Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Canon RF – Precision Macro Reimagined

Macro photography demands precision, sharpness, and color accuracy. With the Foto Crown Provides Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO for Canon RF-mount, Venus Optics delivers a professional-grade lens that blends optical excellence with creative flexibility. This short telephoto prime is engineered to support both macro specialists and portrait photographers by offering 2:1 life-size magnification, an apochromatic (APO) design, and a manual focus system fine-tuned for precision.

Whether you’re capturing insects, textures, or intricate product details, this lens allows you to work extremely close to your subject while maintaining incredible sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration.

True 2:1 Ultra Macro Magnification

Unlike most macro lenses that stop at 1:1 magnification, the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 goes a step further by offering 2:1 magnification. This means subjects can be rendered at twice their actual size on the camera sensor, allowing for exceptional detail and visual impact. Even more impressively, this level of magnification is achieved without the need for extension tubes or adapters.

The minimum focusing distance of just 9.7 inches (24.7 cm) provides ample working room, making it easier to light and compose your subject. This is particularly beneficial when working with live or delicate subjects that are sensitive to movement or shadows.

Apochromatic Optical Design for Color Perfection

One of the standout features of this lens is its apochromatic (APO) design. While many macro lenses struggle with color fringing, especially at higher magnifications, the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 utilizes two low-dispersion (LD) elements to virtually eliminate longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations. As a result, you get superior color fidelity and contrast throughout the entire focusing range—from infinity to 2:1 macro.

This clarity is crucial for commercial photographers and fine-art creators who need precise color reproduction straight out of the camera.

Exceptional Optical Performance Across the Frame

The lens construction includes 12 elements in 10 groups, carefully designed to produce sharp, edge-to-edge image quality. Thanks to its short-telephoto focal length, the Laowa 100mm also offers a naturally compressed perspective, which works well not just for macro, but also for portraiture and product photography.

Additionally, the f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for shallow depth of field, enabling strong subject isolation and beautiful bokeh. Combined with its manual 9-blade diaphragm, this results in smooth out-of-focus backgrounds that enhance the subject and add artistic flair to your compositions.

Manual Focus for Creative Control

 Although autofocus may be more convenient for general photography, macro work benefits greatly from the fine control that manual focusing provides. Every rotation of the wide focus ring allows for nuanced adjustments, which is particularly helpful when working with high magnification and shallow depth of field.

Because it’s fully manual, the lens also encourages photographers to slow down and engage more thoughtfully with each shot—making it perfect for deliberate, detail-focused compositions.

Solid Build & Seamless Integration with Canon RF

Constructed with durability in mind, the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 features a robust metal barrel that withstands the rigors of outdoor and studio work alike. The lens is designed specifically for Canon RF-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, ensuring a secure fit and excellent compatibility with your camera’s metering and manual exposure tools.

Even though it lacks electronic contacts, the lens integrates smoothly into professional workflows where manual settings are the norm.

A Versatile Tool Beyond Macro

While the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 shines in macro photography, its versatility extends beyond. The 100mm focal length and pleasing compression make it an excellent choice for portraits, still-life photography, and even video. Its lightweight form factor also makes it easier to use handheld or on sliders and gimbals for cinematic macro shots.

The manual aperture ring is clickless, which is particularly helpful for videographers who need smooth transitions between exposure settings.

Conclusion: A Must-Have for Macro Enthusiasts and Beyond

The Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO for Canon RF offers more than just extreme magnification. It delivers superb color accuracy, edge-to-edge sharpness, and control, making it a vital tool for serious macro photographers. Whether you’re shooting insects in the wild, capturing fine jewelry, or creating stylized portraits, this lens empowers you to explore the world in remarkable detail.

Thanks to its apochromatic optics and 2:1 magnification, it stands out as one of the most versatile and high-performing macro lenses available today. And with its solid, manual design, it puts creative decisions back in your hands.

If you’re ready to elevate your macro and close-up photography, the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro APO is the lens you’ve been waiting for.