Laowa’s first tele-macro lens, 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO, is designed to revolutionize telephoto, macro, and portrait photography. Combining a 1.5X ultra macro magnification, advanced apochromatic (APO) optics, a remarkably compact and lightweight design, and versatile functionality, this lens empowers photographers to capture intricate details with unparalleled clarity in both close-up subjects and distant scenes. With its robust lens build and innovative features, including autofocus on selective mount options, it’s a handy yet powerful tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Auto-Focus*: Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon EF

Manual-Focus: Canon RF / L mount

*Auto-focus is only available for subjects from 1.5m to infinity.

*The latest firmware is now available, enabling autofocus for macro photography and focus bracketing. Upgrade now to take advantage of these new features!

1.5X Ultra Macro Magnification

The lens delivers an impressive 1.5:1 magnification ratio, capturing life-size subjects with extraordinary detail. Every intricate texture and pattern is rendered in stunning high resolution, perfect for macro photography.

With a minimum working distance of 14.7cm in manual mode, this lens excels at enabling breathtaking close-up shots with unmatched clarity and precision, while providing ample space between the lens and subject for comfortable shooting.

Extended Working Distance with 180mm

With a 180mm focal length, the lens offers a generous minimum working distance of 147.6mm, surpassing shorter macro lenses like the 58mm or 100mm options. This longer reach provides photographers with ample space for shooting and lighting setups, and reduces the chance of scaring the subject away.

Working Distance Comparison

Focal Length from 58mm, 100mm to 180mm on the right.

A 180mm focal length creates a natural compression effect, making the background appear closer to the subject. This feature enhanced creative flexibility, enabling photographers to skillfully manipulate the perceived relationship between subject and background for compelling compositions.

Compact & Lightweight Design

Weighing just 484g (Canon EF) and 522g (Sony E) with dimensions of Ø67.6mm x 88.4mm and Ø67.6mm x 134.4mm, respectively, it stands out as one of the smallest and lightest options in its class. This makes it the ideal choice for professionals and enthusiasts seeking high performance without the bulk, perfect for handheld, field, or travel use.

APO Design

With an apochromatic (APO) design, this lens effectively eliminates both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations. The result is exceptional sharpness, true-to-life color accuracy, and minimal fringing across the entire image, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Outstanding Sharpness

The Lens delivers exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness, even at high magnifications, for stunning image quality. Featuring an advanced optical design with 12 elements in 9 groups. It provides consistent, razor-sharp performance for macro photography.

AF Function In Selective Mount Options

The lens features autofocus functionality for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF mounts, enabling focusing on subjects from 1.5m to infinity. To switch to AF mode, rotate the focus ring to the infinity point. Manual focus remains available for subjects within 1.5m for precise macro control.

For Canon RF users, pair the EF mount with an EF-to-RF adapter to unlock AF capabilities.

Durable, Well-Built Lens Housing Options

The Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO lens is crafted with a durable, robust housing design for challenging shooting conditions. It incorporates internal focusing to prevent lens extension during use, ensuring balanced handling and dust protection. Enhanced with practical features, the lens includes a dedicated function button for swift adjustments, a Ø62mm filter thread for versatile filter use, electronic contacts on AF versions for EXIF data recording, and a Type-C port for firmware updates.

A tripod collar is available for separate purchase and is compatible with all mirrorless mounts and EF mounts. Note that the function button may be obstructed when the collar is attached to an EF mount.

Firmaware Update