Laowa
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
Prime/zoom
86
/ 100
From $449
VS
Sony
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8
Prime/Zoom
86
/ 100
From $598
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO lands at 86 and Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO if…
- ✓Proven optical formula
- ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- ✓Strong resale
Pick Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓Fast aperture
- ✓Quiet autofocus
- ✓Weather-sealed (most)
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO 86
vs 86 Sony FE 85mm f/1.8
Score breakdown
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
86 sharpness 86
af 82
build 90
value 86
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8
86 sharpness 86
af 84
build 88
value 85
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO | Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 |
|---|
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 85mm f/1.8
Pros
- +Fast aperture
- +Quiet autofocus
- +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
- −Mount-specific
- −Weight varies
- −Price scales with quality
FAQ: Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO vs Sony FE 85mm f/1.8
Which is better, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO or Sony FE 85mm f/1.8? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 85mm f/1.8 worth the price? +
At $598, Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in build.
Does Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO or Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 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.