Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount)

Testers found it very sharp from f/2.8 at both infinity and close range, with one lab test showing excellent results across the whole frame from f/2.8 to f/11. Colour correction is the standout: lateral and longitudinal CA are practically absent, earning the apochromatic label. Distortion is a mild, easily corrected pincushion and macro bokeh is smooth with little cat's-eye effect. At 2:1 diffraction sets in quickly, so the best results come near wide open, and the extreme corners at infinity never quite match the rest of the frame.

The weaknesses are flare, with veiling glare when the sun is just outside the frame and ring flare when it is inside, a short focus throw that makes fine adjustment at normal distances tricky, a short working distance of about 7cm at 2:1, and the lack of electronics and EXIF. Build is solid metal without weather sealing, and the price is considered good value for a 2x macro.

Owners who commented are generally pleased. One compares its image quality with Zeiss Loxia and Voigtlander APO lenses and calls it excellent value for a 2:1 lens, and a Canon RF owner finds its clarity comparable to his Canon 100mm L lens and likes having 2x on tap.

The complaints are specific: a Canon EF owner had trouble with the automatic aperture on that version, and a Sony owner could not reach infinity focus on his copy. No owner comments about the L-Mount version were found.