Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for macro, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) for standard.
Choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 56mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) reaches 2x magnification vs 0.1x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for macro, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) for standard.
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 shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) and the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 65mm 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 | 65mm | 56mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 37° | 28° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 85-85mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 63.5mm | 67.2mm |
| Length | 99.5mm | 59.5mm |
| Weight | 335g (11.8 oz) | 280g (9.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
