I am looking for a new macro lens that offers a bit more field of view than my Sony 90mm.  I've been looking at this https://www.laowalenses.ca/product/laowa-60mm-f2-8-21-ultra-macro-lens/  has anyone used this underwater?  It's a fully manual lens, meaning the focus, the aperture, and the zoom are all manual.  I am shooting an Aquatica housing with the Aquatica macro port setup.  I can 3D print a focus ring no problem but will not be able to adjust aperture or zoom once in the housing.  I am assuming, I can just fix these to whatever I want and then control exposure using ISO and my lights.

Has anyone used this lens?

I don't own the 60mm but I've just received the Laowa 58mm in Z-mount format. For the 58mm, I don't see any major issue for underwater use for the few tests I've made in regards to distance. Focus for the 2:1 magnification is very close to my port (N120 macro port 6 + 50mm extension) at 2-3 cm / around 1 inch in air. 

 

As you mentioned, it's a fully manual lens that I will use with peaking activated. I've made a 3D printed focus ring for it for my Nauticam housing. I don't know which port you use on your Sony but one way to get aperture control would be to use a port extension with knob and design a ring for the aperture and one for the focus. That is my current plan (the 50mm extension can be fitted with a knob).

 

 

On 12/10/2024 at 5:46 AM, eocean-eu said:

I don't own the 60mm but I've just received the Laowa 58mm in Z-mount format. For the 58mm, I don't see any major issue for underwater use for the few tests I've made in regards to distance. Focus for the 2:1 magnification is very close to my port (N120 macro port 6 + 50mm extension) at 2-3 cm / around 1 inch in air. 

 

As you mentioned, it's a fully manual lens that I will use with peaking activated. I've made a 3D printed focus ring for it for my Nauticam housing. I don't know which port you use on your Sony but one way to get aperture control would be to use a port extension with knob and design a ring for the aperture and one for the focus. That is my current plan (the 50mm extension can be fitted with a knob).

 

 

Thanks!  I am running my Sony in an Aquatica housing and using their Super Macro port.  I do have an extension with a manual focus knob for a different lens but think it would push the end of the port out too far from the lens.  I want to buy the lens, but might have to settle for just fixing the magnification and the aperture and using my existing focus ring to work the focus.  I currently run the Sony 90mm but it's too much macro for a lot of the critters we have around here.

I do have a 3D printer and will be able to print a focus ring.

Thank you for the reply!