Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO vs Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro
Both are Sony E mount primes for macro — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO | Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 90mm | 30mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Type | prime | prime |
| Coverage | full-frame | APS-C |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
Which should you buy?
- the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO opens wider (f/2.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro (30mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (90mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
- the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
- the Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro is first-party (Sony) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is third-party — usually the value pick
Where to buy
Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APOSee price on Amazon
Sony E 30mm f/3.5 MacroSee price on Amazon
FAQ
What's the difference between the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO and the Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro?
The Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is 90mm f/2.8 prime, full-frame; the Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm f/3.5 prime, APS-C. Both fit the Sony E mount.
Which is better in low light, the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO or the Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro?
The Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO — its f/2.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/3.5 of the other.
Do the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO and Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Sony E mount lenses, so they fit Sony a7/a9/a1 (full-frame) and a6000-series (APS-C). Note the Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.
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