Laowa 100mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro Review

Update: The Laowa 100mm lens is now available in several camera mounts, including the native Z mount for Nikon. The Z mount version allows direct mounting to your Z camera without an adapter. I bought mine before the updated mount supported the Nikon Z camera.

Bottom Line: This is a fantastic "manual" focus macro lens that is optically equal to or superior to top-brand macro lenses. I use focus peaking to assist with manual focusing, and I also use focus stacking if the subject stands still long enough at the higher magnification of 1.5 - 2x. If you understand the challenges of a manual-focus lens, then I can highly recommend this lens to any seasoned Macro Photographer. 

Please Note: Enjoy the lens on a Nikon Z fully - Go into your camera Menu and set up the lens as a non-CPU lens.

The arrival of this lens at the beginning of summer is perfect timing for outdoor Macro Photography, and I am enjoying using this well-made lens. All images posted here were taken with the Laowa 100mm Macro lens and a Nikon Z7 camera. None of the images show the true capability, as these were mostly taken handheld. Below is a summary of the lens's components and technical specifications. 

• Focus Aids: If you have trouble acquiring maximum sharp focus, I suggest you turn on focus peaking in the Z6/Z7 menu (menu item d10) to help with focus. 

• Image Stabilization: To allow the Nikon Z to support this lens for IBIS, you will need to go into the Z6/Z7 menu and set up the Non-CPU Lens Data (Wrench Menu, then Non-CPU Lens). Once that is set, you will have image stabilization as long as it is turned on in-camera—use normal stabilization for macro.

• Challenges: Like all Macro lenses, when you get to 1:1 and closer, your depth of field is very shallow. Having a manual focus lens with manual f/stops can make your viewfinder dark, making focusing difficult. This situation will require you to adjust your aperture, shutter, and or ISO to maintain enough light to focus on. My experience with focus peaking thus far helps but is not 100% reliable. With the Z7's built-in stabilization, which works great if you use the lens as a standard 100mm lens, the stabilization effect is reduced once you get into the macro range.

• The other benefit of using this lens with a Nikon Z mirrorless is enabling image stabilization in the camera.

How does this lens compare to the legendary Nikkor 105mm Macro? I would say it's on par with image quality and sharpness, but the edge goes to Nikon for in-lens image stabilization and autofocus capability. Below are two images of a Hornworm taken with the Laowa 100mm and the Nikon 105mm to give you an idea.

The lens's physical makeup is made of metal with a robust feel, but it does not have a weather seal gasket at the mounting flange. This Venus Laowa Macro is what I think is a first from Laowa incorporating camera-to-lens couplings, which allow the camera to control the aperture automatically when taking the picture. The other upside to the electronic couplings is EXIF data. Your image files will show the aperture along with ISO, Shutter Speed, etc.

The front lens barrel is an open design that begs to have a 67mm front filter attached—the good news is that Laowa includes one. Without the front filter, dirt and dust would likely accumulate in the lens housing.

The overall length of the lens is 72 x 125 mm(Sony version: 72 x 155 mm), which, by comparison to the Nikon 105 VR Macro, the Laowa is smaller in girth, slightly lighter, and not as long. The lens is an internal focus with all elements remaining within the barrel - the lens does not get shorter or longer during focusing.

The aperture ring moves from f/2.8 through f/22, and I find it a little on the loose side. Without the EVF readout, I must take my face away from the camera to ensure I set the f-stop properly.

Laowa has released some fantastic Macro lenses in the last couple of years, such as the awesome 60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro. Following on the heels of the 60mm, the 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro is the second member of the Laowa 2:1 macro line-up. 

Other Laowa lenses can be found at this link.

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