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Dedicated to extreme close-up imaging, the Sony E-mount Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro from Venus Optics is a specialized macro lens for photographing subjects at magnifications greater than life-size. Operating within a 2.5:1 to 5:1 range, this lens has a minimum focus distance of just 6.8" at the 5:1 magnification along with a comfortable 1.6" working distance. This range is benefitted by the wide-angle focal length, too, in order to achieve greater depth of field compared to long focal length macro lenses. Complementing the close-up capabilities, the optical design incorporates one extra-low dispersion element to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for a high degree of clarity. Additionally, distinguishing itself from other macro lenses, this 25mm f/2.8 is characterized by its notably sleek and lightweight design for easier handling and more room to work with artificial lighting.
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/16
- One Extra-Low Dispersion Element
- 2.5:1 to 5:1 Magnification
Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro Overview
Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro Specs
| Focal Length | 25mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 6.81" / 17.3 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 5x |
| Macro Reproduction Ratio | 5:1 |
| Optical Design | 8 Elements in 6 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | None |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.56 x 3.23" / 65 x 82 mm |
| Weight | 14.11 oz / 400 g |
| Package Weight | 1.685 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 7.25 x 4.85 x 4.45" |
Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro Reviews
Good
This is based on a few days use. Build quality is good. Glass seems sharp. For newbies (which I am really), you will all most certainly need a focusing rail and tripod. Tripod has to get you about an inch from front of lens to subject. This might be difficult if you are outdoors near the ground. I would guess subject size should be 5-7mm.
A MUST Have for a Macro Photography
If you want 2.5 to 5x magnification and super sharp images this is your lens! Remember it is all manual, but that is really not an issue. On a Nikon Z it works exceptionally well with the Focus Stacking feature you have incredible depth of field images. A bargain at $500 !!! A++ with a Focus Rail (I use the NiSi or WeMacro).
Fantastic lens when used in the right conditions
I've been using the Sony 90mm macro for a couple years, paired with a Sony A7riii and have loved every minute with it. But I wanted something for super macro photos. So I paired the Laowa 25mm with a Wemacro rail (for stacking) and the results are astounding. The lens is ridiculously sharp from center to edge. The lack of manual focus is off-putting, and no IBIS makes it impossible for me to use when not on a tripod or rail. But those are minor gripes in my situation. If you love macro and can work around the challenge of this lens, I would highly recommend it!
Incredibly sharp
Just amazed with the quality of the built and the sharpness for such low price
Super Macro!
You MUST use it on a focus rail and you will get truly excellent images all the way to 5x. An amazing lens at an amazing price. The quality of the images is outstanding but you have to use it correctly!!
What A Surprise!
This lens doesn't let you focus, so you need to move around until it's in focus. But when you do, you see a whole different world, and in such great detail. For the price, this lens is a must if you want to shoot what the eye can't see.
2 - 5 times Magnification of snowflakes with a single Lens
Photographing snowflakes became an obsession. But 2-5 times magnification appeared relegated to the Canon macro crowd. Until now....... The Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens for Nikon Z, provided the magnification muscle to get the job done, without going through McGyver gyrations to increase Snowflake size. The photographs came out crystal clear and tac sharp.
Great Lens, wish I bought the tripod collar with it
Surprisingly sharp lens (even at 5x when not stopped down). Four stars instead of 5 only because the tripod collar is not available from B&H Photo.
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