Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO vs Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is 90mm, the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO is 55mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO for zoom, the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 55mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO 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 55mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is 90mm, Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO is 55mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Durability: the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO or the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is 90mm, the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO is 55mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO for zoom, the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO?
Choose the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO if you need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 55mm 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 Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO?
Choose the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO 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 55mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. 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 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO and the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 90mm | 55mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 27° | 43° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 43 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $449 | $370 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 62mm | − |
| Length | 118mm | 76mm |
| Weight | 375g (13.2 oz) | 370g (13.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
