After much anticipation, the Laowa 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 FFII Tilt-Shift Macro lenses have officially been announced. Initially teased back in May, these two new tilt-shift macro lenses are now entering the market, offering exciting possibilities for photographers looking to capture stunning, precise close-ups. Both lenses feature a 1:1 magnification ratio and a bright f/2.8 aperture, making them ideal for macro photography enthusiasts who need the flexibility of tilt and shift controls.
The Laowa FFII TS 55mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1:1 Macro lens is the shorter of the two, offering 10 degrees of tilt and 12mm of shift. This tilt-shift design is particularly useful for adjusting the plane of focus, ensuring that even with the shallow depth of field inherent to macro photography, your subject can remain tack-sharp. Laowa promises nearly zero distortion with this lens, though it falls short of receiving their “Zero-D” designation. Its f/2.8 aperture brings in plenty of light, while its ability to stop down to f/22 offers added flexibility for deeper focus when necessary.
This 55mm lens is compatible with a wide range of mirrorless systems, including Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fuji GFX, and Hasselblad XCD. However, it is not available for Fuji X or Micro Four Thirds systems, which is a bit surprising considering the demand for versatile lenses across various formats.
Similarly, the Laowa FFII TS 100mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1:1 Macro lens offers the same 10 degrees of tilt and 12mm of shift, which is even more advantageous for a longer focal length where the depth of field is naturally shallower. The 100mm focal length is especially popular among macro shooters, thanks to the additional working distance it provides, allowing photographers to capture small subjects with precision without casting shadows or disturbing the scene.
This lens also delivers nearly zero distortion and offers 1:1 magnification, making it perfect for those who need high-quality, detailed macro shots. Like the 55mm, the 100mm version is available for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fuji GFX, and Hasselblad XCD mounts and includes a manual focus system. Both lenses feature 15 aperture blades for beautifully smooth bokeh and come with a 77mm filter thread.
These new tilt-shift lenses are Laowa’s first venture into the macro market with such a design, building on their experience with the shift lenses like the Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Shift lens. With the ability to control perspective and focal planes in creative ways, these lenses will undoubtedly appeal to serious macro photographers.
Specs Overview
| Focal length | 55mm | 100mm |
|---|---|---|
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Angle of view | 62.7° | 37° |
| Format | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Mount | Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E, Leica L, Fuji GFX, Hasselblad XCD | Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E, Leica L, Fuji GFX, Hasselblad XCD |
| Focus type | Manual Focus | Manual Focus |
| Lens type | Tilt Shift | Tilt Shift |
| Image Circle | ⌀ 67mm | ⌀ 67mm |
| Tilt range | 10° | 10° |
| Shift range | +/- 12mm | +/- 12mm |
| Optics | 14 elements in 11 groups | 13 elements in 10 groups |
| Aperture blades | 15 | 15 |
| Min focus distance | 27cm | 32cm |
| Min working distance | 8.3cm | 14cm |
| Dimensions | 85 x 168.5mm | 85 x 162mm |
| Weight | 1,450g | 1,310g |
Laowa promises that these lenses deliver superb image quality with nearly zero distortion, ideal for capturing fine details in close-up shots. The tilt-shift functionality allows photographers to creatively manipulate the plane of focus, providing more control over the depth of field. This makes the lenses suitable not only for macro photography but also for architecture and product photography, where control over perspective and depth is crucial.
Although the full specs of these lenses are available, there is no official word on pricing or availability just yet. However, given the anticipation surrounding these lenses, it likely won’t be long before they start showing up at retailers.