Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro for L-Mount Available for Any Full Frame
What a news from Venus Optics! The Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO it launched last year for Nikon Z, Canon RF, Sony E, and Leica M mounts is being released for Leica L-Mount. This means we can purchase the Smallest 2x Macro for Any Full Frame Camera!
Just a quick reminder: Venus Optics says that the lens can focus from infinity to 2x magnification and features a minimum focusing distance of 6.31-inches. At 2x magnification, small objects that are normally difficult to see are captured with considerable detail. Moreover, the lens is small and light which means that it is more flexible and easier to use in a variety of shooting situations. For us, dental photographers, this lens will be comfortable while shooting intraoral pictures, with high quality of details guaranteed.
The lens features three extra-low dispersion elements that eliminate color fringing at both in-focus and out-of-focus areas, which it claims allows the lens to render magnified photos with no chromatic aberration. The front element does not extend outwards when focus is changed which avoids collision with subjects and prevents dust from entering the lens.
The Smallest 2x Macro for Any Full Frame Camera Price
The Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO is, according to Venus Optics, the smallest 2x macro lens available for full-frame cameras. It weighs 259 grams and is 3.18-inches long by 2.08-inches wide.
The new L-mount option for the Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO is available for $450.
Canon confirms: the company has no plans to create any new EF lenses
It’s official! Canon has no plans to create any new EF lenses for DSLRs… unless photographers demand more.
This news comes straight from the horse’s mouth, as Canon Europe pro product marketing senior manager Richard Shepherd states:
“As you know, last year we launched the RF mount and EOS R system”, Shepherd tells Digital Camera World. “To date, we’ve launched ten critically acclaimed lenses, and as it’s a new system we plan to continue this, launching more RF lenses while still fully supporting the EF lens system.
“And of course, should the market demand it, we are ready to create new EF lenses. But for now, our focus is on RF.”
What’s next for the market?
Although Canon had already stated in 2019 that it would be ignoring EF lenses for the year to focus entirely on RF, this news is still quite shocking. With these plans have been extended indefinitely, one may wonder: what happens next?
Canon is the absolute leader of DLSR sales in the world of professional photography. Will this decision influence other manufactures and make them reconsider their plans? As for today, Nikon – with its newest DSLR, D780 – seems to cherish its relationship with the DSLRs. For how long? We will see.
Mitakon 85mm 1x-5x Macro Lens new & better version available
This construction will stir the blood of extreme Macro lovers!
When Mitakon has released its 85mm 1x-5x Macro Lens at the end of 2019, many photographers – with us among them – were excited to hear that the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1x-5x lens will have a solid competitor. What a disappointment it was when it came out that the lens performs really badly! And we don’t mean it was our opinion. It was the opinion of the whole world of photography, and, finally the producer itself.
Zhong Yi Optics, the manufacturer of the lens, says:
We have identified the issue and believe [it’s] coming from a miscalculation of numerical aperture and in turn leads to additional unused light rays reflected into the lens, creating much softer images. We have yesterday built [an] improved prototype and also compared against the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 lens. The result is much more comparable. Although it is hard to compare apple-to-apple due to the different numerical aperture (instead of physical aperture) we have with different working distances. But we can conclude is that the performance is so much better than the existing lens.
Mitakon 85mm 1x-5x Macro Lens after changes – is it worth considering?
The new 1x-5x Super Macro lens incorporates 12 elements in 8 groups structure which delivers impressive resolution from corners to corners. The chromatic aberration is also controlled to the minimum (APO design). Weighing merely 1.65 lbs (750g) and 6.7cm long, it is a perfect companion for, e.g., indoor lab shooting.
The producer promises outstanding sharpness starting with the minimum aperture value, and any user will be content with a convenient working distance (23 cm from the front lens at 1:1 magnification and 9.5 cm at 5:1). The aperture is based on 9 blades and it can be closed up to f/32, which can provide an impressive depth of field.
We need to give credit for admitting to such mistake and really fast reaction. This means that Mitakon gives us the new version only a month later. Is it really better than the original one?
Well, it is better than its original version, that is for sure. It can never achieve Canon’s features, but its price – $499, while Canon comes at around $1000 – is encouraging. It provides 1x-5x Super Macro, which will be extremely useful in everyday dental photography.
If you’re willing to sacrifice some of the details in exchange for a better price, this lens – in its new version – is worth reconsidering.
Sample pictures
How does it cope in practice? Here we are presenting some of the example photographs from the manufacturer (not in the full resolution, unfortunately)
Specifications:
Focal Length: 25mm (5X) – 85mm (1X)
Aperture: Maximum: f/2.8, Minimum: f/32
Camera Mount Type: Canon EF/ Nikon F/ Sony A/ Pentax K/ Sony E/ M43/ Fuji X/ EOS-M
Format Compatibility: 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor/ APS-C
Magnification: 1x – 5x
Minimum Working Distance: 272mm (1X) – 100mm (5X)
Optical Design: 12 Elements in 8 Groups
Diaphragm Blades: 9
Autofocus: No
Filter Thread: 58mm
Dimensions (DxL): Approx. 2.64 x 4.8″
(67 x 122 mm)
Weight (Collar included): 1.65 lbs (750 g)
Pricing & Availability:
Zhongyi Mitakon 85mm f/2.8 1-5X Super Macro Lens is now available to ship and purchase at ZY Optics authorized resellers, like BH Photo Video, and at manufacturer’s official website. The MSRP without tax is $499 US.
If you want to know more about macro lenses, visit our training online!
If you’re a mirrorless cameras fan looking currently for a low-budget lens, this news is for you. We’ve found a great option for anyone who wants to start a dental photography adventure.
You’ve probably known the Chinese company for its outstanding, low prices. The optical quality might not be the highest, but their products are definitely sufficient for beginners in dental photography.
The cheapest macro on the market: How does it work?
7Artisans 60 mm f/2.8 is created for cameras with the APS-C matrix, so it gives the equivalent of 90 mm focal length
with minimal distance of sharpening (26 cm) it gives us the maximum magnification, 1:1
the optical system is based on 8 elements in 7 groups and has a diaphragm with 10 aperture blades, which we can close to f/16
the lens is made of metal with a stepless aperture adjustment ring; it will be helpful for those who like to focus manually while taking photographs of the interior of the mouth and while filming
the producer provides an extra sleeve to put on the lens: thanks to this, the front element will remain clean
the lens is quite small: 66 x 55 mm, but also rather heavy: it weighs 550 g
Let’s have a look at some example photographs. The producer didn’t share them in high resolution, but we must say: the quality seems to be just fine.
The exhaustive list of available mounts and corresponding sensor sizes means that the lens will possess a different effective focal length, depending on which system you use:
Canon RF – 60mm
Nikon Z – 60mm
Leica L – 60mm
Sony E – 90mm
Fujifilm X – 90mm
Canon M – 96mm
Micro Four Thirds – 120mm
Price and availability
As said before, the 7Artisans products are usually available at a really good price. This macro lens confirms this opinion: it costs only 179 Euro. Even if it won’t provide the highest image quality, it’s worth to give it a chance.
This new manual Laowa 100 mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO has no equivalent on the market.
The Chinese producer once again is ahead of its competitors with this new lens. Manual, 100 mm focal length might conquer hearts of dental photographers.
Few sample photos provided by Laowa:
The full macro
The lens has – as many others – 100 mm focal length and f/2.8 max. aperture, but its 2:1 magnification ratio (while photographing from a 24.7 cm distance) is the distinctive value. What’s more, its dimensions are 75 x 125 mm and it weighs 683 g, identical as rivals with only 1:1 magnification.
The apochromatic optical system, based on 12 lenses in 10 groups, eliminates the chromatic aberration. The producer promises also an outstanding sharpness and radiopacity.
Depending on the system, the lens will have various numbers of aperture blades: Canon EF – 9, Nikon F – 7, Sony E – 13. Mirrorless users will be able to appreciate a „soapy” blur of sharpness. The most comfortable version is the one for Canon, with an EF bayonet and equipped with contacts, making it possible to control the aperture from the camera and moving full EXIF data.
Key features:
Focal length: 100 mm
Open F value: F 2.8
Filter Size: 67 mm
Lens construction: 10 groups of 12 elements
Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (Canon), 7 (Nikon), 13 (Sony FE)
Minimum aperture: F22
Maximum aperture: F 2.8
Minimum photographing distance: 247 mm (2x)
Maximum magnification: 2:1
Weight: 638 g
Price and availability
The lens is already available in presale at $450. Shipping is planned for the beginning of June.
Here it is, a new dental photography macro lens, Yongnuo YN 60 mm f/2 Macro. Let’s take a closer look.
The Chinese company, appreciated for its flashguns, is introducing a macro lens. Dental photography enthusiasts might be interested, especially that Yongnuo is also affordable . But does its quality can even compete with popular leaders?
The company speaks about lens’ main features, like gold-plated metal contacts for better conduction, integrated electromagnetic aperture, and a focus distance indicator. You’ll also find 10 lens elements in 9 groups, but until now we don’t know whether the optical system includes any special elements.
The glass in the lens features multi-coated technology and, according to Yongnuo, this feature improves light transmittance and inhibits ghost shadow and glare. Let’s hope they will turn out more useful than previous ones, which – in our opinion – were only a simple marketing gimmick.
The lens with 60 mm focal length is optimized for working with close-up subjects and offers a life-size 1:1 maximum magnification along with a 23,4 cm minimum focusing distance.
Macro and infinity modes give the quality needed for dental photography, including portraits and inside mouth photographs.
A 7-blade aperture with f/2 maximum is responsible for circular bokeh and background softens.
The new Yongnuo lens weighs 568 g and measures 76 x 115 mm and its chromed bayonet is supposed to be resistant to damages and corrosion. However, there’s no information about any special sealing and we may assume there’s no such feature.
The producer claims that manual focus design is benefitted by a printed distance scale for accurate pre-focusing and that gold-plated contacts help to provide consistent communication between the lens and camera.
Any updates for the lens can be made directly in-camera instead of via a USB port on the lens. This solution, as Yongnuo says, “avoids the incompatibility problems caused by different computer operating systems”.
Key features:
Focal length: 60 mm
Open F value: F 2
Filter Size: 67 mm
Lens construction: 10 groups of 9 elements
Number of diaphragm blades: 7
Minimum aperture: F16
Maximum aperture: F 2
Minimum photographing distance: 234 mm
Maximum magnification: 1:1
Weight: 586 g
At the moment the Yongnuo lens is available with Canon fixing and the producer provides no information about other brands.
The suggested price is 320 dollars.
YN 60 mm f/2 Macro is a macro lens, but we’re sure it will be also appreciated by portrait fans. It can be a good idea for dental photographers working with the APS-C sensor type.
You thought 1:1 magnification was big – this lens gives you 1.5 times life size on the sensor!
Meike is one of the new brands of independent lens manufacturers, which continue to provide low-cost, innovative designs, and, sometimes, unusual specifications. This new 85mm f/2.8 macro lens is unusual in that it focuses down to 1.5x life size. As announced by the manufacturer, the lens is a functional macro but it is also suitable for portrait photographs. It seems that this is a perfect combination for dental photography.
The heart of this fully manual lens is the optical system composed of 11 elements in 8 groups. Individual elements are covered with special nano-technology multi-layer coatings, which effectively prevent light reflection, minimising the formation of hot spots and flares. The new Meike provides the magnification ratio of 1.5:1, which coupled with the minimum focus distance of 25 cm, focal length of 85 mm, aperture range of f/2.8 and 12-blade diaphragm results in an exceptional depth of field with an appropriately blurred background and the separation of the primary object of the photograph, which will be appreciated also by dentists who would like to take artistic photographs.
There are two focus rings. The first, closest to the front, uses internal focusing and operates down to 0.25m, giving a magnification of 1:1. This means that a 1 cm long object will be recorded as 1 cm long on the sensor. When set to the closest setting, the second ring can be used to continue down to a magnification of 1.5:1, meaning a 1 cm long object will now be recorded as 1.5 cm long on the sensor. This is a significant difference and a fairly unique feature.
Key features:
Focal length: 85 mm
Open F value: F 2.8
Filter Size: 55 mm
Lens construction: 8 groups of 11 elements
Number of diaphragm blades: 12
Minimum aperture: F22
Maximum aperture: F 2.8
Minimum photographing distance: 250 mm
Maximum magnification: 1.5x
Weight: 500 g
Meike 85 mm f/2.8 Macro is available for sale with the Canon EF, Sony E, Nikon F, Fuji-X and M43 mounts. The suggested price is 299 dollars.
The key features of Laowa 25 mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro include an advanced optical system, maximum magnification of 5:1, high resolution and excellent colouring of the photographs.
Impressive close-ups within reach
Photos: Alberto Ghizzi Panizza, Jie Ge, Gil Wizen
The optical system of Venus Optics Laowa 25 mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro ensures image magnification from 2.5 to 5x. It’s composed of 8 elements in 6 groups, and one of them is made of ultra low dispersion glass. The manufacturer emphasises that thanks to such a design we can enjoy an appropriate correction of chromatic aberration, as well as images characterised by high sharpness and high reproducibility of colours.
Apart from that, each element composing the system is covered with anti-reflection coatings, which should minimise light reflection and appearance of hot spots and flares within the frame. In addition, the overall contrast of photographs in challenging conditions will be improved. The depth of field is ensured by the 8-blade diaphragm with the range of f/2.8-f/16. The focal length of 25 mm, in turn, is responsible for the 10.3-degree angle of view.
Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro is sized 82 x 65 mm and weighs 400 g. Of course, it’s a fully manual macro glass, which offers an effective focusing capability ranging from 173 to 223.5 mm. The lens is already available for preorder with Nikon F, Canon EF, Sony FE and Pentax K mounts. It costs 399 dollars.
An interesting option is that you can buy an adapter for the Micro Four Thirds (M43) system, so also the users of small mirrorless cameras can tap the potential of this glass.
Key features:
Focal length: 25 mm
Open F value: F 2.8
Field of View: 10.3 degrees
Lens construction: 6 groups 8 pieces
Minimum aperture: F16
Maximum aperture: F 2.8
Minimum photographing distance: 173 mm to 223.5 mm
Working Distance: 40 mm – 45 mm
Shooting magnification: 2.5 times to 5 times
Number of diaphragm blades: 8
Weight: 400 g
Corresponding mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony FE
After delivering two very interesting wide-angle lenses, Irix is releasing a tele-macro model, which may be one of the most perfect designs intended for dental photography.
The Irix 150 mm f /2.8 lens should meet the requirements of even the choosiest users dealing with macro photography. The manufacturer has announced that the lens contains premium optics inside a very robust sealed enclosure. With the focal length of 150 mm and the magnification ratio of 1:1, Irix 150 mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 lens offers exceptionally convenient work. The higher focal length allows you to move away from the subject, so casting a shadow is no longer a problem, and using external lamps has never been more comfortable.
Zero distortion and easy focusing
The optical system is composed of 12 elements in 9 groups, with three of them made of extra-low-dispersion glass and four others of high refractive index glass. The manufacturer promises that the effect achieved by such a design is unnoticeable distortion of 0.1%. We also get an internal focusing system, thanks to which the glass does not change its size during the focusing. What’s more, the 11-blade diaphragm is supposed to give a pleasant bokeh and to make the diffraction appear much later than in other designs when it is closed down to higher values (up to f/32).
The glass will let you focus already at the distance of 34.5 cm, while the wide rubber ring with the rotation angle of 270 degrees should guarantee high precision and improve your work culture. Another useful option available is the possibility to lock the focus ring.
Robust sealed structure
Apart from that, we get a new version of the Dragonfly finish, which combines the advantages of Firefly and Blackstone lenses. As a result, the whole is relatively light and handy (87 x 135 mm, 840 g) but is still robust – the aluminium frame was enclosed inside an outer structure made of aluminium-magnesium alloys and composite elements. There are also sealings in 5 key places (front element, focus lock ring, focus ring and bayonet mount), thanks to which you’ll be able to work in any conditions. You can screw filters with the diameter of 77 mm on the front element.
In addition, the lens is equipped with a processor, which lets you control the lens aperture from the camera level, and with an AE module, which enables semi-automatic modes (PASM). Owing to this solution you’ll get a confirmation of focus from the camera level and record full EXIF data. The set includes a lens with a deep sun hood, a tripod collar according to the Arca Swiss standard and a rigid case for safe transport and storage.
Price and availability
For the time being, the manufacturer has not disclosed the exact date and the price at which the new lens will be launched. The glass will be available in versions with Canon EF, Nikon F and Pentax K mounts.
So we’re waiting for a really interesting piece here.
Key features:
Focal length: 150mm
Format: 35mm “full frame”
Mount: Nikon F, Canon EF, Pentax K
Max aperture: f/2.8
Min aperture: f/32
Field of view: 16° (diagonal)
Minimum focus distance: 34.5cm
Focus: Manual
Focus throw: 270°
Magnification: 1:1
Aperture blades: 11
Optics: 12 elements in 9 groups
Filter thread: 77mm
Dimensions: 87 x 135mm (without lens hood or tripod collar)
Weight: 840g
More information about the lenses by this manufacturer can be found under irixlens.com
What type of equipment do you use, is one of the most common questions, between the photographers. You can now watch my short discussion with Dr. Panos Bazos about the cameras, lenses, and flashes, which we are using in our daily work.
Interesting is, that at the end the most important is knowledge about your equipment and also about the photography in general. If you know how to use it then it doesn’t matter if you have very expensive or regular equipment.
You can watch the new videos, about reflected cross-polarised and fluorescence photography.
On the market,we can find macro lenses with magnification ratio (1:1) with focal lengths in the range from 40 to 200mm.
[Fot. Nikon Macro lenses].
The question is, which ones are better for dental photo-documentation? Of course, the price is one of the factors influencing our choice, but it should not be the primary criteria. The best focal lengths for dental photography are the ones around 100mm (some models will be 90, 100 or 105mm, depending on the brand).
There are 2 main reasons why you should select a 100mm lens: minimal focusing distance and portrait photography.
With a limited budget, a 60mm lens looks attractive and it is tempting to make an extra saving to spend for a dinner with beloved ones… But please think about a lens, which will be universal.
A universal macro lens allows me to take both: intraoral and portrait photographs. Especially in portraits, you will realize the superiority of 100mm. Lenses in the range of focal length from 85 to 135mm are the best ones for portrait photography and will create less distortion, which is crucial for face analysis. Look at the illustration beneath, showing face distortion depending on the focal length.
(Fot. Face distortion.]
Lenses with shorter focal lengths will create bigger (wide angle lenses 14-35mm) or smaller distortion (50-60mm). Portrait photography is an important part of the dental documentation. A process of case analysis, esthetic treatment planning or communication with the patient is very limited without portrait photographs.
Another advantage is the minimum focus distance, which is the closest distance from the focal (sensor) plane to the object, which will stay in focus, creating a sharp image as the result. Every lens has this parameter, described in millimeters or centimeters. The shorter focal length of the macro lens, the shorter minimum focus distance… It means that you can get very close to the object.
Let’s look at the example of two lenses from Nikon: 60mm and 105mm.
For Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens – minimum focus distance is 30.48cm
[Fot.Nikon 105 MFD]
For Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens – minimum focus distance is 18.49cm
[Fot.Nikon 60 MFD]
In reality, the distance from the front of the lens to the object is half of the minimum focus distance… The practical implication is, that in 1:1 reproduction ratio (maximum magnification) with a 60mm lens you are very close to the teeth. It can influence the light distribution and lead to fogging of the front of the lens, caused by the patient’s breathing.
Summary: these facts should convince you to use a 100mm lens. If your main concern is the price, consider a cheaper 100mm lens from Tokina or Tamron. Please check our Dental Photo Master Equipment section to see available models and brands of such lenses.
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