Venus Optics announces the Laowa 85mm F5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO, the world’s smallest 2x macro lens for FF mirrorless cameras

Venus Optics has announced the 85mm F5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO lens, the world’s smallest 2x macro lens for full-frame mirrorless camera systems.

The lens is constructed of 13 elements in nine groups, including three extra-low dispersion elements, using an apochromatic (APO) design to minimize chromatic aberrations. The lens features a minimum focusing distance of 16.3cm (6.4″), has a 2x magnification ratio and uses an internal focusing mechanism so the front barrel of the lens doesn’t extend when focusing on subjects.

To claim its spot as the smallest 2x macro lens for full-frame mirrorless camera systems, Venus Optics has managed to pack all of this inside a lens that measures just 53mm (2.1″) in diameter and 81mm (3.2″) long with a weight of just 259g (9.1oz). Below is a sample gallery of images, provided by Venus Optics:

The 85mm F5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO lens is currently available to order from the Venus Optics website and authorized retailers. The Canon RF, Nikon Z and Sony E mount versions are priced at $449 while the Leica M mount version retails for $499. The first shipments are set to go out in December 2020.