Laowa
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
Prime/zoom
86
/ 100
From $449
VS
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM wins by 10
Sony
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
GM Series · Compact · Aperture ring
96
/ 100
From $1,298
Specdex verdict
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO lands at 86 and Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM at 96. That puts Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM ahead by 10 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO if…
- ✓Proven optical formula
- ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- ✓Strong resale
Pick Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM if…
- ✓Best 50mm AF lens for Sony E-mount
- ✓Compact for f/1.4 GM glass
- ✓Click-able aperture ring
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO 86
vs 96 Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
Score breakdown
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
86 sharpness 86
af 82
build 90
value 86
bokeh 0
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
96 sharpness 98
af 98
build 96
value 84
bokeh 96
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO | Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM |
|---|---|---|
| Mount | — | Sony E |
| Focal length | — | 50 mm |
| Aperture | — | f/1.4 to f/16 |
| Construction | — | 14 elements / 11 groups |
| Min focus | — | 0.41 m |
| Filter | — | 67 mm |
| Weight | — | 516 g |
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
Pros
- +Proven optical formula
- +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- +Strong resale
Cons
- −Mount-specific
- −Older AF motor on some
- −Heavier than modern counterparts
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
Pros
- +Best 50mm AF lens for Sony E-mount
- +Compact for f/1.4 GM glass
- +Click-able aperture ring
Cons
- −Premium pricing
- −No image stabilization (relies on IBIS)
- −No filter included
FAQ: Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO vs Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
Which is better, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO or Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM? +
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO worth the price? +
At $449, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in build.
Is Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM worth the price? +
At $1,298, Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in sharpness.
Does Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO or Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.