Laowa 105mm STF f/2 lens Review

As a food photographer, it's always a challenge to find lenses that can elevate my images from ordinary to extraordinary. This pursuit led me to discover the Laowa 105mm STF F/2 lens, which has left me in awe with the results it produces. The lens has a unique feature that sets it apart from other lenses, its ability to give images a 3D, medium format look that is unmatched by other lenses.

The Laowa 105mm STF F/2 lens is equipped with a Smooth Trans Focus (STF) element that creates a unique bokeh effect, and an apodization filter that creates a gradual transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas. This combination of features gives the images a creamy, dreamy look and feel that makes food look almost too good to eat. The lens's ability to produce images with a medium format look is simply unmatched by any other lens on the market, especially in the full-frame category.

Here is a shot that really shows the medium format look I am getting with it, something I have never seen with other lenses on full frame.

One of the key benefits of the Laowa 105mm STF F/2 lens is its ability to produce images with incredible micro-contrast and 3D "pop," even when shot with deep focus and no bokeh present. The lens's design ensures that images have a unique, medium format feel, no matter the situation. Additionally, the lens is built with a solid construction and has a robust feel, making it an affordable option for food photographers on a budget.

Despite not being a native macro lens, the Laowa 105mm STF F/2 lens can be used as a macro lens with the addition of a macro adapter. This versatility makes it a great choice for food photography, allowing for close-up shots of small details and the desired framing that is often required for food photography. Unlike other lenses I have tried with a macro adapter, sharpness does not seem to suffer when used close up.

Another thing to note is that the Laowa 105mm f/2 STF lens is a manual focus lens, which may take some getting used to for those who are used to autofocus lenses. However, once you get the hang of it, manual focus can be a fun and creative way to control your images, especially in the context of food and product photography.

One of the major drawbacks of the Laowa 105mm STF F/2 lens is its susceptibility to veiling flare from backlit subjects, even with the included lens hood. This can be a bit of an issue, but it's worth noting that with proper technique and lighting, this problem can be mitigated.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that the Canon E-mount version of the Laowa 105mm f/2 STF lens can be mounted on the Fuji GFX medium format camera. The lens produces a huge image circle and gives incredible results even on a larger sensor, making it a versatile and valuable tool for any photographer.

In conclusion, the Laowa 105mm STF F/2 lens is an amazing lens for food photography. Its superior image quality, robust build, affordability, and versatility make it a valuable addition to any food photographer's toolkit. The lens's unique design allows it to create stunning images with a medium format look that is unmatched by other lenses. Despite the issue of veiling flare, the Laowa 105mm STF F/2 lens is a must-have lens for any food photographer looking to take their images to the next level.

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Laowa 105mm f/2 STF Sony E-mount on Amazon