Today Venus Optics announced the previously rumored Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO lens for Pentax K-mount. Pre-orders are now open at the Laowa official online store (with international shipping). US retailers (Adorama, B&H) usually open their pre-orders in a week or two after the announcement.
Here are the lens details:
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO lens for Pentax K-mount specifications:
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO lens design diagram:
MTF chart:
Sample photos:
Press release:
Venus Optics release new variants for Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO: Pentax K-mount and Canon EF-mount (with manual aperture)
Anhui China, Aug 12, 2020 – Venus Optics, the photographic lens manufacturer endeavoring in wide-angle lens and macro lens, unveil the release of the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO with Pentax K-mount and Canon EF-mount (manual aperture). Venus Optics have previously launched a Canon EF version for this lens but with automatic aperture control (via camera). Now a manual alternative with stepless aperture ring is provided to cater videographers need. A new door is also opened for Pentax-K users. The Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro lens is now available in 7 different mounts.
1. Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
Since the release in Apr 2018, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO has been extremely popular among macro photographers thanks to its outstanding optics performance. It was awarded the “Best DSLR Macro Lens” in TIPA World Award 2020. It is the first 100mm lens equipped with maximum 2x magnification, which stands out from the same category in its class. Featuring an Apochromat (APO) design, the chromatic aberration at both ‘in-focus’ & ‘out-of-focus’ area is suppressed to the minimum and the clarity and sharpness are greatly improved. The ability to focus to infinity makes itself even more versatile. Not only is it well-suited for macro photography but also good for portrait shooting.2. The difference between Automatic and Manual Aperture on Canon EF
Stepless aperture control is one of the most advantageous and essential features for videography. It allows a smooth transition between each aperture level. The clickless aperture ring allows videographers to adjust the aperture smoothly and quietly. Additionally, there are 13 aperture blades assembled in the manual aperture version, giving a very softly diffused out-of-3. Automatic Aperture Coupling Lever for Pentax K
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO in Pentax-K mount is assembled with the automatic aperture coupling lever, which allows aperture control via the body of the camera. Users can either use the manual aperture ring or park the focusing ring at the “A” symbol and adjust the aperture via the camera. Exif data would be stored in the metadata as well.The lens is currently available to order in authorized resellers and in Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/)
The ex-VAT retail price of both Canon EF mount and Pentax K mount in the US is USD 449/pc. Pricing may vary in different countries.
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