Laowa 58mm F/2.8 2x Ultra-Macro APO

Specifications01

MountCANON RF

Focal length58mm

Max aperturef/2.8

TypeCinema · Macro · Prime

Weight595 g

Filter size67 mm

Physical length117 mm

Min focus distance0.185 m

Aperture blades13

Optical elements14

Groups11

Lens hoodpetal-shaped (bayonet mount, supplied)

Additional Info02

Category["Canon","Canon RF"]

Keywords["Laowa","macro","Prime","R-mount"]

Review AuthorKlaus

Review Rating8.5

Review VerdictOverall, the Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO delivers the impressive results that we are used to from their APO macro lens lineup. The lens is tack sharp at relevant aperture settings and across the image field. Both lateral and axial color fringing is next to non-existing. Image distortions are also absent. The quality of the bokeh is very smooth, both with respect to out-of-focus highlights as well as the general out-of-focus blur. The amount of vignetting is comparatively high even when stopped down but that's easily correctable in post. Flare is a weakness in difficult backlit situations, though. Typical for most fully manual lenses, the build quality is excellent. The lens body is made of metal with a smooth focus ring and a clicked aperture ring. The lens is on the big side relative to other 50mm-ish macro lenses. However, unlike those, the Laowa lens uses an inner focusing system so there are no moving outer parts here. The Laowa lens has no electronic coupling whatsoever. While not all that unusual, Laowa is positioning itself as a sort-of premium manufacturer - and we'd really like to see some progress on this front. Also, if you go for the lens - remember to check for optical consistency (centering) when receiving the lens. Such niche players aren't quite up there with the big boys. You may argue that $499 isn't exactly cheap for such a lens. However, besides the APO design and the high sharpness, you also pay for the max 2:1 macro capability. Such a high object magnification is still very unusual, and rare things simply have a higher price tag. So if you like going to the max with your macro photography, the Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO is worth a look. That being said, Laowa is offering the 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra-macro APO for the same price. Unless you are specifically interested in the wider field of view, a 90mm macro lens is generally more desirable due to the longer working distance.

Review Criteria{"Build Quality":8,"Optical Quality":8.5,"Price/Performance":7}

Review Published2022-12-03T06:57:00+00:00

Optical Construction14 elements in 11 groups (3xED, 3xHR)

Field Notes02

Laowa 58mm F/2.8 2x ultra-macro lens for Canon RF, designed for close-up reproduction with up to 2:1 magnification and an APO design for reduced aberrations.

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Catalog note · source: opticallimits