minimize chromatic aberrations across the frame. It has inherited the APO design from Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X macro lens and has outperformed market offerings in suppressing chromatic aberration. Most macro lenses in the market shines in terms of eliminating lateral chromatic aberration (LaCa) but falls short on the longitudinal CA (LoCA or Bokeh Fringing). The new Laowa 65mm macro lens is carefully designed to remove both LaCA and LoCA to an invisible level.

Bright f/2.8 max. aperture and pleasing bokeh

Attributed to the maximum aperture at f/2.8, the 65mm f/2.8 allows photographer to work in a variety of lighting conditions and the minimum f/22 aperture helps to attain a deeper depth of field when working with close-up subjects. The fast aperture can help to create images with smooth and creamy 'bokeh'.

Outstanding sharpness, color and clarity

Optimized for APS-C systems, the resulting images deliver stunning details and contrast from centre to corner even when using a wide open aperture. It is a professional prime lens which delivers exceptional resolution and sharpness with outstanding optical construction. The APO feature also lifts up the overall clarity, contrast and color fidelity throughout the entire frame.

Pricing and Availability

The lens is currently available to order in authorized resellers and in Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/).  

The ex-VAT retail price in US is USD 399/pc. Pricing may vary in different countries.  

All mounts start shipping immediately.

Review

https://www.opticallimits.com/fuji_x/1081-laowa65f28?start=1

Nikon Z mount is available now at

https://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-65mm-f-2-8-2x-ultra-macro-apo/

Laowa 65mm f/2.8 is optimized for mirrorless cameras with APS-C format. As the only macro lens in the market that is capable of producing 2X life-size images, the lens allows photographers to use it for a wide range of subjects. The 65mm f/2.8 also inherited the excellent Apochromatic optical(APO) design from Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X macro, which suppresses the chromatic aberration at both in-focus and out-of-focus areas to the minimum. Delivering stunning details and contrast from centre to corner even when using a wide-open aperture. This professional prime lens delivers exceptional resolution and sharpness.

With only 335g(11.8oz), the lens is a very versatile lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The internal focus design can maintain the overall lens length during use, which avoids any collision or damage to the subject. Thanks to the advantage of its lightweight and compactness, this lens is definitely a great companion for outdoor and ecological photography.