LAOWA 25mm F2.8 2.5-5X ULTRA MACRO for K-mount

Not a Number · 03-07-2018, 09:09 PM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by fsge

For zero automation and very specific usage I find it a bit pricey...

Compared to the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5× macro at $1050.00 USD seems reasonably priced to me.

JamesDCrockett · 03-08-2018, 05:35 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Compared to the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5× macro at $1050.00 USD seems reasonably priced to me.

Exactly! This is a lens to keep in my memory bank. As someone already already said, this 25mm paired with the 100mm I already have will provide a versatile macro setup. Priority for me though is to see how sharp the new 50mm is when it comes out. The Venus Zero D is the sharpest contender in my opinion but man 12mm is wide!

fsge · 09-24-2018, 03:12 AM

Any feedback from someone who took the plunge and bought this lens?

**Genobreaker** · 10-03-2018, 05:48 PM - **8 Likes**

I have it. It's an interesting lens, but it is very challenging to use due to the super narrow depth of field and how much light you need. When you overcome the challenges, its rewarding. Would only recommend using f2.8-f5.6 for light and sharpness. f8 and beyond starts to get diffraction and lose sharpness.
Mantis photo is a 5 shot stack (handheld) with a Cactus RF60 and a DIY diffuser.
Shrimp eggs is single shot also with a Cactus RF60. Eggs are maybe a mm or less in size.

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krazykat · 10-03-2018, 08:31 PM

Originally posted by Genobreaker

I have it. It's an interesting lens, but it is very challenging to use due to the super narrow depth of field and how much light you need. When you overcome the challenges, its rewarding. Would only recommend using f2.8-f5.6 for light and sharpness. f8 and beyond starts to get diffraction and lose sharpness.
Mantis photo is a 5 shot stack (handheld) with a Cactus RF60 and a DIY diffuser.
Shrimp eggs is single shot also with a Cactus RF60. Eggs are maybe a mm or less in size.

Wow, incredible shots!

fsge · 10-08-2018, 03:02 AM

Originally posted by Genobreaker

I have it. It's an interesting lens, but it is very challenging to use due to the super narrow depth of field and how much light you need. When you overcome the challenges, its rewarding. Would only recommend using f2.8-f5.6 for light and sharpness. f8 and beyond starts to get diffraction and lose sharpness.
Mantis photo is a 5 shot stack (handheld) with a Cactus RF60 and a DIY diffuser.
Shrimp eggs is single shot also with a Cactus RF60. Eggs are maybe a mm or less in size.

Thank you very much for your feedback.
I guess I should test it to figure out how challenging this one is, but not sure finding and renting would be easy!

Klaus · 10-09-2018, 05:45 AM

Originally posted by Genobreaker

I have it. It's an interesting lens, but it is very challenging to use due to the super narrow depth of field and how much light you need. When you overcome the challenges, its rewarding. Would only recommend using f2.8-f5.6 for light and sharpness. f8 and beyond starts to get diffraction and lose sharpness.
Mantis photo is a 5 shot stack (handheld) with a Cactus RF60 and a DIY diffuser.
Shrimp eggs is single shot also with a Cactus RF60. Eggs are maybe a mm or less in size.

Great results.

High macro scales a challenging, by nature. Lots of light needed, and focussing is difficult. But there is no way around this.

I am tempted… ;-)

Cheers - Klaus

pinholecam · 10-09-2018, 10:37 PM - **2 Likes**

The Q7 with adapter and macro lens is a very capable macro setup that has ~4.7x magnification as well as retaining infinity focus, giving it more options for framing.

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03-07-2018, 09:09 PM - 4 Likes	#16
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,525	Originally posted by fsge For zero automation and very specific usage I find it a bit pricey... Compared to the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5× macro at $1050.00 USD seems reasonably priced to me.

03-08-2018, 05:35 PM	#17
JamesDCrockett Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 84	Originally posted by Not a Number Compared to the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5× macro at $1050.00 USD seems reasonably priced to me. Exactly! This is a lens to keep in my memory bank. As someone already already said, this 25mm paired with the 100mm I already have will provide a versatile macro setup. Priority for me though is to see how sharp the new 50mm is when it comes out. The Venus Zero D is the sharpest contender in my opinion but man 12mm is wide!

09-24-2018, 03:12 AM	#18
fsge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Genf Posts: 1,138	Any feedback from someone who took the plunge and bought this lens?

10-03-2018, 08:31 PM	#20
krazykat Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 546	Originally posted by Genobreaker I have it. It's an interesting lens, but it is very challenging to use due to the super narrow depth of field and how much light you need. When you overcome the challenges, its rewarding. Would only recommend using f2.8-f5.6 for light and sharpness. f8 and beyond starts to get diffraction and lose sharpness. Mantis photo is a 5 shot stack (handheld) with a Cactus RF60 and a DIY diffuser. Shrimp eggs is single shot also with a Cactus RF60. Eggs are maybe a mm or less in size. Wow, incredible shots!

10-08-2018, 03:02 AM	#21
fsge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Genf Posts: 1,138	Originally posted by Genobreaker I have it. It's an interesting lens, but it is very challenging to use due to the super narrow depth of field and how much light you need. When you overcome the challenges, its rewarding. Would only recommend using f2.8-f5.6 for light and sharpness. f8 and beyond starts to get diffraction and lose sharpness. Mantis photo is a 5 shot stack (handheld) with a Cactus RF60 and a DIY diffuser. Shrimp eggs is single shot also with a Cactus RF60. Eggs are maybe a mm or less in size. Thank you very much for your feedback. I guess I should test it to figure out how challenging this one is, but not sure finding and renting would be easy!

10-09-2018, 05:45 AM	#22
Klaus Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Murcia, Spain Photos: Gallery Posts: 100	Originally posted by Genobreaker I have it. It's an interesting lens, but it is very challenging to use due to the super narrow depth of field and how much light you need. When you overcome the challenges, its rewarding. Would only recommend using f2.8-f5.6 for light and sharpness. f8 and beyond starts to get diffraction and lose sharpness. Mantis photo is a 5 shot stack (handheld) with a Cactus RF60 and a DIY diffuser. Shrimp eggs is single shot also with a Cactus RF60. Eggs are maybe a mm or less in size. Great results. High macro scales a challenging, by nature. Lots of light needed, and focussing is difficult. But there is no way around this. I am tempted… ;-) Cheers - Klaus

10-09-2018, 10:37 PM - 2 Likes	#23
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	The Q7 with adapter and macro lens is a very capable macro setup that has ~4.7x magnification as well as retaining infinity focus, giving it more options for framing.

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