Leica 90 Macro vs Laowa MINI FFII 85 mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO

[DrM]

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Hi,

I came across the Laowa 85mm Macro APO lens (https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-laowa-85mm-5-6-21-macro/) and I was wondering if there is a comparison with the Leica 90 Macro somewhere? I like the 50 Lux for portraits, but a 90 occasionally if it comes with a good macro option would be great. Perfect would be the Leica 90 Macro with built-in close-up functionality like the 50 lux II and 35 APO.

Best

Marc

Edited January 5, 2024 by DrM

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[sometimesmaybe]

i know they offer it in M mount but is it coupled?

meyer optik offers M mount glass, but none are coupled

[Robert Blanko]

I have both, but I never "tested" them side by side. They are IMHO very different tools. The maximum magnification of the Leica is 1:2 with the macro adapter whereas the Laowa reaches up to 2:1.

For shots at infinity, it is my feeling that this is not the core competence of the Laowa. This seems to be consistent with Bastian's review.

Thus, one cannot replace the other if you want to use all their individual capabilities.

I like the Laowa as a very unique macro tool, nothing more.

On the contrary, the Leica Macro Elmar is the light and tiny traveling 90mm lens which can be also used for light macro, if needed. Usually, I would however not call 1:2 "macro"...

BTW, the Laowa is indeed range finder coupled.

Edited January 5, 2024 by Robert Blanko