Macro photography opens the door to a new world of subjects and creative imagery and key to this genre is pairing your camera with a decent macro lens, preferably one with a 1:1 magnification ratio that will showcase subject in the real world size so you can fill the frame.
Well, now photographers using Micro Four-Thirds cameras such as the Olympus E-M1 MkIII and E-M10 MKIV or Panasonic GH5 or G9 have a new optical option for macro photography after Laowa announced the 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens – the first-ever 2X macro lens for Micro Four-Third cameras, meaning the lens features a ‘greater-than-life-size ’ 2:1 magnification ratio to fill the frame with your subject even further.
The new Laowa macro lens features a minimum focusing distance of 5.3” (13.5cm) and features a CPU chip and motor. The aperture of the lens can be controlled via the camera body, enabling users to quickly make adjustments to the depth of field in the scene.
All the lens data is directly recorded on EXIF and the 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro and is built around a 14 elements in 10 groups design – three of which are extra-low dispersion glass elements to minimise chromatic aberrations across the frame.
The 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is a tiny, compact lens that will please those photographers looking to save on space and weight within their kit bags. In fact, the lens measures 3.1” (79mm) long and tips the scales at just 8.4oz (240g). Venus Optics who make Laowa lenses state these compact dimensions are down to the short flange distance of mirrorless cameras, which also enables an internal focus design.
Available to order now, the 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is expected to carry a price-tag of $399 and will also work as an interesting lens to use when shooting video – especially as the optic is compatible with the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera via the Micro Four-Thirds mount.
