Matt Granger posted the first “review” of a preproduction Laowa 200mm f/2 Aura on Nikon Z mount that you can watch in full on YouTube since he age-restricted it so it can not be embedded, as you can see below. You can also find a summary of the video comparison below if you prefer to read about the new Laowa 200mm f/2.
The Contenders Up Close
1. Laowa 200mm f/2 Aura (Pre-Production Model)
This is the new kid on the block, and it’s got some intriguing features.
Design & Handling:
- Notably small and impressively light for its class, weighing in at 2.3 kg.
- Features multiple custom function buttons and a convenient drop-in filter slot.
- However: The aperture ring is easily bumped and lacks a locking mechanism.
Autofocus & Continuous Shooting Performance:
- The pre-production model required a +5 focus calibration on the Z8.
- In the continuous shooting test with a running subject, it performed better than expected. While it produced a few out-of-focus shots and showed a slight lag behind the subject’s eye, it was generally consistent.
- Note: As a pre-production unit, final AF performance is expected to improve.
2. Nikon 200mm f/2 VR2
The “beast” of the group, a legendary lens with a long-standing reputation for a reason.
Design & Handling:
- Big, heavy, and built like a tank. It is the heaviest of the trio by a significant margin, weighing 2.93 kg.
- Features Vibration Compensation (VR2) for enhanced stability.
Autofocus & Continuous Shooting Performance:
- Flawless. In the continuous shooting test, it was perfect, nailing focus on 91 out of 91 shots with zero noticeable lag. It is the undisputed king of tracking in this comparison.
3. Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS
A strong contender offering a modern balance of performance and modern features.
Design & Handling:
- Matches the Laowa’s modern approach to size, weighing the same at 2.3 kg. This makes it much more comfortable to handle than the Nikon.
- Includes optical image stabilization (OS) and boasts a modern, high-quality finish.
Autofocus & Continuous Shooting Performance:
- Performance was between the Nikon and the Laowa. It didn’t lag behind the subject, but the AF motor would “pulse” or hunt, resulting in more missed shots than the Laowa.
- However: The shots that the Sigma did hit were tack sharp, arguably the sharpest of the bunch when in focus.
The Head-to-Head Showdown: Comparison Charts
Key Features & Handling
| Feature/Lens | Laowa 200mm f/2 Aura | Nikon 200mm f/2 VR2 | Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.3 kg (5.07 lbs) | 2.93 kg (6.46 lbs) | 2.3 kg (5.07 lbs) |
| Build Quality | Good (Pre-production) | Super well-built (Tank-like) | Well-built (Modern) |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes (VR2) | Yes (OS) |
| Custom Buttons | Multiple Cfn buttons | No | No |
| Drop-in Filter | Yes (with CPL) | No | No |
Optical & Performance (f/2 wide open)
| Performance Aspect | Laowa 200mm f/2 Aura | Nikon 200mm f/2 VR2 | Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness | Brighter than Nikon | Darker than Laowa/Sigma | Brightest of the three |
| Sharpness (f/2) | Good, but not as sharp as Nikon/Sigma | Excellent | Excellent (Tack sharp when hit) |
| Continuous AF Tracking | Good, with slight lag and a few misses. | Perfect (91/91 hits), no lag. | Good, but “pulsed,” causing more misses than Laowa. |
| Value Proposition | Promising (Pre-production) | Expensive (at release) | Excellent (Half Nikon’s price) |
The Verdict for Sony Shooters
- For pure AF tracking performance, the old Nikon 200mm f/2 VR2 is still the champion. If you need to nail every shot of a moving subject and can handle the 2.93 kg weight, it’s a reliable beast.
- The Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS is arguably the best all-around package. It matches the Laowa’s lighter 2.3 kg weight, making it far more manageable. While its AF pulsed in this specific test, its in-focus shots are exceptionally sharp, and it offers a compelling blend of modern features, build, and value.
- The Laowa 200mm f/2 Aura is the interesting newcomer. At 2.3 kg, it’s lightweight and its continuous AF performance was promising for a pre-production model. If the final version improves the AF consistency, it could be a serious contender.
For Sony users: If you’re adapting a lens, the Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS appears to be the most balanced and modern option, offering a superb blend of performance, features, and portability. The Nikon is a specialized tool for when tracking is the absolute priority, and the Laowa is one to watch as it hits the market.
Laowa lenses can be found directly from Venus Optics and B&H Photo.