Laowa VEN6028N
The lens captures 2:1 macro magnification at f/2.8 without extension tubes, using its 60mm focal length and full-frame Sony E coverage to reveal fine details. Its infinity focus capability extends versatility to portrait work, while a 14-blade diaphragm ensures smooth bokeh in manual operation. This lens suits macro photographers who need extreme close-up reproduction and precise manual control over autofocus.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong macro (98th percentile) 98th
- Strong social proof (68th percentile) 68th
Cons
- Below average af (13th percentile)
- Below average aperture (21st percentile)
- Below average build (26th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q3 202280/100
Buyers praise this lens for sharpness, build quality, and versatility. The main complaint is heavy vignetting with a color cast, especially when not shooting macro.
- Sharpness, colors, and bokeh are excellent for macro, landscapes, and portraits.
- Heavy vignette with color cast is a notable flaw, though some accept it as character.
- Solid all-metal build gives a premium back-to-basics feel.
- Fully manual with no camera communication, which may challenge beginners.
- Q3 202175/100
Buyers praised the lens for its sharpness, manual control, and macro capabilities. Build and image quality were also highlighted positively.
- Excellent sharpness and macro performance.
- High-quality build and image quality.
- Appreciation for fully manual operation.
- Strong recommendation from first-time Laowa users.
Based on 26 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Macro |
| Focal Length Min | 60 |
| Focal Length Max | 60 |
| Elements | 9 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 0 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 14 |
Build
| Mount | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | No |
| Weight | 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 62 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 60 |
| Max Magnification | 2:1 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Laowa VEN6028N | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 | Sony G SELP28135G.SYX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 60mm | 17-70mm | 17-28mm | 16-28mm | 12-60mm | 28-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Mount | Canon EF | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 800 | 544 | 450 | 450 | 320 | 420 |
| AF Type | manual focus only | RXD | Stepping Motor | Stepping AF Motor | linear motor | SSM |
| Lens Type | macro | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laowa VEN6028N | 12.8 | 42.5 | 26.1 | 97.7 | 40.1 | 21 | 63.5 | 33.3 | 67.7 | 37.8 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.7 | 87.3 | 69.6 | 85.9 | 91 | 84.5 | 63.5 | 89.3 | 85.1 | 83.4 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 87.4 | 87.3 | 75.9 | 85.9 | 88 | 84.5 | 90.8 | 67.3 | 68.8 | 37.8 |
| Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Compare | 87.4 | 87.3 | 75.9 | 77.8 | 97.2 | 84.5 | 75.8 | 68 | 62.7 | 37.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98.1 | 87.3 | 84.6 | 51.9 | 91 | 84.5 | 44.3 | 93.1 | 67.8 | 83.4 |
| Sony G SELP28135G.SYX Compare | 94.4 | 78.4 | 77.7 | 34.1 | 88 | 67.1 | 63.5 | 92.4 | 55.7 | 93.4 |
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
