Laowa 85mm f5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Canon RF

Designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Laowa 85mm f5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens is one of ...

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Wex Photo VideoLaowa 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO Macro Lens for Leica L-Mount Full Frame Cameras Black
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Wex Photo VideoLaowa 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO Macro Lens for Sony E-Mount - Black
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Product Information

Full details

This guide is for photographers seeking extreme detail in their macro and portrait shots, particularly those using full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Laowa 85mm f5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens offers an unparalleled 2:1 magnification and APO correction in a remarkably compact and lightweight package, making it ideal for fieldwork and extensive shooting sessions. However, its manual focus design requires a deliberate approach to achieve precise focus, especially at high magnifications.

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BrandLaowa

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FAQs

What is the main advantage of the 2x magnification?

The 2x magnification allows you to capture subjects at a 1:1 life-size ratio or larger, revealing intricate details not visible to the naked eye, which is crucial for extreme macro photography.

Is this lens suitable for portrait photography?

Yes, the 85mm focal length and ability to focus to infinity make it a versatile portrait lens. Its sharp optics and ability to isolate subjects provide excellent results, especially for tighter headshots.

How does the APO design benefit image quality?

The Apochromat (APO) design significantly corrects chromatic aberration (color fringing) in both focused and out-of-focus areas, resulting in sharper images with more accurate colors and reducing the need for extensive post-processing.

Does the lens have autofocus?

No, this lens features manual focus (MF) only. This provides precise control, which is essential for critical macro photography.

What does 'Internal Focusing' mean for this lens?

Internal Focusing means the physical length of the lens does not change during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. This prevents dust from entering the lens and avoids collision with your subject.

What is the closest focusing distance?

The closest focusing distance is 0.163 meters (16.3 cm or 6.41 inches) from the sensor plane.

How does its size and weight compare to other macro lenses?

It is considered one of the smallest and lightest full-frame 2x macro lenses available, making it exceptionally portable compared to many traditional macro lenses.

Troubleshooting

Lens will not mount to camera.

Verify that you have selected the correct lens mount for your camera system. Ensure no protective caps are obstructing the mount. Clean the lens and camera mount contacts.

Images are consistently out of focus.

Ensure the lens is set to Manual Focus (MF). Carefully rotate the focus ring. For macro shots, use live view and magnification to precisely achieve focus. Check that the camera's focus mode is set to manual.

Soft or blurry images, especially at edges.

Confirm you are using an appropriate aperture. For maximum sharpness, macro lenses often perform best stopped down slightly (e.g., f/8 or f/11). Ensure focus is accurately achieved on the intended subject.

Chromatic aberration (color fringing) is visible.

While the APO design minimizes this, it can still occur in extreme conditions. Try stopping down the aperture or adjusting focus slightly. Significant CA may require post-processing correction.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional 2:1 magnification for detailed macro work.
  • APO correction significantly reduces color fringing.
  • Extremely portable and lightweight, ideal for travel and fieldwork.
  • Versatile focus range from infinity to 2x, suitable for macro and portraits.
  • Internal focusing design protects the lens and subject.

Cons

  • Manual focus only, requiring user skill for precise focusing.
  • f/5.6 maximum aperture may be limiting in very low light for non-macro shots.
  • Requires adapters for compatibility with some camera mounts (e.g., Canon RF, Sony E, L-Mount).
  • Diaphragm blades are fewer (7) compared to some professional lenses.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Compatibility:

This lens is designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Ensure you select the correct mount for your camera system (e.g., Canon RF, Sony E, L-Mount, Leica M). If your camera mount differs, you may need a compatible lens mount adapter.

Setup:

  1. Attach the lens to your camera body by aligning the lens mount index with the camera's index and twisting the lens until it clicks into place.
  2. Set your camera to manual exposure mode (`M`) for the most control, especially for macro.
  3. Set the lens to manual focus (`MF`). Rotate the focus ring to achieve sharpness on your subject.
  4. Adjust the aperture on the lens to your desired setting (f/5.6 to f/22).

Care:

  • Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to clean the lens elements. For stubborn smudges, use a lens cleaning solution sparingly on the cloth, not directly on the lens. Use a blower brush to remove dust from the lens and mount.
  • Storage: Store the lens in a protective case or pouch when not in use to prevent dust and scratches. Keep it away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
  • Handling: Always handle the lens with care. Avoid touching the glass elements. Ensure the rear lens cap is on when the lens is detached from the camera.

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