Venus Optics Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
The Venus Optics 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is a 50mm f/2.8 lens designed for Micro Four Thirds mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Venus Optics Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
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Lens Overview — Venus Optics 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
Key Features — Venus Optics 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
2X Ultra Macro Magnification: Achieves 2:1 magnification, meaning subjects are rendered twice life-size on the sensor for highly detailed close-up shots.
APO Optical Design: Apochromatic correction minimizes chromatic aberration and color fringing, producing sharper, truer-color images at high magnification.
50mm f/2.8 Prime: Fixed focal length with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides a consistent angle of view and a workable amount of light for a dedicated macro lens.
Manual Focus Only: Precision manual focus ring allows deliberate, repeatable focus control well-suited to the exacting demands of macro photography.
Native MFT Mount: Designed specifically for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras, ensuring full mechanical compatibility with bodies from Olympus and Panasonic.
Lightweight at 238g: At 238g, the lens is easy to handle during extended handheld macro sessions or when mounted on a focusing rail.
Lens Specifications — Venus Optics 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Studio |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Format | Micro Four Thirds (MFT) |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | Mirrorless |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
Description — Venus Optics 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
The Venus Optics Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is a prime macro lens built exclusively for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. With a fixed 50mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, it is designed from the ground up for close-up and macro photography. The lens is manual focus only, which suits the deliberate, careful approach that macro work typically demands.
Weighing just 238g, it is impressively light and easy to carry or use handheld for longer periods. The 49mm filter thread is a practical, widely available size that keeps accessory costs manageable. There is no image stabilization in the lens itself, so tripod use or in-body stabilization is recommended for the sharpest results.
The Micro Four Thirds native mount means it integrates cleanly with compatible mirrorless bodies without the need for adapters. For MFT shooters looking for a compact, lightweight macro prime, the Laowa 50mm f/2.8 is a focused, no-compromise option.
Pros — Venus Optics 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
- ✓Lightweight at just 238g, making it easy to handle for extended macro sessions
- ✓Compact 49mm filter thread keeps filter costs low and options plentiful
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides a reasonably bright maximum opening for a dedicated macro lens
Cons — Venus Optics 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus available, which can slow down shooting workflow
- ✗No image stabilization built in, requiring reliance on in-body IS or a stable support system
- ✗Limited to Micro Four Thirds mount only, so not usable on other camera systems without adaptation
Reviews — Venus Optics 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
- Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO review
Digital Camera World - Mighty Fine Macro: Fstoppers Reviews the Venus Optics Laowa 50mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro APO Lens
Fstoppers - Laowa nailed it? Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2x Macro vs Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro
Richard Wong - A Look At The Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro Lens For Micro Four Thirds Cameras
David Thorpe
Videos — Venus Optics 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro Lens Review (for MFT) — Micael Widell