Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount)

Reviewers agree that the main appeal is size: a 2:1 macro this small and light is unusual, and Amateur Photographer found it easy to carry in a bag alongside a set of zooms. Optically it is good rather than outstanding. Detail is good across the frame from f/5.6 and peaks around f/8-f/11, but the lens is already near diffraction limits on high-resolution sensors and f/22 is best avoided. Distortion is essentially zero, vignetting is low to moderate, and lateral CA is very low, though some longitudinal fringing remains visible at f/5.6 despite the APO label.

Bokeh is described as pleasant at f/5.6 but busier once stopped down, with seven blades producing heptagonal highlights and cat's-eye shapes toward the corners. Strong veiling flare appears when shooting into the sun. The all-metal barrel, smooth damped focus ring, clicked aperture ring and internal focusing earn praise, while the lack of electronics, the f/5.6 maximum aperture and a price that is not a bargain are the main reservations.