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Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO vs Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM

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Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro

Macro Prime | Canon RF

Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO
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Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM

Macro Prime | Canon RF

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro vs Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro and Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM, two Macro Prime lenses from Laowa and Canon. Both lenses have the same focal range of 85mm but different max apertures: Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro has a max aperture of F5.6 while the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has a max aperture of F2.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro Key Specs

  • 85mm Focal Range
  • F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 46mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Weight: 310g.
  • Diameter: 53mm
  • Length: 81mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.16m
  • Max Magnification:2x

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Key Specs

  • 85mm Focal Range
  • F2 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Weight: 500g.
  • Diameter: 78mm
  • Length: 91mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.35m
  • Max Magnification:0.5x

What type of photography are the Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro and Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro and the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Bird/WildlifeFairFair
SportsFairFair
PortraitGoodGood
TravelAverageAverage
StreetAverageAverage
WeddingGoodGood
Walk AroundFairFair
VloggingFairFair
LandscapeAverageAverage
MacroExcellentGood

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is the longer of the two lenses at 91mm. The Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro with a length of 81mm is 10mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM also has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro's 53mm diameter.

Below you can find the scaled side by side image of Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro and Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM to get a better idea of how their size compare in real life.

Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro vs Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro and Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Size and Weight

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro weighs 310g, which means it is 190g (38%) lighter than the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM which has a weight of 500g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Macro Prime Lenses in Canon RF Mount for size comparison purposes.

Macro Prime Lenses in Canon RF Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Lens Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS
148mm
82mm 730g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro and Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has the same Canon RF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon RF lenses are Canon R6 II, Canon R10 and Canon R7.

Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro is also available in Sony E , Leica M, Nikon Z and Leica L mounts.

Focal Range

Reasons to choose Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO over Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM

Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weight 310g vs 500g 190g lighter
Diameter 53mm vs 78mm 25mm smaller in diameter
Length 81mm vs 91mm 10mm shorter
Filter Thread 46mm vs 67mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 0.16m vs 0.35m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 2x vs 0.5x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM over Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Max Aperture - Wide 2 vs 5.6 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2 vs 5.6 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 7 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Common Weaknesses of Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO and Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Laowa 85mm f5.6 2x Macro vs Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Laowa Canon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Macro Prime Macro Prime
Lens Mount Canon RF Canon RF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 85mm 85mm
Image Stabilization No Yes
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F5.6 F2
Min Aperture F22
Aperture Ring Yes unknown
Diaphragm Blades 7 9
Optics
Optical Elements 13 12
Optical Groups 9 11
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.16m 0.35m
Max Magnification 2X 0.5X
Autofocus No Yes
AF Motor Type No AF unknown
Full Time Manual
Focus Method Internal Unknown
Distance Scale Yes Unknown
DoF Scale Unknown Unknown
Distance Scale Yes Unknown
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 310g 500g
Diameter 53mm 78mm
Length 81mm 91mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Unknown Unknown
Filter Thread 46mm 67mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Unknown Unknown
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No Unknown
Optional Accessories - -
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