Laowa 100mm F2.8 2:1 Macro lens for k-mount

D1N0 · 04-20-2018, 08:43 AM - **2 Likes**

Venus Optics reveals four new Laowa lenses for Sony FE, Fuji GFX, and more: Digital Photography Review

Originally posted by Laowa:

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO

Followed by the success of the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro, the 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro is the 2nd member of Laowa 2:1 macro line-up. This new 100mm lens can cover full frame sensor size and focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity. The wide magnification range allows macro photographers to capture subject at any sizes. This 100mm portrait lens also features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic that no chromatic aberration can be found. The 12 elements in 10 groups optics design delivers a crystal sharpness image in both macro and tele distances. Canon EF / Nikon AI / Pentax K / Sony FE mounts are available.

Not a Number · 04-20-2018, 09:22 AM

Sweet! I wonder if it will be KA mount with contacts?

DeadJohn · 04-20-2018, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Sweet! I wonder if it will be KA mount with contacts?

I think it will be manual focus and aperture without any electronic communication to the camera.

The product photo shows no "A" or "AE" setting on the aperture ring. B&H specs and reviews for the existing Laowa 60mm 2:1 macro say manual aperture for Pentax and the other 3 mounts.

Mistral75 · 04-20-2018, 10:14 AM - **1 Like**

The product photo shows a mechanical coupling of the aperture.

Main specifications:

Pricing and availability are not yet available but the lens is expected to be shipped in mid/late 2018.

A very big picture: https://www.dpreview.com/files/p/articles/9785648208/10028MACRO.jpeg

Not a Number · 04-20-2018, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by DeadJohn

I think it will be manual focus and aperture without any electronic communication to the camera.

The product photo shows no "A" or "AE" setting on the aperture ring. B&H specs and reviews for the existing Laowa 60mm 2:1 macro say manual aperture for Pentax and the other 3 mounts.

The 60mm was first lens released by Venus/Laowa, it doesn't even have a lever as I recall. The Laowa 12mm has "A" contacts.
Laowa D-Dreamer 12mm F2.8 Zero-D - Sample Photos - PentaxForums.com

The B&H specs for the 12mm don't mention "A" or AE either, yet the lens definitely has "A" contacts and "A" position on the aperture ring.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1383044-REG/venus_optics_ve1228pksil_..._8_zero_d.html

Originally posted by Mistral75

The product photo shows a mechanical coupling of the aperture.

Main specifications:

Pricing and availability are not yet available but the lens is expected to be shipped in mid/late 2018.

A very big picture: https://www.dpreview.com/files/p/articles/9785648208/10028MACRO.jpeg

The model in the photo for Nikon F mount, you can tell by the external tab on the aperture ring. So it's not going to have an "A" setting.

Kerebron · 04-20-2018, 11:27 AM - **4 Likes**

What is really weird, it is that Nikon/Pentax have 7 aperture blades and Canon/Sony have 13.

It must be some kind of conspiracy, most probably Illuminati and repti-aaarrghhh...

**jpzk** · 04-20-2018, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by Mistral75

The product photo shows a mechanical coupling of the aperture.

Main specifications:

Pricing and availability are not yet available but the lens is expected to be shipped in mid/late 2018.

A very big picture: https://www.dpreview.com/files/p/articles/9785648208/10028MACRO.jpeg

Why are there more aperture blades for the Canon/Sony vs. Pentax/Nikon ?? (almost double).

Mistral75 · 04-20-2018, 12:50 PM

It seems to be somehow linked to the aperture coupling method: mechanical in the case of the Nikon F and Pentax K mounts, electrical or non-existent in the case of the Canon EF and Sony E mounts.

sculptor666 · 04-20-2018, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by Mistral75

It seems to be somehow linked to the aperture coupling method: mechanical in the case of the Nikon F and Pentax K mounts, electrical or non-existent in the case of the Canon EF and Sony E mounts.

(even though pentax is now capable of electronic aperture)

Adam · 04-20-2018, 01:24 PM - **10 Likes**

Originally posted by sculptor666

(even though pentax is now capable of electronic aperture)

But of course they wouldn't just give away the blueprints to their competitors

Anyway, since it looks like Venus is starting to become a more established brand, I have added a dedicated category to the lens database:

Venus Laowa Lenses for Pentax: Current Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Specs have also been uploaded for the 100mm.

**geomez** · 04-20-2018, 07:13 PM

I'm glad to hear this news. I have two of their lenses, the 15mm 1:1 macro shift lens and the 12mm "Zero-D" lens. They're definitely unique lenses.

Canid · 04-20-2018, 08:36 PM

I would have gone for the 60 if it had had aperture control. I recently acquired their 15mm macro, which is a very challenging and interesting piece of equipment to use. I really appreciate the presence of Laowa in the market... They are offering options to photographers that we didn't have before (rather like Pentax); I think that is valuable.

If it had autofocus, I would trade my 100mm macro for this in a heartbeat... I'd love a super-macro, but not at a focal length I already own.

Zygonyx · 04-20-2018, 11:47 PM

Last Venus Optics Laowa are getting the A markings and position for aperture, so there's a big chance that this one will.

ogl · 04-21-2018, 12:58 AM

I doubt it will be successful for K-mount

Zygonyx · 04-21-2018, 02:01 AM

I'm gonna buy one, so it will definitely be successfull

04-20-2018, 08:43 AM - 2 Likes	#1
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Laowa 100mm F2.8 2:1 Macro lens for k-mount Venus Optics reveals four new Laowa lenses for Sony FE, Fuji GFX, and more: Digital Photography Review Originally posted by Laowa: Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Followed by the success of the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro, the 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro is the 2nd member of Laowa 2:1 macro line-up. This new 100mm lens can cover full frame sensor size and focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity. The wide magnification range allows macro photographers to capture subject at any sizes. This 100mm portrait lens also features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic that no chromatic aberration can be found. The 12 elements in 10 groups optics design delivers a crystal sharpness image in both macro and tele distances. Canon EF / Nikon AI / Pentax K / Sony FE mounts are available.

04-20-2018, 11:05 AM	#5
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,525	Originally posted by DeadJohn I think it will be manual focus and aperture without any electronic communication to the camera. The product photo shows no "A" or "AE" setting on the aperture ring. B&H specs and reviews for the existing Laowa 60mm 2:1 macro say manual aperture for Pentax and the other 3 mounts. The 60mm was first lens released by Venus/Laowa, it doesn't even have a lever as I recall. The Laowa 12mm has "A" contacts. Laowa D-Dreamer 12mm F2.8 Zero-D - Sample Photos - PentaxForums.com The B&H specs for the 12mm don't mention "A" or AE either, yet the lens definitely has "A" contacts and "A" position on the aperture ring. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1383044-REG/venus_optics_ve1228pksil_..._8_zero_d.html Originally posted by Mistral75 The product photo shows a mechanical coupling of the aperture. Main specifications: Pricing and availability are not yet available but the lens is expected to be shipped in mid/late 2018. A very big picture: https://www.dpreview.com/files/p/articles/9785648208/10028MACRO.jpeg The model in the photo for Nikon F mount, you can tell by the external tab on the aperture ring. So it's not going to have an "A" setting. Last edited by Not a Number; 04-20-2018 at 11:15 AM.

04-20-2018, 01:24 PM - 10 Likes	#10
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Originally posted by sculptor666 (even though pentax is now capable of electronic aperture) But of course they wouldn't just give away the blueprints to their competitors Anyway, since it looks like Venus is starting to become a more established brand, I have added a dedicated category to the lens database: Venus Laowa Lenses for Pentax: Current Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Specs have also been uploaded for the 100mm. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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04-20-2018, 09:22 AM	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,525	Sweet! I wonder if it will be KA mount with contacts?

04-20-2018, 10:08 AM	#3
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	Originally posted by Not a Number Sweet! I wonder if it will be KA mount with contacts? I think it will be manual focus and aperture without any electronic communication to the camera. The product photo shows no "A" or "AE" setting on the aperture ring. B&H specs and reviews for the existing Laowa 60mm 2:1 macro say manual aperture for Pentax and the other 3 mounts.

04-20-2018, 10:14 AM - 1 Like	#4
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,526	The product photo shows a mechanical coupling of the aperture. Main specifications: Pricing and availability are not yet available but the lens is expected to be shipped in mid/late 2018. A very big picture: https://www.dpreview.com/files/p/articles/9785648208/10028MACRO.jpeg

04-20-2018, 11:27 AM - 4 Likes	#6
Kerebron Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 322	What is really weird, it is that Nikon/Pentax have 7 aperture blades and Canon/Sony have 13. It must be some kind of conspiracy, most probably Illuminati and repti-aaarrghhh...

04-20-2018, 11:36 AM	#7
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by Mistral75 The product photo shows a mechanical coupling of the aperture. Main specifications: Pricing and availability are not yet available but the lens is expected to be shipped in mid/late 2018. A very big picture: https://www.dpreview.com/files/p/articles/9785648208/10028MACRO.jpeg Why are there more aperture blades for the Canon/Sony vs. Pentax/Nikon ?? (almost double).

04-20-2018, 12:50 PM	#8
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,526	It seems to be somehow linked to the aperture coupling method: mechanical in the case of the Nikon F and Pentax K mounts, electrical or non-existent in the case of the Canon EF and Sony E mounts.

04-20-2018, 01:14 PM	#9
sculptor666 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 675	Originally posted by Mistral75 It seems to be somehow linked to the aperture coupling method: mechanical in the case of the Nikon F and Pentax K mounts, electrical or non-existent in the case of the Canon EF and Sony E mounts. (even though pentax is now capable of electronic aperture)

04-20-2018, 07:13 PM	#11
geomez Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Roanoke, Virginia, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,760	I'm glad to hear this news. I have two of their lenses, the 15mm 1:1 macro shift lens and the 12mm "Zero-D" lens. They're definitely unique lenses.

04-20-2018, 08:36 PM	#12
Canid Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 98	I would have gone for the 60 if it had had aperture control. I recently acquired their 15mm macro, which is a very challenging and interesting piece of equipment to use. I really appreciate the presence of Laowa in the market... They are offering options to photographers that we didn't have before (rather like Pentax); I think that is valuable. If it had autofocus, I would trade my 100mm macro for this in a heartbeat... I'd love a super-macro, but not at a focal length I already own.

04-20-2018, 11:47 PM	#13
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,032	Last Venus Optics Laowa are getting the A markings and position for aperture, so there's a big chance that this one will.

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04-21-2018, 12:58 AM	#14
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	I doubt it will be successful for K-mount

04-21-2018, 02:01 AM	#15
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,032	I'm gonna buy one, so it will definitely be successfull