After being presented in Asia in October 2024, Laowa formalizes its 55 and 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro lenses In France. Of the unique optics which could appeal to amateurs (like professionals) of architecture, model making or from product photos.
You tilt, you shift, et you macro
Venus Optics continues to expand the Laowa optics catalog with two lenses for full and medium format hybridst : les 55 et 100 mm f/2,8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro.
For the Chinese optician who likes to offer atypical objectivesthis is the first time that he combines tilt and shift with a 1:1 reproduction ratio for macro. Of course, tilt-shit lenses require, these models have a manual focus.
Here is the full list of features of the Laowa 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro :
Optics packed with options
As for the optical formula, the 55mm f/2.8 features an optical construction of 14 elements divided into 11 groupsincluding two ED (low dispersion) lenses and one HR lens. The 100mm f/2.8 uses 13 elements in 10 groups and the same special glasses.
Laowa promises a “exceptional” qualityover the entire surface of the image and with a really limited vignetting. The diaphragm consists of 15 stripspledge of a very pronounced background blur. The f/2.8 aperture will allow the lens to be used in low light conditions.
Macro lenses require, the minimum focusing distance is very closesince it is established at 27 cm for the 55mm and 32 cm for the 100mm. For distortion compensation, note that the maximum offset reached ± 12 mm and the tilt ± 10°. Specialists in architectural photography, landscape photography or even product photography will be able to finally adapt the focus and the correction of perspectives.
In addition, these lenses have a function that allows rotation of the optics around the case, which opens the way to a wide range of artistic possibilities.
A substantial size
Tilt-shift optics are often quite imposing and these Laowa optics are no exception to the rule. The 55 mm is 16.8 cm long, for a weight of 1,345 kg. For its part, the 100 mm is slightly shorterwith 16.2 cm long and lighter with 1,215 kg. In both cases, the maximum diameter is 85 mmwhen the front lens can accommodate 77mm filters.
At the level of controlswe observe – in addition to the tilting and shifting functions – the presence of a wide focus ringa ring of diaphragmas well as the mechanism for rotating the mount. We finally find a foot collar with rotating ring.
Like any tilt-shift lens, these models do not have no seals. We should therefore avoid using them in the rain or in a dusty environment.
Find below a gallery of images captured with the Laowa FF II 55 mm et 100 mm f/2,8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro (provided by the brand) :
Price and availability of the Laowa 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro
The Laowa 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro are available for pre-order at a price of €1,559 each. Deliveries should begin in January 2025.
They are available on Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Leica L and Fujifilm GF mounts.
Our first review of the Laowa 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro
Laowa continues the development of atypical optics and offers with the FF II 55 mm and 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro lenses which should keep an eye out for specialist photographers. We will note the lower price than the optics of historic manufacturers like Canon and Nikon, who have still not designed alternatives for hybrids.
Besides the macro function and tilt-shiftwe also appreciate the option allowing the optics to turn around the mountwhich opens up new perspectives. However, this results in pretty massive goalseven if it remains consistent with this very special type of optics.
