The Laowa 200mm F2 AF FF is a highly specialized and unique lens that has generated significant interest in the photography community. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about it.
This new lens costs $1,999, first available for pre-order at B&H.
Overview
The Laowa 200mm F2 AF FF is a high-speed, medium-telephoto prime lens designed for full-frame cameras. It stands out for being one of the very few lenses in its class to offer an F2 aperture while being relatively compact and, most notably, the first from Venus Optics (Laowa) to feature autofocus.
It’s designed for photographers who need a lot of light gathering capability and beautiful background separation (bokeh) in a portable package, primarily targeting sports, wildlife, event, and portrait photographers.
Key Features & Specifications
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Focal Length: 200mm (a medium-telephoto on full-frame).
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Aperture: F2 – F22. The fast F2 aperture is its main selling point.
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Format: Full-Frame (FF). Also compatible with APS-C cameras (equivalent field of view of ~300mm on Sony E-mount APS-C, ~320mm on Canon RF-S).
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Autofocus (AF): Yes. This is a big deal for Laowa. It uses a “GMR” (Giant Magnetoresistance) sensor for accurate autofocus and a linear motor for quiet and fast focusing. Performance is generally considered good, but not class-leading like a Sony GM or Canon L lens.
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Image Stabilization: No. The lens does not have built-in Optical Image Stabilization (OIS/IBIS). You’ll rely on your camera’s in-body stabilization (IBIS) if available, or a fast shutter speed/monopod.
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Optical Construction: 13 elements in 9 groups, including 3 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to control chromatic aberration.
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Aperture Blades: 9 rounded blades, which contributes to a pleasing bokeh.
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Filter Thread: 82mm.
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Weight: Approximately 1.15 kg (2.53 lbs).
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Mounts Available: Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Sony E.
Strengths and Advantages
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Incredible F2 Aperture: This is the lens’s superpower. It allows for:
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Superior Low-Light Performance: Shoot in darker conditions with lower ISO, resulting in cleaner images.
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Extreme Background Separation: The bokeh at F2 is exceptionally creamy and smooth, making subjects pop perfectly. It’s a dream for portraiture.
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Fast Shutter Speeds: Essential for freezing action in sports and wildlife.
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Remarkably Compact and Lightweight: Compared to other 200mm F2 lenses from major brands (which are often massive, heavy, and extremely expensive), the Laowa is surprisingly portable. It strikes an excellent balance between performance and size.
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Excellent Image Quality:
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Sharpness: It is very sharp, especially in the center, even wide open at F2. Sharpness improves slightly when stopped down to F2.8-F4.
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Bokeh Quality: The combination of the F2 aperture and 9 rounded blades produces beautiful, high-quality bokeh that is often described as “painterly.”
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Relatively Affordable: While not cheap, it is significantly less expensive than the flagship 200mm F2 offerings from Canon, Nikon, or Sony, making this focal length and aperture speed accessible to more photographers.
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| Laowa 200mm F2 AF FF lens | Pre-Order | B&H/ Amazon |