Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is a zoom (24-105mm) and the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is a 65mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 65mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 65mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 65mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-105mm zoom covers what the fixed 65mm can't reframe.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is 24-105mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) reaches 2x magnification vs 0.5x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is a zoom (24-105mm) and the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is a 65mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 65mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 if you need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 65mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 65mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-105mm zoom covers what the fixed 65mm can't reframe. 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 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1?
Aperture: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 65mm | 24-105mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 37° | 84° – 23° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $549 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 63.5mm | 73.5mm |
| Length | 99.5mm | 106.5mm |
| Weight | 335g (11.8 oz) | 350g (12.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
