Dedicated to extreme close-up imaging, the Canon RF-mount Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro from Venus Optics is a specialized macro lens for photographing subjects at magnifications greater than life-size. Operating within a 2.5:1 to 5:1 range, this lens has a minimum focus distance of just 6.8" at the 5:1 magnification along with a comfortable 1.6" working distance. This range is benefitted by the wide-angle focal length, too, in order to achieve greater depth of field compared to long focal length macro lenses. Complementing the close-up capabilities, the optical design incorporates one extra-low dispersion element to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for a high degree of clarity. Additionally, distinguishing itself from other macro lenses, this 25mm f/2.8 is characterized by its notably sleek and lightweight design for easier handling and more room to work with artificial lighting.

RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format    Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/16    One Extra-Low Dispersion Element    2.5:1 to 5:1 Magnification    6.8" Min. Focus, 1.6" Working Distance    Manual Focus Operation    Slim Lens Barrel Design    8-Blade Diaphragm

Prime 25mm f/2.8 is designed for full-frame Canon RF-mount mirrorless cameras.

Specifically developed for macro photography, this lens is designed for use within a 2.5:1 to 5:1 magnification range for producing greater-than-life-size imagery. This lens does not offer infinity focus.

When at 5:1 magnification, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 6.8" along with a working distance of 1.6", which affords sufficient room for illuminating your subject. At the 2.5:1 position, a minimum focusing distance of 9.2" is possible along with a working distance of 1.8".

Wide-angle design benefits the high magnification design by providing greater depth of field compared to telephoto or long lens designs.

Manual focus operation for precise control over focusing distance when working with close-up subjects.

One extra-low dispersion element greatly reduces chromatic aberrations and color fringing for improved clarity and color accuracy.

Eight-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality when using shallow depth of field.

Especially slim and lightweight physical design is easier to use handheld and offers more room for illuminating close-up subjects.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Would this lens work on my Nikon D3400 body and would you recommend a focus rail even with a solid tripod?

A: The lens will mount. You will have no exposure metering so a separate light meter or a lot of trial and error exposure adjustments will be necessary. A focus trail is HIGHLY recommended. At high degrees of magnification control of small camera movements is essential.

Q: 2. For a first real macro lens would you recommend this of the 60mm Laowa 2x ?

A: You could with this lens but it may be a little too advanced for a first time macro shooter. You want to look at the Canon 60mm 2.8, if you have a cropped sensor camera or the Sigma 70mm macro for a full frame.

Q: 3. Will it work with my Nikon d90

A: This FX lens will cover the DX sensor of the D90 without issue. It have 1.5 crop factor or magnification. Since it is a manual lens with no electronic communication, you will not have auto focus or auto aperture or metadata. Think small.

Q: 4. Does it have a maximum focus distance? Can it focus on infinity?

A: This lens does not offer infinity focus.

Q: 5. Will this fit 1971 Nikon F2?

A: Yes, the Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens for Nikon F can be used on an old manual Nikon film camera such as the F2.

Q: 6. Is there an filter ring adapter that will fit the lens cover bayonet?

A: Unfortunately, we do not have a filter ring adapter or a filter holder designed for use with the Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens for Nikon F.

Q: 7. What are some use cases for this lens? Is it ideal for product photography in a lightbox and if so what kinds of products and setup?

A: This lens is not good for product photography. It would be better for very small things like bugs or minatures.

Q: 8. Will this work with Nikon D7500 crop senor

A: This lens would provide a 37.5mm equivalent focal length when using it on the Nikon D7500.

Q: 9. Has anyone attached extension tubes to this lens?

A: Yes, there are reports of extension tubes being used with this lens. One is here at B&H in one of the lens's reviews.

Q: 10. Can a macro light be attached to the front of this lens? If so, what mm diameter ring fits?

A: As mentioned in another answer, Venus has advertised a ringlight for the lens, but I could not find one anywhere including China. Most people are putting a flash ballhead on their flash shoe, mounting the flash on the head, tilting it downward toward the front of the lens, and attaching a off-the-shelf or custom diffuser to the flash. Others are using the Venus KX-100 flash unit.