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 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, Fuji X 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:
    
    • Autofocus (Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon EF or Fuji X)
      
    • Manual focus (Canon RF or L mount)
      
  • Autofocus Range: 1.5m to infinity (close-range AF for focus bracketing)
    
  • 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:
• Close-range AF for focus bracketing requires the latest lens firmware.
• 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 14.8cm 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, Canon EF and Fuji X mounts. In normal use, AF works from 1.5m to infinity, which covers portraits and more distant subjects. Closer in, the latest firmware adds AF for focus bracketing: hold the function button for two seconds, set focus roughly by hand, and the camera can then drive the lens through an automated focus stack, right down to the 1.5X macro end. It isn't point-and-shoot macro autofocus, but for focus stacking it takes over the most tedious part of the job.

If you shoot Fuji X, or any other APS-C body, the crop gives the 180mm the field of view of roughly a 270mm lens. The 1.5X magnification ratio doesn't change, but your subject fills more of the smaller frame, so you get tighter framing from the same working distance.

Either way, keep in mind that at 180mm any camera movement is magnified just as much as your subject is, and more so with the tighter APS-C framing. 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
  • Autofocus from 1.5m to infinity* (E, Z, EF, X)
  • Close-range AF for in-camera focus stacking*
  • 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: AF on Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon EF & Fuji X only. Close-range AF for focus bracketing requires updated firmware.

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, taking you beyond life-size to capture extraordinary detail. Every intricate texture and pattern is rendered in stunning high resolution, perfect for macro photography.

With a minimum working distance of 14.8cm at 1.5X, 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.

Autofocus on Select Mounts

Autofocus is available on the Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon EF and Fuji X versions. For standard AF from 1.5m to infinity, rotate the focus ring to the infinity point.
For close-up work, the latest firmware adds AF for in-camera focus bracketing: hold the function button for two seconds, set focus roughly by hand, and the camera can then drive the lens through an automated focus stack.
Canon RF users wanting autofocus can pair the EF version with an EF-to-RF adapter.

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