Im wanting to get into macro photography and would like some recommendations on a lens

[Camren_Line]

I have an EOS R50 and want to start macro photography. I've researched a bit and am considering the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x macro lens. However, I’m wondering if there's a better option within the $500-$700 range. I'm also fine with manual focus, as I rarely use autofocus. 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Probably the best lens option for macro is going to be the RF 100 f2.8, but It's well beyond your budget.  Although I used third-party lenses for many many years, I finally sold them all and migrated to Canon glass years ago.

The Laowa 90mm has a 2:1 magnification ratio,  is manual only focus, and has no IS.  It's DOF will be extremely shallow.  The R50 does support focus bracketing.  I would recommend using a tripod because of this.  The R50 is a compact body. It only weighs about .8 lbs.  The lens weighs about 1.36 lb so it's going to make the camera feel (unbalanced) front heavy.  I think the MFD on that lens is about 8 in.  

If you're looking for a lens that could be used dual purpose, look at the Canon RF35 f1.8.  It's also within your budget.  It's macro ratio is 1:2.  It has IS, supports AF and is much lighter.  The Laowa lens is probably better for dedicated macro photography.  The Canon lens will provide some additional features If dual purpose is desirable.  

[TomRamsey]

The Laowa is probably a good option.  I don't use autofocus on macro either, preferring manual focus on a tripod.  You might also look to some of the older macro lenses using an adapter.

[SignifDigits]

I cannot say this is "better" - only you can decide that, but they are options.  I've never used them on my cropped sensor R50V to compare, only on my R6 Mark II, but now that it's being mentioned I almost certainly will try them there.  For full frame I've found them excellent values.  I found both the EF 100mm f/2.8 IS USM L and the EF 180mm f/3.5 USM L macro lenses used in that price range.

They are both quite excellent but they are not "better" in the following sense:

1. They are used without a new lens warranty
2. They require an EF adapter
3. Support will be discontinued by Canon for these EF lenses in the fall of 2027

They are likely "better" in these areas:

1. Quality of optical glass
2. Compatibility with full-frame RF cameras
3. IS (on the 100mm only)
4. AF

For tripod macro work AF and IS are moot.  The Laowa looks to be very well-liked, and certainly a great choice for you, but I wanted to provide the information for you to decide on what is "better" for you.

I'm holding onto these and hoping Canon will offer a 180mm RF macro lens in the lineup someday, and that's my personal favorite for full-frame whenever I don't want to carry a tripod.

[March411]

One of the EF lenses I've held onto and still use is the EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM, its a great little lens and it's within your budget and APS-C. You will need an adapter, I use the simple one without the control ring and get great results.  It's a 1:1 macro, has a built-in Macro Lite LED ring light which is great for night shooting setting up the shot if you are using flash (or not), hybrid IS, and a STM motor.