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Laowa Ultra Macro 65mm — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Camera LensesLaowa Ultra Macro 65mm

Laowa Ultra Macro 65mm — image 1

Laowa

Laowa Ultra Macro 65mm

$399.00

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VE6528FX

Expert Review Analysis

The Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2× Ultra‑Macro APO is a manual‑focus APS‑C prime that delivers 2:1 life‑size macro reproduction with exceptional sharpness, near‑zero chromatic aberration, and a compact all‑metal build, making it ideal for detailed close‑up work on Sony E, Fuji X, Canon EF‑M, Nikon Z and Canon RF mounts.

✓ Best for: Macro enthusiasts, nature and insect photographers, product shooters, and portraitists using APS‑C mirrorless cameras who prioritize ultra‑close magnification, optical purity and compact weight over autofocus✗ Not ideal for: Action, sports or video shooters who need fast autofocus, users who rely on image stabilization, and anyone looking for a very short, pancake‑style lens

Pros

✓Exceptional 2:1 (2×) magnification provides life‑size macro reproduction on APS‑C sensors
✓Outstanding sharpness and resolution across the frame even at the wide f/2.8 aperture
✓Apochromatic design with three ED elements virtually eliminates chromatic aberrations and distortion

Price History

Current

$399.00

Average

$379.86

Lowest

$359.00

Highest

$489.00

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#161Best#12Worst#564 -73

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Camera

Focal Length65 mm mm

Maximum Aperturef/2.8

Minimum Aperturef/22

Angle of View24.4° degrees

Minimum Focus Distance170 mm mm

Design

Height111.8 mm mm

Width111.8 mm mm

Length162.6 mm mm

Weight567 g g

Filter Size52 mm mm

General

BrandLaowa

ModelVE6528FX

Construction

Internal focusing designFocus moves internally with ~270° focus throw

Metal barrel and mountAll‑metal body and mount for durability

Focus

Ridged focus ringTextured ring for precise manual focus control

Filter

Front filter thread52 mm diameter

Package

No lens hood includedFront element exposed, hood must be purchased separately

Dimensions & Weight

Height4.4 Inches

Width4.4 Inches

Depth6.4 Inches

Weight1.25 pounds

Research Sources

bhphotovideo.com

digital-photography-school.com

dustinabbott.net

opticallimits.com

jonasraskphotography.com

mikescamera.com

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User Reviews

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4.6

(133 reviews)

✓Compact all‑metal construction weighing only 335 g with a smooth 270° manual focus ring

✓Accurate color rendition, high contrast and pleasing bokeh for both macro and portrait work

✓Long working distance of 17 cm at 2× magnification allows lighting and handling flexibility

Cons

✗Manual‑focus only design makes it difficult to capture moving subjects or video
✗Minor vignetting and corner softness appear at f/2.8, improving only after stopping down
✗No image stabilization or electronic aperture control, requiring steady handling or tripod
✗Lens barrel is relatively long compared with its diameter, affecting balance on small bodies
✗No lens hood is supplied, leaving the front element exposed to flare

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Exceptional 2:1 magnification exceeds most APS‑C macro lenses, delivering life‑size detail
✓Outstanding sharpness and resolution across the frame even at f/2.8, with micro‑contrast that rivals higher‑priced optics
✓Virtually no chromatic aberrations, distortion or LoCA thanks to the APO design with three ED elements
✓Compact all‑metal construction (Ø57 mm × 100 mm, 335 g) and a smooth 270° manual focus ring enhance handling
✓Good color accuracy, contrast and bokeh quality make it versatile for macro and portrait work

Criticized by Experts

✗Manual focus only, challenging for fast action or video shooting
✗Minor vignetting and corner softness at f/2.8 that improve only after stopping down to f/4‑f/5.6
✗No image stabilization or electronic aperture control, limiting handheld low‑light capability
✗Long lens body relative to its diameter due to the 2× macro design affects balance

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Sharpness and aberration control are praised for macro and detail work
✓Lightweight and portable design makes handheld ultra‑macro shooting comfortable
✓Smooth 270° focus throw aids precise manual focusing
✓Value for stills and portrait photography on APS‑C mirrorless bodies

Users Complain About

✗Manual focus limits speed when photographing moving subjects
✗Lack of autofocus frustrates users accustomed to AF lenses
✗Precise handling required at 2× magnification because of extremely shallow depth of field

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers highlight the lens's optical excellence, noting its APO design delivers virtually no chromatic aberration and exceptional micro‑contrast. They commend the 2:1 magnification, sharpness from center to corners (especially when stopped down), and the solid all‑metal build, while pointing out the drawbacks of manual focus, minor corner softness at wide apertures, and the absence of stabilization.

What Users Say

Everyday users consistently praise the lens for its razor‑sharp macro detail, lightweight feel, and smooth focus ring, calling it "really really well" for macro and detail work. Common complaints focus on the manual‑focus only nature, the need for careful handling at high magnification, and the lack of a supplied hood or stabilization.

Common Complaints

Manual‑focus speed limitations, absence of image stabilization, corner softness at f/2.8, and the relatively long barrel shape relative to its diameter

What People Are Saying

“Really really well performing for macro/details”
User review on photography forum

“Smooth focus throw aids precision”
User comment on retailer site

How It Compares

vs. Fuji XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro

Advantages

✓Provides 2× magnification versus Fuji's 1:2 maximum
✓Lighter weight (335 g vs 427 g) and smaller diameter
✓Superior APO correction and resolution at macro and infinity

Disadvantages

✗No autofocus unlike Fuji’s native AF system
✗Longer barrel relative to diameter still present
✗Higher price point not specified but may be comparable

Choose the Laowa when you need 2:1 life‑size macro and maximum sharpness; choose the Fuji when you need fast autofocus and convenience for everyday shooting

Rating Trend

Rating4.6/ 5Reviews134+25 reviews -0.11