Venus Optics announced a new lens, the Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2x Ultra-Macro APO for designed specifically for mirrorless camera systems.
The Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2x Ultra-Macro APO sells at $499 and is available at Venus Optics and available for Canon R, Leica L, Nikon Z and Sony E mount. Venus Optics lenses are sold at Amazon, Adorama and B&H.
This manual focus macro lens offers a maximum 2:1 magnification ratio for larger-than-life macro photos. The 58mm lens is constructed of 14 elements in 11 groups, including 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and 3 Ultra-High Refractive Index elements. It uses a 13 blade aperture diaphragm, has an aperture range of F2.8 through F22, has a minimum focusing distance of 18.5cm (7.3”) and uses a 67mm front filter thread. The lens measures 74mm (2.9”) in diameter by 117mm (4.0”) in length and weighs 595g (1.3lbs).
Press release:
Anhui China, 22 September, 2022 – Venus Optics, the lens manufacturer that has been always endeavouring to invent unique lenses, is stoked to release the Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2x Ultra-Macro APO. This mirrorless-designed macro lens offers a 40.9° angle of view on full frame sensors. And like many other Laowa macro lenses, it can focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity which makes it suitable for professional macro, portrait or a walk-around lens. It features an apochromatic (APO) design that chromatic aberration is compressed to the minimum. With 3 ED elements and 3 Ultra-High Refractive Index elements, the lens delivers an outstanding sharpness. Despite its metal housing, the lens only weighs 595g which is extremely portable. It comes with 4 mount options: Sony E / Canon R / Nikon Z / L mount and a price of USD499.
Up to 2x magnification
This new 58mm lens has the capability to focus from 2X magnification to infinity. The minimum focusing distance is 7.29” (18.5cm). Giving you more flexibility in subject selection. From tiny ant to larger dragonfly, you can capture it with one single lens.
More than a macro lens
Being able to focus infinity, the 58mm focal length (40.9° AoV) pair with the f/2.8 aperture give the lens more usage than just a macro lens. You can also use it for portrait, product photography or use as walk-around lens.
Apochromat (APO) design
The lens is engineered to suppress both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration across in-focus & out-of-focus areas. Purple fringing and ghosting are controlled to the minimum throughout the aperture range. The APO design greatly reduces your post-editing time substantially especially in macro photography.
Outstanding sharpness and image quality
Specially designed for mirrorless system, the lens packed 3 ED elements and 3 Ultra-High Refractive Index elements. With a shorter flange distance, it is not only improving the image sharpness but also makes the lens more compact. It brings you a whole new macro shooting experience.
Deeper depth of field
The shorter focal length relative to 100mm would give greater depth of field. You can get more in-focus details from your subject under the same aperture. This gives you more control when creating unique visual narratives.
Smooth and Pleasant Bokeh
The 13 aperture blades would create smooth and pleasing bokeh. A stunning background can easily achieve.
Compact size
This lens weighs only 595g with the dimensions of Ø74 x 117mm, making it much smaller than other main-stream option in the market. You can carry it around without burden.
Internal Focusing
The internal focusing design avoids collision of the lens and your subject. It also reduces the chance for dust particles getting into the lens.
