Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO - Nikon Z

Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO – 2:1 Ultra Macro Magnification for Nikon Z Full-Frame Mirrorless

The Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO for Nikon Z is a compact macro lens made for full-frame mirrorless cameras. It offers a true 2:1 magnification ratio, letting you photograph subjects at twice life-size. In practice, this capability helps you capture fine details in insects, flowers, textures, and small products.

Optical design and color accuracy

Laowa applies its Apochromatic (APO) optical formula to reduce chromatic aberration. As a result, the lens produces sharp images with accurate colors across the frame. The optical construction includes 13 elements in 9 groups and three extra-low dispersion elements to control color fringing and retain resolution.

Working distance and portability

The 85mm focal length combines with its 2:1 magnification to provide a comfortable working distance from subjects. Therefore, you can approach small, sensitive subjects with less disturbance. Additionally, the lens is compact and lightweight at 259g, which makes it easy to carry and suitable for handheld macro shooting during travel or fieldwork.

Focus, build and practical use

This lens uses manual focus, giving you precise control essential for macro photography. Furthermore, the metal construction provides professional-grade durability and reliability in various shooting conditions. With a minimum focusing distance of 16.3 cm, you can access very close details while maintaining a usable distance for lighting and composition.

Key features

• 2:1 Ultra Macro Magnification: Capture subjects at twice life-size for highly detailed close-ups.
• Apochromatic (APO) Optical Design: Minimizes chromatic aberration to improve clarity and color accuracy.
• Compact and Lightweight (259g): Designed for handheld use and easy portability.
• Advanced Optical Construction: 13 elements in 9 groups, including three extra-low dispersion elements to ensure precise image reproduction.
• Minimum Focusing Distance (16.3 cm): Enables very close access to small subjects for intricate macro shots.
• Manual Focus Precision: Provides the detailed control required for macro composition and focus stacking.
• Robust Metal Construction: Built for durability and dependable performance in diverse environments.

What’s in the box

• Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Lens Hood
• Lens Pouch

Specifications

FAQ

Question: Is this lens compatible with full-frame Nikon Z cameras?
Answer: Yes. The Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO listed here is for the Nikon Z mount and is designed for full-frame mirrorless systems.

Question: What subjects benefit most from the 2:1 magnification?
Answer: The 2:1 magnification suits tiny subjects that require extreme detail, such as insects, flower structures, textures, and small product details. The higher magnification reveals features that are not visible at lower ratios.

Question: How does the APO design affect image quality in macro work?
Answer: The APO optical formula reduces chromatic aberration and color fringing. Therefore, you get improved sharpness and more accurate color rendering, which is particularly important when shooting high-magnification macro images.

Question: Can I use this lens handheld in the field?
Answer: Yes. The lens’s compact size and lightweight (259g) construction make it suitable for handheld macro photography. Additionally, its 85mm focal length provides a comfortable working distance that helps when approaching live or sensitive subjects.