Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro § 03 Head to head
Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro vs Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 is 82 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro is a 100mm f/2.8 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is a 100mm f/2.8 prime. On paper the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO comes out ahead, 2 advantages to 0, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro 
Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO 01
Key differences
Why is the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO?
No measurable advantage on paper.
Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO better than the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro?
- 82 g lighter (638 g vs 720 g)
- Focuses 6 cm closer (0.24 m vs 0.3 m)
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Which should you buy?
- macro For macro photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.24 m.
- portrait For portrait photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO has the edge: it is 82 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro | Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100mm | 100mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Macro telephoto manual focus lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 720 g (1.58 lbs) | 638 g (22.50 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 73 mm (diameter) x 123 mm (length) | 125 x 72 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.30 m (1.0 ft) | 0.24 m (9.45 inches) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | 1.0x (life-size) | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | — |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 9 (rounded) | — |
| Optical construction | 15 elements in 12 groups (1 Extra Low Dispersion element) | 12 elements / 10 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Samsung NX, Sony E, Four Thirds, Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount |
| Released | — | 2018 |
| Price | — | $449 launch price |
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Size
- A · Samyang
- B · Venus
- 123 × 73 mm
- 125 × 72 mm
The Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is 2 mm longer and 82 g lighter than the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro.
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Sample frames
Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro or the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO?
- The Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO weighs 638 g, 82 g less than the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro (720 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro or the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO?
- The Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO focuses down to 0.24 m, against 0.3 m for the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro.
- Do the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro and the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro or the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO better for macro photography?
- For macro photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.24 m.
- Is the Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro or the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA 100 mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO has the edge: it is 82 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
- Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro vs Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS
- HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 ED AW vs Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro
- Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro vs Tokina ATX-i 100 mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro
- Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM vs Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro
- Samyang 100mm F2.8 Macro vs Sony 100 mm f.2.8 Macro