100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APOvs HD DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (2018) Starting from £399 new Best for Extreme macro & scientific photography View 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
VS
Pentax HD DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Pentax HD DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited (2006) Starting from £499 new Best for Macro, everyday photography & street View HD DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited

GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?

Extreme Macro & Scientific Photography — 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (2018): 2:1 magnification at a price no first-party lens can match — the specialist macro choice for Sony shooters who need maximum magnification.

Macro, Everyday Photography & Street — HD DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited (2006): The quintessential Pentax prime — compact, beautifully made, and capable of true 1:1 macro. A Limited series lens you keep forever.

↓ Full specifications below

Who should buy what

Quick take: The 100mm f/2.8 2x ultra macro apo is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.

Full specifications

Specification 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (2018)HD DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited (2006)
Price £399 £499
Sensor f/2.8 (max aperture) f/2.8 (max aperture)
Video 22.6cm minimum focus distance (2:1 macro) 13.8cm minimum focus distance (1:1 macro)
Autofocus Manual focus only — precision helicoid for close-up work SDM (Supersonic Drive Motor) — quiet focusing
Stabilisation None (body IBIS or careful technique required) None (relies on body SR/IBIS)
Burst Rate N/A N/A
Battery Life N/A N/A
Weight 638g 215g
Dimensions 73mm diameter × 123.5mm length 63mm diameter × 45mm length
Weather Sealed No No
Viewfinder N/A N/A
Screen N/A N/A
Mount Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) Pentax KF-mount
Memory Cards N/A N/A
Connectivity N/A N/A

Suitability by genre

Genre 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APOHD DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited
Macro
9.0
9.0
Portrait
4.0
7.0
Street —
9.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO prices → HD DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited prices →

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