Macro Lens Buying Advice - Tech/Product Photography

[rihenrob]

Hello all! New here, longtime Fuji shooter. 

I currently use an X-T3 for product photography, and I'm looking to add a genuine macro lens to my arsenal. I primarily shoot computer equipment like keyboards, mice and the like. I find myself using the 18-55mm kit lens at full zoom, since my other lenses are either too wide or can't focus close enough for my needs. I've been doing some research on macro lenses for the X-mount system, and am really drawn to the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 "Ultra Macro" after testing one at a local shop, since I'd be able to focus as close as I'll ever need with it. Since I photograph entirely static items, having autofocus really isn't a priority for me, and I'd rather save both money and weight with a manual-focus lens. 

I'm wondering, though, if there are any other options that fit my use case, or if anyone's had serious issues with this lens? I tried adapting a few of my Canon FD lenses in the past, but they were a bit hazy and got some weird distortion/chromatic abberation, so I'd rather stick with something relatively new instead of gambling on older glass. However, I am open to buying used if there's a really good deal. My budget tops out around $500, and I'm located in the U.S.

Thanks in advance! 

[Astigmatism]

I have the Fuji 80 mm macro and really like it. It's very sharp and I use it for macro but also for general photography. If you find yourself zoomed to 55, this may land in the right spot. Also, this lens is very good with magnification distortion (pincushion or barrel), which is probably important if you're doing product photography and the product has straight lines.

It is autofocus. I hear you don't prioritize that, but there's something else you gain when you have autofocus. You can combine multiple photos taken at slightly different focus distances, using stacking software, and autofocus lets the camera automate the process of taking all these, using focus bracketing. It even calculates how much the focus should change between these exposures.

This lens, new, is above your stated budget. Maybe you can find it used? In any case, options are always nice to have, and others may like this option too. So, just a thought.

One more thing: I've never used the Laowa macro you mention, but I do have their circular fisheye. I love circular fisheyes, and also have two other brands, and comparing them I find the Laowa is considerably better than the other two. That's a vote for Laowa.

Edited July 10 by Astigmatism

[pw-pix]

The Laowa 65mm macro seems well regarded, I'm sure it would serve you well. 

Another potential choice would be the Fuji 30mm macro, but it would have a closer working distance and might make lighting your subjects harder.

[Jeff99]

I have the Fuji 80 mm macro lens and recently bought the 30 mm lens. I compare these to my Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 105 mm lens, which I frankly think is the best I have ever used.The Fuji 80 mm lens can be really great and has a distant focal distance for 1:1 which can be a nice feature. But the lens is very heavy. It also has a floating element, which can be disconcerting and often seems to make you get an error that requires you to return on the camera. Very disconcerting when I am about to get that bee in focus. I have found that the 30 mm lens is far more useful. It does require closer distance for 1:1 and it too has a floating element. But it has never been a problem and I get very nice shots of insect pollinators on flowers, which requires rapid motion and autofocus. Highly recommend this lens.

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[lisa]

The Laowa 65mm is a solid choice for product work; it's sharp, has minimal distortion, and offers excellent close focus. If you ever decide you want AF down the line, the Fuji 80mm f/2.8 is excellent but a lot pricier. For your budget and needs, I recommend the Laowa.