Laowa Macro Sword FF Cine Series introduces an exciting lineup of cinema lenses that come with a unique advantage: macro functionality.
Choosing the ideal lens remains a critical decision in any film project. Filmmakers often consider whether to prioritize clarity or character, go with anamorphic or spherical options, and choose tools that perfectly suit their subjects. One unavoidable specification for lenses is the minimum focusing distance, which can determine the success of certain shots. Although many exceptional cinema lenses are available, few excel at hyper-close focusing. Macro lenses, known for their incredible detail in close-ups, are even rarer in the filmmaking world. Filmmakers typically rely on diopters to magnify tiny subjects since true macro lenses—common in photography—are not always accessible or cost-effective for video production.
Introducing the Macro Sword FF Cine Series
Addressing this gap, Laowa has launched its Macro Sword FF Cine Series, which comprises six focal lengths:
- 15mm T4.1 (1x magnification)
- 25mm T2.9 (1x magnification)
- 35mm T2.9 (1x magnification)
- 60mm T2.9 (2x magnification)
- 100mm T2.9 (2x magnification)
- 180mm T4.6 (1.5x magnification)
These lenses range in weight from the 640-gram 15mm to the 957-gram 100mm. Each provides at least a 1:1 reproduction ratio, with the 60mm and 100mm extending up to 2:1. Designed for full-frame cameras, they cover a 43.2mm image circle.
Filmmakers will appreciate the uniform follow focus pitch across the entire series, enabling easy lens swaps without adjusting gear placement or barrel widths. This consistency simplifies workflows, especially for micro-detail work. The lenses also feature lightweight construction, which solo shooters will likely find beneficial.
All lenses except the 15mm have a standard 77mm filter thread; the 15mm uses a 95mm thread. By default, they are offered with ARRI PL mounts, though options exist for Canon RF, EF, Sony E, Nikon Z, and L mounts. (Note: The 25mm lacks an EF mount.) Each lens comes with shims for adjustments.
Minimum Working Distance and Performance
These lenses shine with their exceptional minimum working distances:
- 15mm: 0.7 cm
- 25mm: 2.14 cm
- 35mm: 3.2 cm
- 60mm: 5.9 cm
- 100mm: 8 cm
- 180mm: 14.2 cm
During testing, the lenses allowed extremely close positioning, nearly touching the subjects. All lenses are manual focus and deliver sharper images when stopped down. Tests conducted wide open and at various apertures showed satisfactory sharpness, with minimal chromatic aberration. The 25mm, 60mm, and 180mm lenses performed well in these trials.
In addition to macro shooting, the lenses proved versatile for general filmmaking. For example, the 25mm excelled in both close-ups and standard scenes, offering flexibility for filmmakers.
Construction and Bokeh
The lenses’ compact designs result from their optical structure:
- 15mm: 12 elements in 9 groups
- 25mm and 35mm: 13 elements in 10 groups
- 60mm: 14 elements in 11 groups
- 100mm and 180mm: 12 elements in 10 and 9 groups, respectively
This compactness sets them apart from competing cinema lenses. In terms of bokeh, tests with the 25mm, 60mm, and 180mm revealed differences. The 60mm and 180mm produced rounded bokeh, while the 25mm showed hexagonal shapes when wide open.
Advantages and Considerations
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Competitive pricing
- Consistent 77mm filter thread size (except 15mm)
- Matching barrel width and gear placement
- Outstanding close-focus and macro functionality
- Full-frame coverage
Cons
- Sharper images require stopping down
- Medium focus throw (which may suit some workflows)
Overall, the Laowa Macro Sword FF Cine Series offers excellent macro lenses for filmmakers. Their affordability and versatility make them a valuable addition to any video production toolkit.
Pricing
Each lens retails for $1,499 USD. A 4-lens kit including the 25mm, 35mm, 60mm, and 100mm costs $5,699 USD, while the full six-lens set is priced at $7,999 USD.