Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro lens announced

Venus Optics has just announced a new Laowa 50mm 2x ultra macro lens for MFT cameras, the first of its type for the format.                       

Photo taken with the new Laowa 50mm 2x Ultra Macro lens. Image: Ireneusz lrass Walędzik.

The company seems to be on a bit of a roll recently with a number of new lens releases in the last couple of months, including a 65mm 2x macro. The company has now focussed its attention on Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera owners with its new 50mm 2x ultra macro lens. It claims this is the first ever 2x macro lens designed for MFT systems.

Unique features of the 50mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro lens

Most macro lens can at most create 1x images. That is to say 1x magnification, or life size. The new lens, as the name suggests, can create a 2x magnification ratio, which enables photographers to create ultra close up images, even if the subject matter is a tiny insect. Some of the images provided by the company by various photographers using the lens are a testament to the capability on offer. The lens can focus to infinity and so it can also be used as a portrait lens as well.

Laowa 50mm 2x Ultra Macro lens.

Aperture is controlled by the camera body with all lens data being recorded as EXIF information. A apochromatic optical design apparently eliminates both lateral chromatic aberration and longitudinal CA. Construction consists of 14 elements isn 10 groups, with three consisting of extra low dispersion glass.

It is also compact, weighing in at 8.5oz (240g) and a length of 3.1” 979mm). Focus is internal so there is no change in length during operation.

The lens is priced at US$399 excluding taxes with shipping starting at the end of August. Find out more on the Laowa website.