Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO
Announced September 22, 2022
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Venus Optics Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO offers outstanding sharpness and apochromatic performance at an accessible price point. While it delivers excellent results for close-up photography, users must be comfortable with its fully manual operation and lack of electronic communication with the camera.
Weighted from 9 reviewer scores
Pros
- Apochromatic design with minimal distortion and color fringing
- Excellent sharpness and optical consistency
- Solid metal build quality
- Affordable pricing
- Capable of 2:1 macro magnification
Cons
- Lacks electronic contacts, autofocus, and EXIF data transmission
- Susceptible to lens flare
- Significant focus breathing
- Lacks weather sealing
- Suboptimal lens hood design
- Launch price $499 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 58mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 18.5 cm (2x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Manual focus only
- Weight & size 595g · 74 x 117 mm (2.91 x 4.61 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 9 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
[T]his lens has impressed me a lot more than I expected with some of the best image quality I've ever seen at a lens of this price tier.
- OpticalLimits 8.5/10
[T]he Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO delivers the impressive results that we are used to from their APO macro lens lineup.
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This is a top-notch value lens, and should be near the top of your macro list if you own a Canon, Sony, Nikon, or Leica mirrorless body and would prefer a slightly wider angle of view in your macro lens.
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You must bear that in mind before purchasing this thing, but for those of you who do have that level of patience, admittedly myself included, and who don't need the sharpest possible corner image quality, this lens still comes recommended.
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If you want to have a good and sharp macro lens around standard focal length that you also can use for general photography and do not care much about the size/weight, or electronic contacts, then it is strongly recommended.
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Even with some drawbacks, the Laowa 58mm 2x Ultra-Macro APO is good enough to recommend to photographers looking for a close-up lens.
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If you are thinking of getting your first macro lens, this 58mm 2X macro lens is definitely quite a good choice for you.
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Very low distortion and chromatic aberration.
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I did not see any chromatic aberration and yeah, the lens just works great, has perfect image quality and a good price point, so I would definitely recommend this lens.
