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

bdery · 12-14-2020, 07:06 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stemked

Why is that I have the 100mm DAW f2.8 macro, 100mm A f2.8, 100mm A f4, 90mm f2.5 Tamron that I'm actually thinking about this lens?

2x magnification with a good working distance and A setting. These are the appeals of that lens.

Originally posted by Not a Number

The native infinity to 2× magnification as well as auto aperture are the draw for me. If it equials or outperforms my Kiron 105mm it be more than happy.

If that Kiron is similar to the Vivitar/Lester A Dine, then the new Laowa outperforms it regarding CA, that's for sure.

bdery · 12-14-2020, 07:09 AM - **3 Likes**

Guys, here's how I set myself up this time for ultra macro and good light. I must say I was quite pleae with the wide overhead light source this yielded:

And here is the result, 2x with focus done via the macro rail.

Doundounba · 12-14-2020, 08:24 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bdery

If that Kiron is similar to the Vivitar/Lester A Dine, then the new Laowa outperforms it regarding CA, that's for sure.

I have the Vivitar Series 1 105mm F/2.5, which is a rebranded Lester A Dine, and in testing there simply was no comparison - the Laowa was way superior. That being said, I've had (IMHO) great results with the Vivitar S1, and I wouldn't sell it. But a bit like Thomas Shahan when he tested his older setups in his Laowa 100mm video, I was surprised at the results when I actually tested it. I think people tend to overestimate the real-world differences between macro lenses when looking at 100% crops of shots at optimal apertures with perfect focus done in a controlled environment...

[EDIT:] Also, another point worth mentioning is that the focus throw on the Laowa is short. Very short. Personally, I'd prefer to have more throw, especially between 1:1 and 2:1. Thankfully the focus ring is very well-dampened, but the Lester Dine lenses have the most velvety and pleasant focus action with a super long throw, so there's a major handling difference there...

bdery · 12-14-2020, 12:40 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Doundounba

another point worth mentioning is that the focus throw on the Laowa is short. Very short. Personally, I'd prefer to have more throw, especially between 1:1 and 2:1.

That's true, and it surprised me. Their 60mm ultra macro has a much longer throw, and I was puzzled by this.

That being said, I also agree that the dampening is superb on the Laowa, so in use I had no trouble locking focus. But in general terms I'd prefer a longer throw on a macro lens.

Not a Number · 12-14-2020, 01:00 PM

Originally posted by bdery

2x magnification with a good working distance and A setting. These are the appeals of that lens.

If that Kiron is similar to the Vivitar/Lester A Dine, then the new Laowa outperforms it regarding CA, that's for sure.

Originally posted by Doundounba

I have the Vivitar Series 1 105mm F/2.5, which is a rebranded Lester A Dine, and in testing there simply was no comparison - the Laowa was way superior. That being said, I've had (IMHO) great results with the Vivitar S1, and I wouldn't sell it. But a bit like Thomas Shahan when he tested his older setups in his Laowa 100mm video, I was surprised at the results when I actually tested it. I think people tend to overestimate the real-world differences between macro lenses when looking at 100% crops of shots at optimal apertures with perfect focus done in a controlled environment...

Thanks for the info. I have two of the Lester Dine branded Kiron lenses. Time perhaps to unload one to help pay for the Laowa

ecostigny · 12-14-2020, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by bdery

Guys, here's how I set myself up this time for ultra macro and good light. I must say I was quite pleae with the wide overhead light source this yielded:

And here is the result, 2x with focus done via the macro rail.

Clever! As a photographer who's been using Lumiquest Pocket Bouncers and their ilk since the 1980s, I can appreciate how one can get professional-looking lighting results just by redirecting the output of a shoe-mounted flash unit!

Thagomizer · 12-14-2020, 07:59 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by ecostigny

Clever! As a photographer who's been using Lumiquest Pocket Bouncers and their ilk since the 1980s, I can appreciate how one can get professional-looking lighting results just by redirecting the output of a shoe-mounted flash unit!

Don't underestimate the combination of the built-in flash and a Pringles tin extender/diffuser, either!

Assuming your camera has a built-in flash...

bdery · 12-15-2020, 06:54 AM

Originally posted by ecostigny

Clever! As a photographer who's been using Lumiquest Pocket Bouncers and their ilk since the 1980s, I can appreciate how one can get professional-looking lighting results just by redirecting the output of a shoe-mounted flash unit!

With the folding reflector, I was able to shape the light somewhat, I got better results than what I expected. Not a replacement for a ring flash but pretty good I think.

**stemked** · 12-15-2020, 06:22 PM

Great macro setup there!

bdery · 12-16-2020, 06:37 AM

Originally posted by stemked

Great macro setup there!

It's actually relatively simple when comparing to other setups. It did work, however.

**JensE** · 12-16-2020, 06:44 AM

Originally posted by bdery

It's actually relatively simple when comparing to other setups. It did work, however.

Exactly that imakes it a great setup. Btw., have you written anything about the PD tripod yet?

tryphon4 · 12-16-2020, 01:48 PM

I will probably buy this lens (yet another macro lens, I already own too many of them!)
However, I am curious about working distance at 1:1 and 2:1.
According to Thomas Sahan, it is respectively about 100mm and 75mm, can someone confirm this?

If these values are true, this lens would give more WD than my 60mm 2:1 (49mm at 1:1, 49mm at 2:1). I know that "insects ignore your efforts" but in many cases a good working distance is useful.
The Mitakon 85mm 1-5x gives far more WD but is very specialized, I am still learning to use it.

**JensE** · 12-16-2020, 04:41 PM

Originally posted by tryphon4

I will probably buy this lens (yet another macro lens, I already own too many of them!)
However, I am curious about working distance at 1:1 and 2:1.
According to Thomas Sahan, it is respectively about 100mm and 75mm, can someone confirm this?

Just two pages back for 1:1 at least.

Not a Number · 12-16-2020, 05:41 PM

The Laowa website lists the minimum focusing distance at 2× as 24.7cm.

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO – LAOWA Camera Lenses

Measurements are usually from the sensor.

**JensE** · 12-16-2020, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

The Laowa website lists the minimum focusing distance at 2× as 24.7cm.

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO – LAOWA Camera Lenses

That's sensor to focal plane. With 125mm lens length and 46.5mm register (for Nikon FX) that means 7.6cm working distance.

12-14-2020, 08:24 AM - 1 Like	#363
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	Originally posted by bdery If that Kiron is similar to the Vivitar/Lester A Dine, then the new Laowa outperforms it regarding CA, that's for sure. I have the Vivitar Series 1 105mm F/2.5, which is a rebranded Lester A Dine, and in testing there simply was no comparison - the Laowa was way superior. That being said, I've had (IMHO) great results with the Vivitar S1, and I wouldn't sell it. But a bit like Thomas Shahan when he tested his older setups in his Laowa 100mm video, I was surprised at the results when I actually tested it. I think people tend to overestimate the real-world differences between macro lenses when looking at 100% crops of shots at optimal apertures with perfect focus done in a controlled environment... [EDIT:] Also, another point worth mentioning is that the focus throw on the Laowa is short. Very short. Personally, I'd prefer to have more throw, especially between 1:1 and 2:1. Thankfully the focus ring is very well-dampened, but the Lester Dine lenses have the most velvety and pleasant focus action with a super long throw, so there's a major handling difference there... Last edited by Doundounba; 12-14-2020 at 08:37 AM.

12-16-2020, 05:41 PM	#374
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	The Laowa website lists the minimum focusing distance at 2× as 24.7cm. Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO – LAOWA Camera Lenses Measurements are usually from the sensor. Last edited by Not a Number; 12-16-2020 at 05:47 PM.

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12-14-2020, 07:06 AM - 1 Like	#361
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by stemked Why is that I have the 100mm DAW f2.8 macro, 100mm A f2.8, 100mm A f4, 90mm f2.5 Tamron that I'm actually thinking about this lens? 2x magnification with a good working distance and A setting. These are the appeals of that lens. Originally posted by Not a Number The native infinity to 2× magnification as well as auto aperture are the draw for me. If it equials or outperforms my Kiron 105mm it be more than happy. If that Kiron is similar to the Vivitar/Lester A Dine, then the new Laowa outperforms it regarding CA, that's for sure.

12-14-2020, 07:09 AM - 3 Likes	#362
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Guys, here's how I set myself up this time for ultra macro and good light. I must say I was quite pleae with the wide overhead light source this yielded: And here is the result, 2x with focus done via the macro rail.

12-14-2020, 12:40 PM - 1 Like	#364
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by Doundounba another point worth mentioning is that the focus throw on the Laowa is short. Very short. Personally, I'd prefer to have more throw, especially between 1:1 and 2:1. That's true, and it surprised me. Their 60mm ultra macro has a much longer throw, and I was puzzled by this. That being said, I also agree that the dampening is superb on the Laowa, so in use I had no trouble locking focus. But in general terms I'd prefer a longer throw on a macro lens.

12-14-2020, 01:00 PM	#365
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by bdery 2x magnification with a good working distance and A setting. These are the appeals of that lens. If that Kiron is similar to the Vivitar/Lester A Dine, then the new Laowa outperforms it regarding CA, that's for sure. Originally posted by Doundounba I have the Vivitar Series 1 105mm F/2.5, which is a rebranded Lester A Dine, and in testing there simply was no comparison - the Laowa was way superior. That being said, I've had (IMHO) great results with the Vivitar S1, and I wouldn't sell it. But a bit like Thomas Shahan when he tested his older setups in his Laowa 100mm video, I was surprised at the results when I actually tested it. I think people tend to overestimate the real-world differences between macro lenses when looking at 100% crops of shots at optimal apertures with perfect focus done in a controlled environment... Thanks for the info. I have two of the Lester Dine branded Kiron lenses. Time perhaps to unload one to help pay for the Laowa

12-14-2020, 03:30 PM	#366
ecostigny Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Branford, CT Posts: 561	Originally posted by bdery Guys, here's how I set myself up this time for ultra macro and good light. I must say I was quite pleae with the wide overhead light source this yielded: And here is the result, 2x with focus done via the macro rail. Clever! As a photographer who's been using Lumiquest Pocket Bouncers and their ilk since the 1980s, I can appreciate how one can get professional-looking lighting results just by redirecting the output of a shoe-mounted flash unit!

12-14-2020, 07:59 PM - 3 Likes	#367
Thagomizer Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Ontario Posts: 2,068	Originally posted by ecostigny Clever! As a photographer who's been using Lumiquest Pocket Bouncers and their ilk since the 1980s, I can appreciate how one can get professional-looking lighting results just by redirecting the output of a shoe-mounted flash unit! Don't underestimate the combination of the built-in flash and a Pringles tin extender/diffuser, either! Assuming your camera has a built-in flash...

12-15-2020, 06:54 AM	#368
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by ecostigny Clever! As a photographer who's been using Lumiquest Pocket Bouncers and their ilk since the 1980s, I can appreciate how one can get professional-looking lighting results just by redirecting the output of a shoe-mounted flash unit! With the folding reflector, I was able to shape the light somewhat, I got better results than what I expected. Not a replacement for a ring flash but pretty good I think.

12-15-2020, 06:22 PM	#369
stemked Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Indianapolis Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 527	Great macro setup there!

12-16-2020, 06:37 AM	#370
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by stemked Great macro setup there! It's actually relatively simple when comparing to other setups. It did work, however.

12-16-2020, 06:44 AM	#371
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,969	Originally posted by bdery It's actually relatively simple when comparing to other setups. It did work, however. Exactly that imakes it a great setup. Btw., have you written anything about the PD tripod yet?

12-16-2020, 01:48 PM	#372
tryphon4 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Drome, France Posts: 304	I will probably buy this lens (yet another macro lens, I already own too many of them!) However, I am curious about working distance at 1:1 and 2:1. According to Thomas Sahan, it is respectively about 100mm and 75mm, can someone confirm this? If these values are true, this lens would give more WD than my 60mm 2:1 (49mm at 1:1, 49mm at 2:1). I know that "insects ignore your efforts" but in many cases a good working distance is useful. The Mitakon 85mm 1-5x gives far more WD but is very specialized, I am still learning to use it.

12-16-2020, 04:41 PM	#373
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,969	Originally posted by tryphon4 I will probably buy this lens (yet another macro lens, I already own too many of them!) However, I am curious about working distance at 1:1 and 2:1. According to Thomas Sahan, it is respectively about 100mm and 75mm, can someone confirm this? Just two pages back for 1:1 at least.

12-16-2020, 05:50 PM	#375
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,969	Originally posted by Not a Number The Laowa website lists the minimum focusing distance at 2× as 24.7cm. Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO – LAOWA Camera Lenses That's sensor to focal plane. With 125mm lens length and 46.5mm register (for Nikon FX) that means 7.6cm working distance.