Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
Laowa · 58 mm · f/2.8
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
52
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Exceptional 2:1 macro magnification with outstanding detail capture at macro distances
+Superior APO chromatic aberration correction minimizes purple fringing and color distortion
+Excellent optical performance with exceptional sharpness and high contrast across full aperture range
+Versatile 58mm focal length enables macro, portrait, product, and landscape photography in one lens
+Compact and portable design at 595g despite full metal construction and complex optics
+Affordable $499 USD price point for an APO macro lens with 2:1 magnification capability
Worth Knowing
−Fully manual focus and aperture with no electronic contacts limits EXIF data and requires focus peaking
−No weather sealing or formal dust protection despite internal focusing design
−Bulky for 58mm focal length—similar size and weight to Laowa's 90mm macro lens
−Closer working distance at macro magnification makes lighting and subject approach more challenging than longer focal lengths
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is a specialized mirrorless macro lens delivering exceptional 2:1 magnification and apochromatic color correction in a compact package. Its versatile focal length enables both extreme close-focus work and general-purpose photography, while the advanced optical design ensures distortion-free images and outstanding sharpness. Despite lacking autofocus and weather sealing, the lens offers outstanding value for macro and portrait photographers working with modern mirrorless bodies. | |
| Brand | Laowa |
| Release Year | 2023 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon RF |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Canon EOS R |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 595 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 74 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 117 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 67 mm |
Optics70/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 58 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 2.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 40.9° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Manual |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 13020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 18.5 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 2x |
| Autofocus Mode | No |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction38/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 14 |
| Groups | 11 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 3 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |