§ 03 Head to head

Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR vs Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro

Fujifilm 63mm f/2.8 has a longer reach. Laowa 55mm f/2.8 has a wider field of view.

The Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR is a 63mm f/2.8 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro is a 55mm f/2.8 prime. On paper the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 4, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?

  • Longer reach (63mm vs 55mm)
  • 940 g lighter (405 g vs 1345 g)
  • 98 mm shorter (71 mm vs 168.5 mm long)
  • Smaller filter thread (62 mm vs 77 mm)
  • Covers a larger sensor format (medium-format vs full-frame)

Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better than the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR?

  • Wider field of view (55mm vs 63mm)
  • Focuses 23 cm closer (0.27 m vs 0.5 m)
  • More aperture blades (15 vs 9)
  • Newer design (2024 vs 2017)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR has the edge: it is 940 g lighter to carry.
  • macro For macro photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.27 m.
03

Specification

18 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationFujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WRVenus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro
Focal length63mm 55mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8 f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32 f/22
Lens typeStandard prime lens Prime lens
FormatMedium format Full frame
Weight405 g (14.3 oz) ◆1345 g
Dimensions84 mm (diameter) x 71 mm (length) 168.5 x 85 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.5 m (19.7 inches) 0.27 m ◆
Maximum magnification0.17x —
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes —
Aperture ringYes —
Aperture blades9 (rounded) 15 ◆
Optical construction10 elements in 8 groups (includes 1 extra-low dispersion element) 14 elements / 11 groups
Filter size62 mm ◆77 mm
Lens mountFujifilm G Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm G, L-Mount
Released2017 2024
Price—$1,249 launch price
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Fujifilm
  • B · Venus
  • 71 × 84 mm
  • 168.5 × 85 mm

The Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro is 97 mm longer and 940 g heavier than the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR

Zion National Park
Zion National Park by justdressel
Zion National Park
Zion National Park by justdressel
Mourning Dove
Mourning Dove by justdressel
Omi
Omi by justdressel
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR review 1
Video thumbnail for Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR review 2
Video thumbnail for Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro review 1
Video thumbnail for Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?
The Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR weighs 405 g, 940 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro (1345 g).
Which focuses closer, the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?
The Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro focuses down to 0.27 m, against 0.5 m for the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR.
Do the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR and the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR has the edge: it is 940 g lighter to carry.
Is the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR or the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better for macro photography?
For macro photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 55 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.27 m.
08

Other comparisons