[2:1] The Laowa 100mm is a nice investment for someone who is looking to upgrade out of the kit lens. I've been eyeing this lens for almost a year, and after seeing reviews and breakdowns, this lens is well worth it. The manual focus is a great exercise in pushing camera users to learn the in's and out's of their camera settings and more. I encourage any user who wishes to pick up this lens to take into consideration your familiarity with (1) ISO, lighting and settings, (2) and hand strength and control. Any little movement will greatly affect the blur / sharpness radius of your subject whether it's an insect, flower, or other knick-knack.

[100mm] I am new to Venus Optics. This was, in fact, the first non Nikon F-mount lens I have ever purchased. Out of the box the build quality is impressive, far exceeding expectations at this price point. In the short time that I have owned, this lens has proven to be very capable, is easy to focus and extremely sharp. I highly recommend exploring the secret lives of little garden creatures with the Laowa 100mm.

[f/2.8] I used to use this for macro work exclusively, and then the astro bug bit me and it's been perfect as a wide field telescope. Focus is smooth and damped, and stays reliably in star focus without needing tape (usually). I'd recommend using with a Luminance filter at least to remove IR defocus, but otherwise can't recommend enough. Between this and the 135 f/2 from Rokinon, it's never been easier to get good images of wide field objects

[f/2.8] Super sharp! Can be a challenge at times keeping still long enough to grab the shot. Just a hair of movement and you lose the subject. But the results when you get the shot are worth the efforts!

[2:1] After shooting with Canon L and Sony macro lenses I wasn't expecting much from this lower priced lens. I've been impressed and the 2x aspect is very beneficial at times. If you don't need AF this is a strong consideration.

[100mm] Just got and this is my first shoot with it. I have not got the flash and diffusion set up yet and everything is hand held, but happy with the results so far and can't wait to improve on them. I shoot with the Canon 90d and the combo works great, can't imagine what this could do with a full frame sensor!

Whatever the case I love this lens! Very crisp and clean, would image stabilization be nice, I don't know how much it helps at this magnification. Whatever the case you are going to be hard pressed to find a lens this nice for what this cost, or for more.

[2.645 lb] For the money this lens is pure gold. Full manual mode so you must have a basic knowledge of photography. Not weatherproof so be careful. I've seen a lot of reviews bashing this lens but I feel as if those reviews are from inexperienced photographers. If you're looking for a great Macro lens at a smaller price tag this is the ONE. Add a flash and a diffuser and BAM you will create some jaw dropping images.

[2:1] I was looking for a Z mount lens for my Z50 as my Tamron 90mm 1:1 was not a G2 model, and didn't work consistantly with the mirrorless body. After many reviews and analysis on the subjects I try to shoot with a macro lens, and my current skillset, I purchased one of these Venus Laowa 100mm 2:1.

I mounted it via the Venus mount collar sold as an option. The collar works great if attached to the correct position on the lens. Althought some of the reviews on that device are negative, I found it as advisertised.

The first day I had the lens I shot some test subjects and discovered quickly that a macro focus rail would be a HUGE help with this lens. I recommend ordering one with this lens should you purchase it.

I ordered one, and put the whole system together today.

Attached is a 2:1 shot of George Washington's eye on a $1 bill. I didnt focus stack this image - obviously - but I think the quick work demostrates what this lens can do.

As stated some macro experience will make this lens more enjoyable, but it seems to be a nice lens to add to the bag especially given the price.

[f/22] This lens is incredible for getting so close to the product and still getting focus. The depth of field is crazy and it makes such cool images. The focusing ring is really firm and doesn't have auto focus but overall a great lens.

[Manual Focus] I bought this to get my feet wet in macro photography and didn't have the highest expectations because of the price point. I was also concerned about the manual focusing. I put it on the camera and was instantly blown away. It's incredibly sharp so focussing isn't an issue except on the tightest macros, which is more about me holding still enough with the tiny depth of field. I discovered that I prefer manual focus for macro work. Another big plus is the boceh...gorgeous - see attached. While it is a beautiful lens for portraits, I may not use it just because of the manual focus. The Canon R5's eye tracking makes me a better photographer than I could ever be full manual.