Laowa, a Chinese lens manufacturer known for its innovative and high-quality macro lenses, has announced a new product that can achieve an unprecedented level of magnification in photography. The Laowa Aurogon FF 10-50x NA0.5 Supermicro APO is a full-frame lens set that consists of an objective lens and four extension tubes that can be attached to achieve 10x, 20x, 35x and 50x magnification. The lens is designed to reveal a level of detail that is invisible to most macro lenses, and even to the naked eye.
A microscope-like lens for full-frame cameras
The Laowa Aurogon FF 10-50x NA0.5 Supermicro APO is not a conventional macro lens, but rather a microscope-like lens that can be mounted on full-frame cameras. The objective lens has a focal length of 18.8mm and an aperture range of 0.15 to 0.5, measured numerically rather than in F-stops. The objective lens measures 167mm long with a 50mm maximum diameter and weighs 447g.
The objective lens can be used with four different extension tubes, each providing a different magnification level. The extension tubes have the same 20mm working distance for ease of use, allowing users to standardize their lighting setup regardless of the magnification. The extension tubes vary in length from 112mm to 253mm, meaning the combined objective lens + tube length ranges from 279mm to 420mm. The focal length of the combined lens and extension tube is 18.8mm for the 10x tube, reducing to 5.56mm when the 50x tube is used.
The lens uses Laowa’s Apochromat (APO) design to control chromatic aberrations and improve overall image quality. The lens is compatible with Canon EF and RF, Nikon F and Z, Sony E, L mount, PL mount and GFX cameras.
A new level of detail in macro photography
The Laowa Aurogon FF 10-50x NA0.5 Supermicro APO is designed to capture images with a level of detail that is unmatched by any other macro lens on the market. With magnifications ranging from 10x to 50x, the lens can reveal the intricate structures of insects, plants, minerals, fabrics, and other objects that are normally invisible to the human eye.
The images produced by the lens are comparable to those taken with a microscope, but with the advantage of being able to use a full-frame camera and its features. The lens can also capture images with a shallow depth of field and a smooth bokeh effect, creating a striking contrast between the sharp subject and the blurred background.
To demonstrate the capabilities of the lens, Laowa has released some sample images taken with different magnification levels. The images show the amazing details of a butterfly wing, a bee’s eye, a feather, a coin, and a fabric.
A stable base is essential for using the lens
Due to the high magnification levels and the short working distance of the lens, mounting the setup on a stable base is essential for achieving sharp and clear images. Any slight movement or vibration can ruin the focus and blur the image.
To help users with this challenge, Laowa also offers an optional Slip Ring set that can be used in a similar fashion to a tripod collar on a long telephoto lens. The Slip Ring set connects the lens in two places to a solid base like a rail platform, providing more stability and balance than using a single tripod mount.
The Slip Ring set also allows users to adjust the angle and position of the lens more easily and precisely, which is crucial for finding the best perspective and composition for macro photography.
Pricing and availability
The Laowa Aurogon FF 10-50x NA0.5 Supermicro APO will be available for pre-order from October 2023, with an expected shipping date in December 2023. The price of the lens set is USD $1,500, which is comparable to Laowa’s existing probe lenses. The add-on Slip Ring set will retail for USD $150.
Considering the unique features and performance of the lens, this price seems reasonable for macro enthusiasts who want to explore a new dimension of photography. The lens is likely to appeal to both professional and amateur photographers who are interested in capturing extreme close-ups of nature, science, art, or any other subject that can benefit from high magnification.
