Super compact and super close focusing, the Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO, from Venus Optics, is a short-tele prime offering an impressive 2:1 reproduction ratio for high-magnification macro shooting. Beyond close-focusing, high-magnification performance, this Leica M-mount lens is also distinguished by its sleek and lightweight design and its ability to focus to infinity, making it a versatile choice for walk-around use and portrait subjects, as well.
Close-Up Shooting with 2x Maximum Magnification
This lens's calling card is its 2:1 maximum magnification ratio, which permits photographing at greater-than-life-size scale with a minimum focusing distance of 6.4". Not limited to just specialized close-up applications, the lens also focuses to infinity, making it a versatile choice for both macro and portraiture subjects.
Apochromatic Optics
The optical layout includes three extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements, which greatly reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for high color accuracy and clarity. This apochromatic design is especially beneficial when working throughout the focusing range for accurate and consistent color with both close-up and distant subjects.
Compact and Portable Design
- Compared to conventional macro lenses, this lens has an especially sleek and lightweight design.
- Modest f/5.6 maximum aperture contributes to the sleek form factor.
- Although designed for Leica M-mount cameras, this lens is not compatible with rangefinder focusing methods and will require live view or EVF focusing for accurate framing and focusing results.
- Manual focus operation is benefitted by an internal focusing design that maintains the overall lens length during operation for easier positioning at close-range.