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Venus Optics has announced a new macro lens for the Micro Four Thirds system with the launch of the Laowa 90mm F/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO. The lens arrives for OM System and Panasonic cameras after first debuting for full-frame Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E, and L-mount cameras in 2022.

While originally designed for full-frame, the lens takes on a different role on Micro Four Thirds bodies, offering significantly increased magnification thanks to the system’s 2x crop factor.

Extreme Macro Capabilities on Micro Four Thirds

On full-frame cameras, the Laowa 90mm already delivers an impressive 2:1 magnification ratio. When mounted on a Micro Four Thirds camera, this effectively becomes 4:1 reproduction, allowing photographers to capture extremely fine details that are often invisible to the naked eye.

This level of magnification makes the lens particularly appealing for serious macro photographers interested in textures, insects, and other small subjects that benefit from extreme close-up imaging.

Image quality is a critical factor in macro photography, and Venus Optics designed the Laowa 90mm Ultra Macro to deliver high optical performance. The lens features an optical construction of 13 elements in 10 groups and uses an apochromatic design to reduce both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations.

According to Venus Optics, the lens delivers high-contrast images with minimal color fringing, even when shooting wide open. A 9-blade aperture contributes to soft, smooth bokeh, helping subjects stand out against blurred backgrounds.

The lens was specifically designed for mirrorless cameras, with the shorter flange distance helping maximize sharpness while keeping the overall size more compact.

Versatility Beyond Macro Photography

Outside of macro work, the lens offers an equivalent focal length of 180mm on Micro Four Thirds, making it useful for portraits, wildlife, events, and even some sports photography. The F/2.8 maximum aperture also provides solid low-light performance and the ability to isolate subjects with shallow depth of field.

Unlike some earlier Laowa macro lenses, the Micro Four Thirds version includes electronic contacts, allowing the lens to communicate with the camera body. This enables full EXIF data recording and supports in-body image stabilization on compatible cameras.

The lens is manual focus only and uses an internal focusing design, which prevents the front of the lens from extending during close focusing. This not only helps avoid disturbing subjects but also reduces the likelihood of dust entering the lens during use.

The Laowa 90mm F/2.8 2X Ultra Macro features a compact and lightweight design, measuring 115mm in length and weighing 540 grams. Combined with its solid build quality, this makes it well suited for handheld shooting, field work, and long days spent photographing nature.

Having previously used the Nikon Z version of this lens, if the Micro Four Thirds variant performs similarly, it should be an excellent option. The full-frame version delivered strong sharpness and pleasant handling, making it a reliable tool for macro photography. It’s such a great lens that it is included in our Best Macro Lenses guide. 

Pricing and Availability

The Laowa 90mm F/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO for Micro Four Thirds will be available starting February 29, 2026, through the Venus Optics official website and is currently available for pre-order at B&H Photo. The lens is priced at $499 and is also available in Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E, and L-mount versions.

Buy the Laowa 90mm F/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO New on B&H Photo

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