Venus Optics is releasing the world’s first 100mm Macro Lens capable of 2:1 magnification. That lens is the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO.
This lens is the direct follow-up to the company’s 60mm F/2.2:1. Also, it is now officially the second 2nd lens in the Laowa 2:1 macro line. According to Venus Optics, the 100mm f/2.8 2:1 can cover full-frame sensors and focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity.
The world has never seen a 100mm Macro Lens with 2:1 magnification
100mm lenses are a popular go-to for many pros. The 100mm focal length allows them to get up really close and personal. However, we’ve never seen a macro be able to achieve 2:1 magnification before. Up to this point, they’ve only been able to get 1:1 — which is life size — or smaller magnification.
Ultimately, having a magnification of 2:1 makes this 100mm look very versatile. It seems definitely more versatile than the competition. It’s able to get so close to insects, you can see all the fine details of their small hairs. This lens is able to reach magnification we just haven’t seen from a 100mm.
Design
Inside, the lens is built out of 12 elements in 10 groups. According to Venus Optics, the design allows a crystal sharp image at both macro and infinite distances. Also, the company says its f/2.8 circular aperture will render softly diffused bokeh that isolates the subject from its background.
Additionally, the lens’ internal focusing structure will not extend when the focus is changed. The lens also has a multilayer coating for reducing lens flare and ghosting. Lastly, the lens features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic that Venus Optics says will eliminate any chromatic aberrations.
As for the weight and length, the lens weighs 638g and measures out to be 72 x 125mm. The Sony version of the lens is a little longer, coming out to be 72 x 155 mm.
What mounts are compatible?
The lens is offered in Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony FE mounts. The Canon version of the lens is integrated with a CPU chip and aperture motor. That means you’ll be able to control the aperture and exposure through the camera and record the EXIF data into photos.
Pricing and availability
The Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Ultra Macro APO lens is out now for $449.
Image courtesy John Hallmén, Venus Optics, and Gua Ge
