Laowa 100mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

Construction and Handling

The Laowa 100mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is a prime of large size, compared to other short tele lenses. It is larger than the equivalent Pentax 100mm macro, although the latter offers the more common 1x magnification.

This section will give you a complete tour of the lens, from every angle. You will also see the lens alongside other comparable lenses and mounted on various camera bodies.

Front Element

The front of the lens is dominated by the large front element and metal rings surrounding it. There are no marks or indications at the front.

The lens uses a fairly large but fairly common 67mm filter thread.

The lens cap is a standard plastic lens cap.

Lens Body

In line with Laowa's most recent bodies, the 100mm features smooth metal, bold and bright lettering which appears printed, but is actually finely engraved and filled with paint.

As we have come to expect from Laowa, the lens is beautifully made with no loose parts, wobble, or mechanical flaws. It feels robust and durable.

Starting from the base (at the lens mount) and going up, we first see a silver section. This section differs depending on the lens mount, since the 100mm is available for many camera formats. With the K-mount’s register distance, this section is required. The red mounting alignment dot is also found on this aluminum section.

Next is the aperture ring. This rings features ribs all around the lens shaft. One surprising aspect is that there is no lock for the A setting of the aperture ring. Care will be needed to avoid moving the aperture ring to a small aperture and losing automatic camera control.

Right above is the depth of field scale. This one bears 4 aperture values, which means that it can actually be useful for manual shooters, in addition to adding a touch of class to the lens.

Above this is the focus distance scale, with markings in meters and feet, on the focus ring itself. The magnification values are also indicated.

The next element on the lens body is the actual textured focus ring. The lens barrel widens a bit here.

At the top is the name of the lens, along with the large company name.

The last item is the blue ring now commonplace on Laowa lenses.

The lens does not extend when focusing, all movement is internal. As with the company's 60mm 2x macro, the 100mm is supplied with a UV filter because the entire optical elements move when focusing, creating an empty volume at the front. Contrary to the 60mm, there are no mechanical elements apparent but keeping the internals clean is still preferable.

Aperture

The Laowa uses 7 curved aperture blades.

Lens Mount

The lens mount is metal. There are no protections against water ingress.

Lens Hood

The lens uses a huge plastic lens hood, cylinder-shape. It is a bit difficult to mount, whether straight or reversed.

Compared to Other Lenses

Here is the Laowa 100mm next to the Pentax DA* 60-250mm and the comparable macro from Pentax, the D FA 100mm Macro WR. The Laowa is much larger than the Pentax, but when the latter is focused at close distances, the length becomes comparable.

Mounted on Camera

Below are images of the Laowa 100mm mounted on a Pentax K-3 (APS-C) and a Pentax K-1 (full frame). The lens looks at home on the either bodies but the setup will be front-heavy given the size of the 100mm.

Verdict

The Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro is nicely crafted and assembled. The lens follows the same design cues as other recent Laowa lenses: metal construction, blue ring, bold printing, excellent craftsmanship. The only flaw is the absence of a lock for the auto aperture setting.