Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Nikon F VE10028N

Key Features

• F-Mount Lens/FX Format
• Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
• Two Low Dispersion Elements
• Maximum Magnification: 2:1
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 9.7"
• Manual Focus Design
• 7-Blade Diaphragm

Characterized by its close-focusing capabilities and apochromatic design, the Nikon F-mount Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO from Venus Optics is a unique and versatile short-telephoto prime. Featuring a pair of low dispersion elements, color fringing and chromatic aberrations have been virtually eliminated throughout the focusing range in order to achieve high clarity and color accuracy. The lens's manual focus design also suits its macro capabilities, which permit working with subjects as close as 2:1 with a minimum focusing distance of 9.7" Additionally, a 7-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

• Telephoto prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 150mm equivalent focal length.
• Featuring an apochromatic designation, this lens uses a pair of low dispersion elements to effectively eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing for greater clarity and accurate rendering.
• Greater-than-life-size 2:1 maximum magnification pairs with a 9.7" minimum focusing distance to suit working with close-up subjects.
• Manual focus design, along with focus distance and depth of field scales, aid in precise focusing control.
• A 7-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

Specification

• Focal Length    100mm
• Maximum Aperture    f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture    f/22
• Lens Mount    Nikon F
• Format Compatibility    Full-Frame
• Angle of View    24.4°
• Minimum Focus Distance    9.72" / 24.7 cm
• Maximum Magnification    2x
• Macro Reproduction Ratio    2:1
• Optical Design    12 Elements in 10 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades    7
• Focus Type    Manual Focus
• Image Stabilization    None
• Filter Size    67 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L)    2.83 x 4.92" / 72 x 125 mm
• Weight    1.4 lb / 638 g

It features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic that chromatic aberration at both ‘in-focus’ & ‘out-of-focus’ is both invisible. This new 100mm lens can cover full frame sensor size and focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity. The lens has a similar physical size to other 100mm Macro lenses in the market but its wider magnification range allows macro photographers to capture subjects at any sizes. This 100mm f/2.8 lens can also focus to infinity and serve as a portrait lens with exceptional optics quality. “Just because its 100mm does not mean its normal” – 2:1 Magnification at same physical size Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Ultra-Macro is the second 2:1 Macro lens that we have (The first one is the   60mm f/2.8 ). 100mm is one of the most common focal length for macro photography usage. All of the 100mm macro lenses in the market can only reproduce 1:1 magnification (life-size) image only. The extended 2x magnification means more details can be seen through the lens. Photographers can now take advantage of the wider magnification range to capture bugs at different sizes.   © Gua Ge   © XiaoKaiHuo © Alberto Ghizzi Panizza – Apochromat APO design (invisible CA) The Laowa 100mm f/2.8 has a Apochromat (APO) design where the chromatic aberration (CA) at BOTH in-focus & out-of-focus area (Longitudinal CA) is controlled to the minimal. CA has long been one of the most annoying aberrations for macro photography and now you can forget about this and focus more on taking a great shot.   © Emanuele Biggi © Jie Ge   © Fengniao – Similar size as 1:1 macro lens Despite the extended magnification range, the size of our Laowa 100mm is actually comparable to other macro lenses in the market.   Size Comparison vs other Macro lenses (© ShaoWeiWei) * Sony FE version is a bit longer than Canon / Nikon version due to the flange distance difference. – Automatic Aperture (Canon EF) , Aperture Coupling (Nikon) The Canon version of the Laowa 100mm Macro lens is equipped with an aperture control motor and CPU chip. The aperture can be controlled via the camera body (no aperture control ring on the lens body) and the aperture will close only during shutter release. Photographers no longer need to compose their shots in a dark viewfinder. A focus assistance indicator will also be shown in the camera. EXIF data can also be saved.   Canon bayonet with built-in CPU chip & motor – Outstanding Sharpness   © John Hallmèn (Focus stacked at f/3.5) – Smooth Bokeh rendering   © Nicky Bay © Alberto Ghizzi Panizza   © Keith Cooper – Outstanding Portrait lens with crystal sharpness Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Ultra Macro APO is not only a exceptionally macro lens. It can also focus to infinity and is a very decent telephoto portrait lens.   © Zi Yi   © Zi Yi Watch the review from Christopher Frost Photography: