Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 100mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for zoom, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 415g (14.6 oz) it's lighter than the 600g (1.32 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 100mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) reaches 2x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 415g (14.6 oz) vs 600g (1.32 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 100mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for zoom, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 415g (14.6 oz) it's lighter than the 600g (1.32 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 24° | 47° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 77mm | 76mm |
| Length | 130mm | 86.5mm |
| Weight | 600g (1.32 lb) | 415g (14.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
