A new Super Macro Lens

Mineral Matters #138

I finally bit the bullet and bought a new lens to use with my Canon mirrorless camera. Back in Mineral Matters #104, we discussed the new offering from Venus Optics. As part of the discussion, Henk Smeets reminded me about the Laowa 25 mm f/2.8 2.5-5:1 Super Macro lens that he uses.

That prompted me to dig out a Zyongyi Super Macro lens that I had, and I started to use it again after not using it for over 12 months. It is a Canon EF mount and requires an adaptor. Not really a problem, but just one extra component.

As I said above, I finally decided to buy a new RF mount lens and went with the Laowa Henk had previously mentioned. I already have a Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro and have been more than happy with that.

The new lens arrived a couple of days ago, and I just had enough time to give it a test run before setting off for Tasmania. I am impressed. Although the Zyongyi Mitacon 20mm f/2 super macro lens is pretty good, that Laowa is even better!

There are two or three main differences where the Laowa comes out on top in my opinion. Overall sharpness, flaring, and chromatic aberration.

Flaring happens when you have a mirror-like face on a crystal, and often needs to be fixed in post processing. The Laowa lens seems to be less of an issue.

The Laowa also doesn’t have any chromatic aberration, even right to the corners of the image.

The azurite image below is my test image.

Now I have decided to sell my old EF mount lenses, along with two sets of extension tubes, and my Canon 750D camera!

Below: Azurite, Tynagh Mine, Co. Galway, Ireland. Width of view 4.5mm.