Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
Laowa · 90 mm · f/2.8
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
53
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Exceptional 2:1 macro magnification captures subjects twice life-size with extraordinary detail
+Apochromatic (APO) design with 3 ED elements minimizes chromatic aberration for clean renders
+Remarkably compact and lightweight at 619g, significantly smaller than competing 90mm macro lenses
+Excellent optical sharpness throughout focus range, especially at medium apertures f/4-f/5.6
+Beautiful bokeh quality with 13 aperture blades producing smooth, circular out-of-focus highlights
+Versatile for macro, portraiture, and general short-telephoto photography with infinity focus capability
Worth Knowing
−Fully manual focus with no autofocus, making fast-moving subjects challenging to capture
−No weather sealing or optical image stabilization for field durability or handheld stability
−Prone to flare at wide apertures; lens hood must be used to minimize artifacts
−Lack of electronic coupling prevents EXIF data recording and integration with modern camera systems
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is a newer mirrorless-focused macro lens that offers 2:1 magnification capability and can focus to infinity, making it versatile for macro, commercial and portrait photography. The lens delivers excellent sharpness in tests along with impressive contrast and clarity, with minimal lateral and axial chromatic aberrations thanks to its apochromatic design and three ED elements. At only 619g with dimensions of Ø74 × 120mm, it's among the smallest options in the market compared to equivalent lenses, though the lack of autofocus can be a chore for portraiture despite the lens's telephoto focal length and f/2.8 aperture. | |
| Brand | Laowa |
| Release Year | 2022 |
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. | Sony E |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Sony E |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 619 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 74 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 120 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 ) | 90 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 | 27° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 18 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. | 20.5 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 | Other |
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 |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 13 |
| Groups | 10 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 1 |
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 |