Venus Optics just released the Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO, which the company describes as an “exceedingly compact and affordable mirrorless, full-frame macro lens with excellent image quality.” Weighing in at 9.1 ounces, the 85mm f/5.6 2x macro lens comes with 2x magnification inherited from most of the Laowa macro lenses and allows photographers a wider range of flexibility in creation. It is available for Nikon Z, Canon RF, Sony E and Leica M mounts.

“It fulfills the needs of many macro photographers while relieving the pain from carrying the heavy load of gear,” according to Venus Optics. Macro photographer Nicky Bay, in his review of the lens on Petapixel, writes that, “the new Venus Optics Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Macro lens is one of the smallest macro lenses that I’ve ever used for a full-frame sensor. “It is even smaller than the Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2:1 for Micro Four Thirds, and that’s no mean feat!”

The lens is built specifically for mirrorless full-frame cameras with a smaller f/5.6 aperture. For 1:1 or higher magnification macro photography, the depth of field is extremely shallow (usually photographers need to stop down to f/8 or an even narrower aperture).

[Read: Venus Optics Lens Launch: Laowa 65mm & 11mm for Nikon Z and Canon RF Systems]

This new 85mm lens can focus from infinity to 2x magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 16.3cm/6.41. Numerous details can be captured for tiny objects under 2x magnification.

The  Venus Optics Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO lens specs include the following:

• Focal Length 85mm
• Max. Aperture f/5.6
• Angle of View 28.55°
• Format Compatibility Full Frame
• Lens Structure 13 elements in 9 groups (3 ED glasses)
• Aperture Blades 7
• Min. Focusing Distance 16.3cm
• Max. Magnification 2:1
• Filter Thread Ф46mm
• Dimensions Φ53mm×81mm (Sony E)
• Weight (with lens cap, rear cap and lens hood) Canon RF: 310g / Nikon Z: 314g/ Sony FE:291g /Leica M: 289g
• Mounts Canon RF/ Nikon Z/ Sony E/ Leica M

Macro shooter Bay also broke down the pros and cons of the lens for photographers on Petapixel, including the following:

Pros

• Wide focusing range from 2x to infinity
• Ridiculously small and light-weight for a full frame lens
• Decent working distance
• Great image quality, sharp with minimal CA
• Pairs very well with Raynox DCR-250 or Raynox DCR-150 without vignetting

Cons

• No aperture coupling
• No autofocus
• Short focus throw between 1x and 2x

The Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO is currently available to order from Venus Optics’ website (http://www.venuslens.net/) and its authorized resellers. It’s retail price in the U.S. $449 (Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony FE) and $499 (Leica M). Pricing may vary in different countries.