§ 03 Head to head

Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro vs Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro

Panasonic 100mm f/2.8 is 917 g lighter. Laowa 100mm f/2.8 has a more aperture blades.

The Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro is a 100mm f/2.8 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro is a 100mm f/2.8 prime. On paper the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?

  • 917 g lighter (298 g vs 1215 g)
  • 88 mm shorter (74 mm vs 162 mm long)
  • Focuses 12 cm closer (0.2 m vs 0.32 m)
  • Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 77 mm)
  • $149 cheaper ($1,099.99 list price vs $1,249 launch price)

Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better than the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro?

  • More aperture blades (15 vs 9)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • macro For macro photography, the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.2 m.
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro has the edge: it is 917 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationPanasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 MacroVenus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro
Focal length100mm 100mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8 f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22 f/22
Lens typePrime lens Prime lens
FormatFull frame Full frame
Weight298 g ◆1215 g
Dimensions82 x 74 mm 162 x 85 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.20 m (0.66 ft) ◆0.32 m
Maximum magnification1x —
Image stabilizationNo No
Aperture ringNo —
Aperture blades9 15 ◆
Optical construction13 elements / 11 groups 13 elements / 10 groups
Filter size67 mm ◆77 mm
Lens mountL-Mount Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm G, L-Mount
Released2024 2024
Price$1,099.99 list price ◆$1,249 launch price
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Panasonic
  • B · Venus
  • 74 × 82 mm
  • 162 × 85 mm

The Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro is 88 mm longer and 917 g heavier than the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro

Elephant | Figurine
Elephant | Figurine by leadin2
Elephant | Figurine
Elephant | Figurine by leadin2
Zebra | Figurine
Zebra | Figurine by leadin2
Friday Morning
Friday Morning by u_beeh

Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro

000223
000223 by jimmymarz819
Grand fourmilion
Grand fourmilion by g.cordel
00003889
00003889 by jimmymarz819
Mélitée orangée
Mélitée orangée by g.cordel
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro review 1
Video thumbnail for Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro review 2
Video thumbnail for Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro review 1
Video thumbnail for Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro or the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?
The Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro weighs 298 g, 917 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro (1215 g).
Which focuses closer, the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro or the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro?
The Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro focuses down to 0.2 m, against 0.32 m for the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro.
Do the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro and the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 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 Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro or the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better for macro photography?
For macro photography, the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.2 m.
Is the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro or the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Panasonic Lumix S 100 mm f/2.8 Macro has the edge: it is 917 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons