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Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO — Prime/zoom
Laowa

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

Prime/zoom

86
/ 100
From $449
VS
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 — Prime/Zoom
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)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

Compared on the build sub-score

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO leads on build (90 vs 88).

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Autofocus

Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 leads on af (84 vs 82).

Value for money

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO more score per dollar ($449 vs $598).

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

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO versus Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 — full spec comparison
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.

Which is better for build, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO or Sony FE 85mm f/1.8? +

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO or Sony FE 85mm f/1.8? +

Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 — leads on af (84 vs 82). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.