Comparing the Fujifilm 80mm Macro, Fujifilm 30mm Macro, and Laowa 65mm 2x Macro Manual Lens

When it comes to macro photography, choosing the right lens is crucial for capturing those stunning close-up shots. As a nature and travel photographer, I've had the opportunity to test and compare three popular macro lenses: the Fujifilm 80mm Macro, the Fujifilm 30mm Macro, and the Laowa 65mm 2x Macro Manual Lens. Each lens has its unique features and strengths, and in this post, I'll share my insights to help you decide which one might be the best fit for your photography needs.

I began my macro lens journey with the Fujifilm 80mm f/2.8 Macro, which I found used at a great price. This lens quickly became a favorite due to its impressive image quality and features. However, I soon sought a more compact option for travel and decided to try the Laowa 65mm 2x Macro lens. Its small size was appealing, but it is manual focus only, which required a bit more effort in the field.

When Fujifilm released the 30mm f/2.8 Macro, I was intrigued by its even smaller size and the added convenience of autofocus. I wanted to compare all three lenses to determine which one best suited my needs for macro photography. Each lens has its unique strengths, and my goal was to find the perfect balance of size, functionality, and image quality for my work.

Fujifilm 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro

Key Features:

• Focal Length: 80mm

• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8

• Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Yes

• Weather Resistance: Yes

• Magnification Ratio: 1:1

• Autofocus: Yes

Fujifilm XT4 / 80mm 2.8 Macro // 1/160 sec / f11 / ISO 2500

Pros:

1. Superb Image Quality: The Fujifilm 80mm Macro delivers exceptional sharpness and clarity. The images are incredibly detailed, making it perfect for capturing the intricate beauty of nature.

2. Optical Image Stabilization: This feature is particularly useful for handheld shooting, allowing you to capture sharp images even in low light conditions.

3. Weather Resistant: As a travel photographer, having a weather-resistant lens is a significant advantage. You can shoot in various environments without worrying about damaging your equipment.

4. Autofocus: The autofocus is fast and accurate, which is a great advantage when you need to capture moving subjects.

Cons:

1. Weight and Size: The 80mm Macro is relatively large and heavy compared to the other lenses in this comparison. This can be a downside if you prefer a more compact and lightweight setup.

2. Price: It's the most expensive lens among the three, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious photographers.

Fujifilm 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro

Key Features:

• Focal Length: 30mm

• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8

• Weather Resistance: Yes

• Magnification Ratio: 1:1

• Autofocus: Yes

Fujifilm XT4 / 80mm 2.8 Macro // 1/400 sec / f8 / ISO 400

Pros:

1. Compact and Lightweight: The 30mm Macro is significantly smaller and lighter than the 80mm, making it an excellent choice for travel and everyday carry.

2. Close Focusing Distance: With a minimum focusing distance of just 10cm, you can get incredibly close to your subject, capturing fine details with ease.

3. Weather Resistant: Like the 80mm, the 30mm is also weather-resistant, ensuring durability in various shooting conditions.

4. Autofocus: The autofocus is reliable and fast, suitable for both macro and general photography.

Cons:

1. Limited Working Distance: The shorter focal length means you need to get closer to your subject, which can be a disadvantage when photographing skittish insects or other small creatures.

2. Distortion: There can be slight distortion due to the wider focal length, which might require correction in post-processing.

Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Manual Lens

Key Features:

• Focal Length: 65mm

• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8

• Magnification Ratio: 2:1

• Manual Focus: Yes

• Apochromatic (APO) Lens: Yes

Fujifilm XT3 / 65mm 2.8 2x Macro // 1/125 sec / f8 / ISO 4000

Pros:

1. 2:1 Magnification: The Laowa 65mm offers a higher magnification ratio than both Fujifilm lenses, allowing for extreme close-ups and capturing minute details.

2. Image Quality: The APO design minimizes chromatic aberration, resulting in stunningly sharp and color-accurate images.

3. Manual Focus Precision: For photographers who prefer manual focus, the Laowa provides precise control, which is ideal for macro work.

4. Compact and Lightweight: Despite its capabilities, the Laowa 65mm is relatively compact and lightweight, making it a great option for travel photography.

Cons:

1. Manual Focus: The lack of autofocus can be a disadvantage in situations where quick focusing is needed. It requires more skill and patience to use effectively.

2. No Weather Resistance: Unlike the Fujifilm lenses, the Laowa is not weather-resistant, so extra care is needed when shooting in challenging conditions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right macro lens depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize image stabilization, autofocus, and weather resistance, the Fujifilm 80mm Macro is an excellent choice despite its higher cost and weight. For those looking for a compact, versatile lens with weather resistance, the Fujifilm 30mm Macro is a solid option, though it may require you to get closer to your subjects.

On the other hand, if you crave higher magnification and enjoy the precision of manual focusing, the Laowa 65mm 2x Macro Manual Lens stands out with its exceptional image quality and 2:1 magnification ratio, though it lacks weather resistance and autofocus.

Each of these lenses offers unique advantages, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in macro photography. As a nature and travel photographer, I've found value in each one, depending on the specific needs of the shoot. Happy shooting!