Opticallimits published the first review of the new Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra-Macro APO lens - here is their verdict:
"The manufacturers of macro lenses tend to have an easy win - macro lenses are pretty much always sharp thanks to a combination of a moderate max aperture and "easy" focal length. Thus it doesn't really come as a surprise that the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Macro APO is capable of delivering very high-quality results straight from f/2.8. However, it has at least two advantages over your average 100mm macro lens - it can focus down to a magnification ratio of 2:1 and it has almost no bokeh fringing. The latter is quite an achievement actually. Lateral CAs are on a very moderate level and image distortions are low. The biggest weakness may be the amount of vignetting at f/2.8. Continuing on the positive side, we'd say that the bokeh is very pleasing overall.
The addition of electronic coupling (finally!) with a camera-controlled aperture as well as EXIF data is certainly a big thing for Laowa because it opens up some market potential. Of course, some users will shy away due to the lack of AF but at least macro enthusiasts may not care too much. The mechanical quality of the lens is pretty good and on par with the mainstream market.
Thus if you can live without AF and appreciate the extreme macro capabilities as well as a moderate price tag, you should have a closer look. Highly recommended!"
Venus Optics lenses are sold at Adorama and B&H but the new Laowa 100mm f/2.8 lens is currently exclusively listed for pre-order on the company's website. Additional coverage of the lens can be found here. Here are two video shot with the 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra-Macro APO lens:
