100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APOvs A7C II
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
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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.
Full-Frame Hybrid — A7C II (2023): Full-frame AI autofocus in the most compact body available — the best camera under £1,500 for hybrid shooters.
Who should buy what
A7C II (2023)
- Travel photographers who want full-frame quality in the most compact body
- Hybrid shooters who need full-frame video and IBIS in a small package
- A7C owners looking for a significant AF and video upgrade
- Portrait and wedding photographers who want a discreet full-frame backup
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) | A7C II (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £1,499 |
| Sensor | f/2.8 (max aperture) | 33MP Full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | — | 33.0MP |
| Video | 22.6cm minimum focus distance (2:1 macro) | 4K/60p oversampled, S-Log3, 10-bit internal |
| Autofocus | Manual focus only — precision helicoid for close-up work | 759-point phase-detect, AI subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | None (body IBIS or careful technique required) | 5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | N/A | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | N/A | ~530 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 638g | 514g body only |
| Dimensions | 73mm diameter × 123.5mm length | 124.0 × 71.1 × 63.4mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | N/A | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification |
| Screen | N/A | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | N/A | Dual slots: SD UHS-II + CFexpress Type A |
| Connectivity | N/A | USB-C (3.2), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO | A7C II |
|---|---|---|
| Macro | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Street | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
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