Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO FF Lens

Our first tele-macro lens, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 APO 1.5X Ultra Macro is a travel-friendly full-frame lens with larger-than-life 1.5X magnification plus a long working distance that makes lighting easier and gives skittish insects less reason to scatter.

Apochromatic optics and full-range autofocus on select mounts combine to give macro enthusiasts a lens that's capable in field or studio, while the 180mm reach is handy for occasional portraits.

Key Specifications

• • Lens Mount(s): Sony E, Canon RF, Canon EF, Nikon Z or L mount
    
  • Sensor Coverage: Full Frame
    
  • Focal Length (FoV): 180mm (13.7º)
    
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4.5
    
  • Lens Construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
    
  • Aperture Blades: 9-blade
    
  • Focus Type:
    
    • Auto (Sony E, Nikon Z or Canon EF)
      
    • Manual (Canon RF or L mount)
      
  • Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1.5X
    
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 30cm / 11.81"
    
  • Minimum Working Distance: 147.6mm / 5.81"
    
  • Filter Thread: 62mm
    
  • Dimensions:
    • Sony E: Ø67.6 x 134.4mm / Ø2.66 x 5.29"
      
    • Canon EF: Ø67.6 x 88.4mm / Ø2.66 x 3.48"
      
  • Weight:
    
    • Sony E: 522g / 1.15lbs
      
    • Canon EF: 484g / 1.07lbs

Note:
• Optional Tripod Collar is available via special import request.

Introducing the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 APO 1.5X Ultra Macro FF Lens. Finally, a modern telephoto macro that magnifies the smallest subjects without pushing the front element up against them.

The longer the focal length, the further back you can be. Less risk of chasing insects away, and more room to place your lighting. We call this the working distance - the gap between the front element and your subject. A typical 100mm macro has a working distance of about 13 to 15cm at 1:1 (life-size magnification), but the new Laowa 180mm stretches that to roughly 21cm at the same 1:1, and still holds 14.7cm even when you push to its larger-than-life 1.5:1 magnification.

This is also the first Laowa macro to offer autofocus, available on Sony E, Nikon Z and Canon EF mounts. Since the latest firmware update, AF now works across the full focus range, right into the macro end. That makes it useful not just for portraits but for automated focus bracketing too, letting the camera build a focus stack for you.

One thing to keep in mind: at 180mm, any camera movement is magnified just as much as your subject is. For the sharpest results we'd recommend keeping an eye on your shutter speed, and reaching for a tripod or a dedicated macro flash when the shot allows it.

Notable features include

• • Beyond life-size 1.5X macro magnification
  • Long working distance for easy lighting & low subject disturbance
  • Full-range autofocus* (E, Z, EF)
  • APO design for great colour & low aberrations
  • Travel-friendly size & weight
  • Flat focus field, low distortion & well-controlled focus breathing
  • Beautiful, characterful bokeh
  • Customisable function button + USB-C port
  • Weather-sealed lens mount

*Note: Full-range AF requires updated firmware. AF on Sony E, Nikon Z & Canon EF only.

Reach and autofocus are the main draw, but they're not the whole story. Factor in the compact, lightweight and well-built body, the clean colour and detail of the APO design, the USB-C port with customisable function button, and a flat focus field with beautiful bokeh, then you realise what a special lens this really is. One that earns its place whether you shoot macro, lean into fine-art character, or turn it around for the occasional portrait.

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 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 enhances creative flexibility, enabling photographers to skilfully 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. 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 high detail, true-to-life colour accuracy, and minimal fringing across the entire image.

AF Function In Selective Mount Options

The lens features autofocus functionality for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF mounts. To switch to AF mode, rotate the focus ring to the infinity point.
Full range autofocus has been enabled via our latest firmware update, enabling AF from close-up to infinity.
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.

An optional tripod collar is available on special request 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.

Firmware Update