Buy wisely
Buy wiselyBuy wisely
For RetailersFor developers
  1. Home
  2. Electronics
  3. Cameras
  4. Camera Accessories
  5. Lens Accessories
  6. Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Buy wisely

BuyWisely is your one stop price comparison platform, delivering the best deals from over 20,000 online shops. We empower shoppers to make smart, cost-effective choices by offering transparent pricing, price history, and the latest deals across a broad range of products. With BuyWisely, your money goes further.

Popular Shops
JB Hi-Fi
The Good Guys
Harvey Norman
Appliances Online
Bing Lee
Kogan
Amazon
Officeworks
Contact Us
[email protected]
Affiliate Disclosure
Legal Information
Privacy Policy
Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 BuyWisely•Price data powered by pricesAPI.io•Retailers: SellWisely.io
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF

$497.19

(197 reviews)

The Laowa 25mm f2.8 2x-5x Ultra Macro Lens in Nikon Z mount is an extreme close up, macro lens for the Nikon Z mount full frame mirrorless camera systems. A fully manual lens, with no electronic connections. An affordable extreme macro lens and full frame sized sensors cameras. Also great for the new Nikon Z APS-C sensor cameras. This dedicated macro lens is very compact with dimensions of only 82 x 65mm, weighs 400g, and is aaimed at macro enthusiasts. Suitable for close up work only, it offers between 2.5 and 5 times lifesize images without fuss - without the need of bellows or extension tubes. Optical design is 8 elements in 6 groups with an 8 bladed aperture offers superb image reproduction and image detail. Optimized for macro shooting between 2.5X - 5X life size and specially designed with an extended working distance (45mm at 2.5x & 40mm at 2x)and smaller lens barrel. This allows a sufficient lighting on the object for easier shooting in the field. Much more compact and lighter than other comparative products. The 25mm f2.8 ultra macro also provides a relatively greater depth of field compared to other extreme macro lenses currently available. The Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X is developed for both professional and enthusiast macro photography, to be used in every situation. Nikon Z mount With a wide focal length of 25mm, photographers have the added bonus to shoot with deeper depth of field than when using longer focal length macro lenses. This may be especially useful when focus stacking multiple images which will require stacking of lens shots if using a wider focal length lens due to an increased depth of field.

The Laowa 25mm f2.8 2x-5x Ultra Macro Lens in Nikon Z mount is an extreme close up, macro lens for the Nikon Z mount full frame mirrorless camera systems. A fully manual lens, with no electronic connections. An affordable extreme macro lens and full frame sized sensors cameras. Also great for the new Nikon Z APS-C sensor cameras. This dedicated macro lens is very compact with dimensions of only 82 x 65mm, weighs 400g, and is aaimed at macro enthusiasts. Suitable for close up work only, it offers between 2.5 and 5 times lifesize images without fuss - without the need of bellows or extension tubes. Optical design is 8 elements in 6 groups with an 8 bladed aperture offers superb image reproduction and image detail. Optimized for macro shooting between 2.5X - 5X life size and specially designed with an extended working distance (45mm at 2.5x & 40mm at 2x)and smaller lens barrel. This allows a sufficient lighting on the object for easier shooting in the field. Much more compact and lighter than other comparative products. The 25mm f2.8 ultra macro also provides a relatively greater depth of field compared to other extreme macro lenses currently available. The Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X is developed for both professional and enthusiast macro photography, to be used in every situation. Nikon Z mount With a wide focal length of 25mm, photographers have the added bonus to shoot with deeper depth of field than when using longer focal length macro lenses. This may be especially useful when focus stacking multiple images which will require stacking of lens shots if using a wider focal length lens due to an increased depth of field.

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF

(197 reviews)

The Laowa 25mm f2.8 2x-5x Ultra Macro Lens in Nikon Z mount is an extreme close up, macro lens for the Nikon Z mount full frame mirrorless camera systems. A fully manual lens, with no electronic connections. An affordable extreme macro lens and full frame sized sensors cameras. Also great for the new Nikon Z APS-C sensor cameras. This dedicated macro lens is very compact with dimensions of only 82 x 65mm, weighs 400g, and is aaimed at macro enthusiasts. Suitable for close up work only, it offers between 2.5 and 5 times lifesize images without fuss - without the need of bellows or extension tubes. Optical design is 8 elements in 6 groups with an 8 bladed aperture offers superb image reproduction and image detail. Optimized for macro shooting between 2.5X - 5X life size and specially designed with an extended working distance (45mm at 2.5x & 40mm at 2x)and smaller lens barrel. This allows a sufficient lighting on the object for easier shooting in the field. Much more compact and lighter than other comparative products. The 25mm f2.8 ultra macro also provides a relatively greater depth of field compared to other extreme macro lenses currently available. The Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X is developed for both professional and enthusiast macro photography, to be used in every situation. Nikon Z mount With a wide focal length of 25mm, photographers have the added bonus to shoot with deeper depth of field than when using longer focal length macro lenses. This may be especially useful when focus stacking multiple images which will require stacking of lens shots if using a wider focal length lens due to an increased depth of field.

The Laowa 25mm f2.8 2x-5x Ultra Macro Lens in Nikon Z mount is an extreme close up, macro lens for the Nikon Z mount full frame mirrorless camera systems. A fully manual lens, with no electronic connections. An affordable extreme macro lens and full frame sized sensors cameras. Also great for the new Nikon Z APS-C sensor cameras. This dedicated macro lens is very compact with dimensions of only 82 x 65mm, weighs 400g, and is aaimed at macro enthusiasts. Suitable for close up work only, it offers between 2.5 and 5 times lifesize images without fuss - without the need of bellows or extension tubes. Optical design is 8 elements in 6 groups with an 8 bladed aperture offers superb image reproduction and image detail. Optimized for macro shooting between 2.5X - 5X life size and specially designed with an extended working distance (45mm at 2.5x & 40mm at 2x)and smaller lens barrel. This allows a sufficient lighting on the object for easier shooting in the field. Much more compact and lighter than other comparative products. The 25mm f2.8 ultra macro also provides a relatively greater depth of field compared to other extreme macro lenses currently available. The Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X is developed for both professional and enthusiast macro photography, to be used in every situation. Nikon Z mount With a wide focal length of 25mm, photographers have the added bonus to shoot with deeper depth of field than when using longer focal length macro lenses. This may be especially useful when focus stacking multiple images which will require stacking of lens shots if using a wider focal length lens due to an increased depth of field.

$497.19 - $819.15

in 29 offers

The lowest price for Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens - Canon RF right now is $497.19 at AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430, compared across 17 retailers.

The all-time low was $494.69 on 3 June 2026 — today's price is 1% above the lowest ever. This is at or near its all-time low — a good time to buy.

Prices last updated 8 June 2026.

Price comparison

Price data powered by pricesAPI.io

Last updated at 08/06/2026 17:29:17

Please note: price history and price alerts are not available for some stores, including Amazon.com.au.
Amazon.com.au

$622.28

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X 5:1 Ultra-Macro - Leica L

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$497.19

Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens for Sony E for Canon EF RF Nikon Z F Leica L

Free delivery

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$502.69

Laowa 25mm F2.8 Ultra Macro 2.5-5X Manual Focus Full Frame Lens for Sony E/Nikon Z F for Canon RF

Free delivery

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$554.98

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens for Canon EF for Nikon F for Pentax K·

Free delivery

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$555.45

Laowa 25mm f2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens with Mount and light

Free delivery

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$576.31

Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens With Mount and Light for both professional and

Free delivery

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$632.78

Laowa 25mm f2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens with Mount and light

Free delivery

cccwarehouse.com.au

$577.95

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Canon EF Lens Venus Optics

Delivery $29.90

TecArt

$598.16

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X 5:1 Ultra-Macro - Canon RF

Delivery between 11–19 June $15

Hard to Find Camera Store

$617.00

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra-Macro Lens - Canon RF

Delivery $40.79

Price history

Price history

Please note: price history and price alerts are not available for some stores, including Amazon.com.au.

Reviews

A fascinating lens! Unbelievable photos
1 August 2021Paul

originally posted on bhphotovideo.com

I bought this lens to use it with my Nikon Z6. The lens is fascinating, it produces unbelievable pictures. I ordered and B&H as always delivered on the next day (B&H is the best in this business!!). I am an amateur photographer and I love macro but, regular macro was not enough and I wanted this lens so I can see the minimal details and guess what, it produces amazing images and really takes you to a different world. It may take a few until you get use to it but once you get it the lens works great. The best aperture is 5.6 and if you don't have great light you needs a speed-light (I think to produce great pics you need this anyways). Anyway, I would but this lens again anytime.100% recommended if you are a big macro fan.

Best macro lens I could find at any price point.
7 September 2022FREDERICK

originally posted on adorama.com

This is THE lens I've been looking for.Right out of the box, it's clear that the build will stand the test of time.The magnification control is a twist and is firm so it will hold its position without any surprises while in use.The narrow barrel is a bonus as you can track and see very well, exactly what you're trying to focus on.I find the clarity to be superb, particularly at f8. Since I'm shooting moving/live subjects, I need f8 or deeper for that depth of field. The samples I'll post are at f8 so you can see what a thin depth of field that produces.Matched up perfectly with my Z-Body and there is no play in the mount. No jiggle, no movement, and that's critical if you go to a focus stack series.Considering what this lens will do for my portfolio and insect ... MoreThis is THE lens I've been looking for.Right out of the box, it's clear that the build will stand the test of time.The magnification control is a twist and is firm so it will hold its position without any surprises while in use.The narrow barrel is a bonus as you can track and see very well, exactly what you're trying to focus on.I find the clarity to be superb, particularly at f8. Since I'm shooting moving/live subjects, I need f8 or deeper for that depth of field. The samples I'll post are at f8 so you can see what a thin depth of field that produces.Matched up perfectly with my Z-Body and there is no play in the mount. No jiggle, no movement, and that's critical if you go to a focus stack series.Considering what this lens will do for my portfolio and insect series, it's just plain inexpensive. If there was a better lens, I'd own it. I also have the Laowa 100mm F2.8 CA-Dreamer Macro 2X 067mm and that's going to remain parked on the shelf now that this 25mm is here.Would I recommend it? Without hesitation.

Fantastic lens when used in the right conditions
22 May 2022Nicholas

originally posted on bhphotovideo.com

I've been using the Sony 90mm macro for a couple years, paired with a Sony A7riii and have loved every minute with it. But I wanted something for super macro photos. So I paired the Laowa 25mm with a Wemacro rail (for stacking) and the results are astounding. The lens is ridiculously sharp from center to edge.The lack of manual focus is off-putting, and no IBIS makes it impossible for me to use when not on a tripod or rail. But those are minor gripes in my situation.If you love macro and can work around the challenge of this lens, I would highly recommend it!

Specification

Focal Length25mm
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/16
Lens MountCanon RF
Lens Format CoverageFull-Frame

Price comparison

Updated about 14 hours ago
Please note: price history and price alerts are not available for some stores, including Amazon.com.au.
Amazon.com.au

$622.28

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X 5:1 Ultra-Macro - Leica L

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$497.19

Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens for Sony E for Canon EF RF Nikon Z F Leica L

Free delivery

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$502.69

Laowa 25mm F2.8 Ultra Macro 2.5-5X Manual Focus Full Frame Lens for Sony E/Nikon Z F for Canon RF

Free delivery

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$554.98

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens for Canon EF for Nikon F for Pentax K·

Free delivery

AliExpress.com - AliExpress-226247430

$555.45

Laowa 25mm f2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens with Mount and light

Free delivery

Price history

Price history

Please note: price history and price alerts are not available for some stores, including Amazon.com.au.

Reviews

A fascinating lens! Unbelievable photos
1 August 2021

I bought this lens to use it with my Nikon Z6. The lens is fascinating, it produces unbelievable pictures. I ordered and B&H as always delivered on the next day (B&H is the best in this business!!). I am an amateur photographer and I love macro but, regular macro was not enough and I wanted this lens so I can see the minimal details and guess what, it produces amazing images and really takes you to a different world. It may take a few until you get use to it but once you get it the lens works great. The best aperture is 5.6 and if you don't have great light you needs a speed-light (I think to produce great pics you need this anyways). Anyway, I would but this lens again anytime.100% recommended if you are a big macro fan.

Paul originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Best macro lens I could find at any price point.
7 September 2022

This is THE lens I've been looking for.Right out of the box, it's clear that the build will stand the test of time.The magnification control is a twist and is firm so it will hold its position without any surprises while in use.The narrow barrel is a bonus as you can track and see very well, exactly what you're trying to focus on.I find the clarity to be superb, particularly at f8. Since I'm shooting moving/live subjects, I need f8 or deeper for that depth of field. The samples I'll post are at f8 so you can see what a thin depth of field that produces.Matched up perfectly with my Z-Body and there is no play in the mount. No jiggle, no movement, and that's critical if you go to a focus stack series.Considering what this lens will do for my portfolio and insect ... MoreThis is THE lens I've been looking for.Right out of the box, it's clear that the build will stand the test of time.The magnification control is a twist and is firm so it will hold its position without any surprises while in use.The narrow barrel is a bonus as you can track and see very well, exactly what you're trying to focus on.I find the clarity to be superb, particularly at f8. Since I'm shooting moving/live subjects, I need f8 or deeper for that depth of field. The samples I'll post are at f8 so you can see what a thin depth of field that produces.Matched up perfectly with my Z-Body and there is no play in the mount. No jiggle, no movement, and that's critical if you go to a focus stack series.Considering what this lens will do for my portfolio and insect series, it's just plain inexpensive. If there was a better lens, I'd own it. I also have the Laowa 100mm F2.8 CA-Dreamer Macro 2X 067mm and that's going to remain parked on the shelf now that this 25mm is here.Would I recommend it? Without hesitation.

FREDERICK originally posted on adorama.com
Fantastic lens when used in the right conditions
22 May 2022

I've been using the Sony 90mm macro for a couple years, paired with a Sony A7riii and have loved every minute with it. But I wanted something for super macro photos. So I paired the Laowa 25mm with a Wemacro rail (for stacking) and the results are astounding. The lens is ridiculously sharp from center to edge.The lack of manual focus is off-putting, and no IBIS makes it impossible for me to use when not on a tripod or rail. But those are minor gripes in my situation.If you love macro and can work around the challenge of this lens, I would highly recommend it!

Nicholas originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Great macro lens with some limitations
11 June 2021

The 2X magnification is great and the sharpness and detail are fabulous. Keep in mind that this is a totally manual lens with no electronic communication to the camera, so using it requires a different approach than normal lenses. The camera's light meter will work, which means it can be used in aperture-priority mode (set the aperture on the lens and the camera will set the shutter speed) either with fixed ISO or auto-ISO. As for flash, TTL works.Some of the limitations: the viewfinder will get very dark at small apertures, making it hard to focus. Not an issue for studio shots, as you can open it up to 2.8, compose and focus, then close down the aperture. Or use Live View. However, for field use (insects and flowers), where you don't have time to do this, the ... MoreThe 2X magnification is great and the sharpness and detail are fabulous. Keep in mind that this is a totally manual lens with no electronic communication to the camera, so using it requires a different approach than normal lenses. The camera's light meter will work, which means it can be used in aperture-priority mode (set the aperture on the lens and the camera will set the shutter speed) either with fixed ISO or auto-ISO. As for flash, TTL works.Some of the limitations: the viewfinder will get very dark at small apertures, making it hard to focus. Not an issue for studio shots, as you can open it up to 2.8, compose and focus, then close down the aperture. Or use Live View. However, for field use (insects and flowers), where you don't have time to do this, the darkness of the viewfinder will be an issue unless there is a lot of ambient light. Also, the working distance when at 2X magnification is very short (a couple of inches), which makes insect photography more challenging. The lens is optimized for cropped sensors but can be used with full size ones with some vignetting when focused more than a few feet away. Severe vignetting when focusing at infinity. Focus breathing is noticeable, so for focus stacking it is better to use a focusing rail or bellows.All in all, a great lens for the price with excellent image quality.

Rafael originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Love this lens
4 July 2022

I love this lens. It really gives crisp, sharp pics. I am not used to a manual focus lens so that took a minute. But once I watched a few videos and figured out the auto focus, I fell in love! I highly recommend this lens to anyone who shoots macro! It is affordable, great build quality with stunning results! I have only been using a camera (other than my iphone) for about three months. I watched some reviews on this lens, and it doesn't disappoint. Just buy it! You won't regret it.

Donna originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
One of my most difficult to use lenses, but also a favorite!
9 July 2022

First off, let me say, I LOVE this lens. That being said, it is not a beginners lens and is very difficult to use. This lens requires a lot of light, or a tripod and has a very narrow focus depth, but when mastered, will give you a whole new vantage point of the world. It is a very sturdy metal build and a smooth feeling zoom function. Nothing on this lens feels cheap. It?s simple construction makes it easy to focus on the more difficult parts of using this lens. (Pun intended) The working distance is a little bit closer than I had hoped making it a little hard to capture certain subjects that are easily scared. Shooting handheld almost for certain will require a flash of some type. This lens is one of the most difficult to use lenses I own, but also a favorite. For ... MoreFirst off, let me say, I LOVE this lens. That being said, it is not a beginners lens and is very difficult to use. This lens requires a lot of light, or a tripod and has a very narrow focus depth, but when mastered, will give you a whole new vantage point of the world. It is a very sturdy metal build and a smooth feeling zoom function. Nothing on this lens feels cheap. It?s simple construction makes it easy to focus on the more difficult parts of using this lens. (Pun intended) The working distance is a little bit closer than I had hoped making it a little hard to capture certain subjects that are easily scared. Shooting handheld almost for certain will require a flash of some type. This lens is one of the most difficult to use lenses I own, but also a favorite. For those who want a challenging game changer, this is the lens for you.

Bryan originally posted on adorama.com
Produces Magnifying Glass Like Pictures.
3 February 2022

This lens is highly specialized and overkill for 99% of shots. If the subject to wider than 3/4" or about 2mm, it won't fit in frame. You'll need a very steady tripod and a ton of lighting especially at 5x.If that works for you, this lens is a lot of fun and you can get some really unique pictures. It is a little tricky to use because it doesn't communicate with your camera.I found it easiest to:1) Use a constant light on the subject (flashlight).2) Set the aperture ring at 2.8 so you can see the subject through the viewfinder.3) Find your focal point.4) Lock the camera into position.5) Carefully re-set the aperture ring to desired amount 2.8-22.6) Adjust the camera shutter speed for exposure (via app, remote, or cam ranger).For perspective... using a Nikon ... MoreThis lens is highly specialized and overkill for 99% of shots. If the subject to wider than 3/4" or about 2mm, it won't fit in frame. You'll need a very steady tripod and a ton of lighting especially at 5x.If that works for you, this lens is a lot of fun and you can get some really unique pictures. It is a little tricky to use because it doesn't communicate with your camera.I found it easiest to:1) Use a constant light on the subject (flashlight).2) Set the aperture ring at 2.8 so you can see the subject through the viewfinder.3) Find your focal point.4) Lock the camera into position.5) Carefully re-set the aperture ring to desired amount 2.8-22.6) Adjust the camera shutter speed for exposure (via app, remote, or cam ranger).For perspective... using a Nikon D750 (full-frame 6016x4016) I was able to fit in frame: 1 watch battery or half of a Scrabble tile or 3/4 of a lego man head. Ulta-Macro for sure!

Dan originally posted on lensrentals.com
So far, so good
16 March 2019

I ordered this lens two weeks ago and have only had the opportunity to use it on my WeMacro stepper-motor-driven rail in my studio. I paired the lens up with a Fujifilm X-E3 because the lens will eventually used for field work and the pairing resulted in the lightest solution for both hand-held and tripod supported shooting scenarios.The sweet spot for this lens appears to be f/4. I see some diffraction begin to appear as the lens is progressively stopped down but it can be corrected in post processing.I tried shooting a few bugs hand-held in the garden. Im using a camera neck strap around my neck and under my right arm to create rifle-sling-like tension and moving the camera lens combination by moving my body in and out. Im currently lighting the scenes with a ... MoreI ordered this lens two weeks ago and have only had the opportunity to use it on my WeMacro stepper-motor-driven rail in my studio. I paired the lens up with a Fujifilm X-E3 because the lens will eventually used for field work and the pairing resulted in the lightest solution for both hand-held and tripod supported shooting scenarios.The sweet spot for this lens appears to be f/4. I see some diffraction begin to appear as the lens is progressively stopped down but it can be corrected in post processing.I tried shooting a few bugs hand-held in the garden. Im using a camera neck strap around my neck and under my right arm to create rifle-sling-like tension and moving the camera lens combination by moving my body in and out. Im currently lighting the scenes with a Godox TT-350F with a Vello softbox hand held with my left hand. I use a similar approach when shooting with the Canon MP-E 65mm with Fringer adapter and a Fujifilm X-H1 or X-T2 body. I have the base of a small polyethylene drinking cup slipped over the tip of the lens as a diffuser. The cup is translucent and I increase diffusion with a sheet of vellum inserted and wrapped around the interior of the cut. The cup falls off frequently while moving around because there is not much gripping surface available since the diaphram dial is close to the end of the lens. Venus or a third party needs to release a lens bayonet to female threaded adapter to allow folks to build their own diffusion accessories for use with the lens.The optional mounting ring for this lens looked flimsy so I did not order one. In any case, its really not necessary because the lens weight is reasonably light. I guess some users might want to use the optional mounting ring as a means of mounting their own diffuser solution for the lens.As I said earlier, I really have not had the chance to use the lens in the field and will have to return later for an update.

Gene originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Solid piece of options
20 July 2022

This is a solid piece of optics and a lot of fun if you have time and patience. The 2:1 works well with the usual challenges of macro photography. However, one has to be aware that this lens is fully manual in every respect, there is no communication between the lens and the camera whatsoever. On the plus-side, this being an all-metal construction, it sort of gives a back-to-the-basics feeling.At least on a Nikon, the lens always sends an aperture of f2.8 to the camera, no matter what aperture is actually chosen. Since you also always look through the chosen aperture (there is no automatic snap aperture), that is logical and works well in aperture-priority or manual mode. Of course, the viewfinder gets rather dark at closer apertures.The 1-star-less-than-5 is ... MoreThis is a solid piece of optics and a lot of fun if you have time and patience. The 2:1 works well with the usual challenges of macro photography. However, one has to be aware that this lens is fully manual in every respect, there is no communication between the lens and the camera whatsoever. On the plus-side, this being an all-metal construction, it sort of gives a back-to-the-basics feeling.At least on a Nikon, the lens always sends an aperture of f2.8 to the camera, no matter what aperture is actually chosen. Since you also always look through the chosen aperture (there is no automatic snap aperture), that is logical and works well in aperture-priority or manual mode. Of course, the viewfinder gets rather dark at closer apertures.The 1-star-less-than-5 is because an automatic aperture and a communication of aperture-values could have been implemented fully mechanically with no need for CPUs or electronic connectors - at least the pro-level Nikons still support those old-style mechanical connectors, so it would have been a quick win.BTW, if you wonder where the promised UV-filter is: it comes screwed on from the manufacturer, which is good, since otherwise the somewhat unique retracting inner lens barrel would collect dust and debris in no time. But no, it's not missing, it's just already installed.

Gerd originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Versatile and sharp!
16 June 2020

I replaced my Laowa 25mm with their 60mm since I wanted to have more of an all in one macro lens. After about three months of use, this seems like the perfect lens for my purposes. And if I do want more magnification, I just throw on some cheap no-electrical-connection extension tubes. Best sharpness is at f/5.6 so that's what I use most of the time for higher magnification shooting. By f/16 and f/22, things are pretty soft. The aperture ring and focus ring have nice resistance but they could be tighter in my opinion. It's hard to say for sure, but it feels like the focus ring has loosened up a bit since first getting the lens. The build quality is very good and the lens feels quite sturdy and rugged. Image quality is unbelievable in the in-focus areas, although to ... MoreI replaced my Laowa 25mm with their 60mm since I wanted to have more of an all in one macro lens. After about three months of use, this seems like the perfect lens for my purposes. And if I do want more magnification, I just throw on some cheap no-electrical-connection extension tubes. Best sharpness is at f/5.6 so that's what I use most of the time for higher magnification shooting. By f/16 and f/22, things are pretty soft. The aperture ring and focus ring have nice resistance but they could be tighter in my opinion. It's hard to say for sure, but it feels like the focus ring has loosened up a bit since first getting the lens. The build quality is very good and the lens feels quite sturdy and rugged. Image quality is unbelievable in the in-focus areas, although to see that awesome sharpness across an entire subject, you'll need to do some focus stacking. I'm glad they include a protective filter since the inside of the lens is very exposed without it. Doesn't really seem like the best design since having no filter on the front opens up the inside of the lens to all sort of dust, debris, and moisture which you definitely don't want, especially since macro shooting requires you to get the front of the lens very close to the subject. Overall, this lens is a home run: infinity focus all the way to 2:1, solidly built, and outstanding image quality. If you want a lens that's versatile enough for normal shooting and extreme closeups, this is it (as long as you're fine with manually focusing!)

Andrew originally posted on bhphotovideo.com

Specification

Focal Length25mm
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/16
Lens MountCanon RF
Lens Format CoverageFull-Frame

You may also like

Laowa Lens 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro (Sony FE)
Laowa Lens 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro (Sony FE)$497.19 - $870.28
203
Compare 31 offers
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 APO Ultra-Macro Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 APO Ultra-Macro Lens - Canon RF$649.95 - $1,043.90
329
Compare 12 offers
- 19%
TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Canon RF Mount
TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Canon RF Mount$401.99 - $1,060.10
39
Compare 32 offers
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro Is USM Lens
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro Is USM Lens$1,645.00 - $2,806.10
793
Compare 33 offers
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro Is USM Lens
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro Is USM Lens$1,642.00 - $2,811.60
782
Compare 33 offers
- 18%
Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe Lens - Canon RF
Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe Lens - Canon RF$1,800.00 - $2,999.00
154
Compare 30 offers