Best L-mount Macro lens?

Question

Looking for recommendations on the best L-mount macro lens for close-up photography. Currently shooting with a Panasonic S5 and interested in both native L-mount options and adapted lenses. Budget is flexible but prefer something under $1500. Main subjects will be flowers, insects, and small product photography. Image stabilization would be nice but not essential. How do the Sigma 70mm and Panasonic 30mm macro lenses compare? Any other options I should consider? Thanks for any advice!

Adrian Stone · Accepted Answer

Top RecommendationsLaowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO  - This lens boasts the best reputation among L-mount macro options, providing excellent macro capabilities with a 2:1 ratio. This means it can achieve twice life-size magnification, making it exceptional for extreme close-up work.Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art - Available in L-mount with amazing sharpness in both macro and non-macro use. It offers excellent value, remarkable optics and dreamy bokeh, available for both L-Mount and Sony E-mount. The lens has very quick autofocus that is accurate and quiet, and can be combined with Sigma TC-1411 and TC-2011 teleconverters for up to 2x magnification.Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO (S-E100) - Features a new optical design and newly developed linear motor, boasting high resolution and outstanding photographic performance with stunning bokeh, while remaining compact for excellent mobility. Currently available for $899.99 (sale price from regular $999.99).

EmberEclipse · Answer

Ive been really satisfied with the results from the Panasonic LUMIX S 30mm f/2.8 Macro GD lately. If you compare it to the Sigma 70mm, the 30mm wins on portability but the working distance is only about 0.014m from the front element at 1:1. That works well for products where you can control the light, but for insects, youll literally be on top of them. The Sigma 70mm is technically great but the extending barrel can be a bit of a pain in the field. Couple quick data points for your S5:

The Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is specifically for mirrorless and handles chromatic aberration better than many older adapted designs.

If you dont need 1:1, the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS is surprisingly sharp for flowers and gives you that Dual IS stabilization which is super helpful handheld. The 90mm APO is probably my favorite for the technical performance at 2x magnification. Honestly no complaints about the build quality either. Let me know if you want the specific weight or filter diameter specs for your gear bag!

ProNoobDemon_002 · Answer

For L-mount macro, I'd definitely recommend the Panasonic LUMIX S-E100 F2.8. The LUMIX S-E100 F2.8 Macro is super compact, weighs just 300g, delivers unbelievably fast autofocus, 1:1 macro for full frame sensors, and super delicious bokeh. The S-E100 is now THE macro lens to beat for L-mount cameras. Sale price $899.99 Regular price $999.99 ... With a new optical design and a newly developed linear motor, the LUMIX S-E100 boasts high resolution and outstanding photographic performance, enabling stunning bokeh. It's compact, lightweight, and the autofocus is incredibly fast - perfect for moving subjects like insects.