Laowa FF II 55mm f/2.8 1X Macro Tilt-Shift
Laowa · 55 mm · f/2.8
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
52
SCORE /100
What We Like
+True 1:1 macro magnification combined with tilt-shift control for creative depth-of-field manipulation
+Fast f/2.8 aperture with excellent optical performance—overengineered for full-frame for medium-format compatibility
+Exceptional tilt (±10°) and shift (±12mm) range among full-frame tilt-shift lenses, with 360° mount rotation
+Unique tripod collar/foot for superior balance and panoramic stitching capabilities
+Pristine image quality with low chromatic aberration and minimal vignetting across aperture range
Worth Knowing
−Heavy (1345g) and complex with seven adjustment mechanisms, requiring tripod use and significant learning curve
−Mechanical tilt-shift controls reported as difficult to operate—shift knob too small and tilt mechanism requires manual assistance
−Manual focus only with no electronic aperture reporting in EXIF data
−Tripod collar attachment quality concerns and sketchy mechanical implementation of shift/tilt movements
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensLaowa's first tilt-shift macro lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras combines precise tilt of ±10°, shift of ±12mm, and 1:1 magnification to enable creative focal plane control and life-size detail capture. At 1345g and $1249 USD, it is one of the finest lenses Laowa has made optically, with overengineered optics for the full-frame image circle enabling use on medium-format cameras. However, the tilt-shift mechanism requires significant effort to operate, with shift that falls when unlocked and a tiny tilt knob that is almost impossible to turn without manual lens assistance. | |
| Brand | Laowa |
| Release Year | 2024 |
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. | Nikon Z |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Nikon Z |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Medium Format |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 1345 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 85 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 168.5 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. | 77 mm |
Optics70/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 55 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 | 62.7° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 16 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Manual |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 15020 |
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. | 27 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 1x |
| 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 |  Yes |
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 |
Tilt Shift | |
| Tilt Range | 10° |
| Shift Range | 12 mm |
| Tiltshift Rotation |  Yes |
| Lens Rotation |  Yes |
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 | 2 |
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. | No |