Laowa - 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (Auto Focus) Sony FE

The Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra-Macro APO Lens represents a groundbreaking addition to the Laowa lens lineup, being the company's first telephoto macro lens. Offering the unique combination of a long-reach telephoto field of view with greater-than-life-size macro capabilities, this lens is engineered to capture intricate details from both close-up and long distances. Weighing just over one pound and featuring a remarkably compact design, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 delivers professional-grade optical performance in a highly portable package, making it an ideal choice for photographers who demand exceptional image quality without the burden of heavy equipment.

Key Features
1.5x Ultra-Macro Magnification
The lens delivers an impressive 1.5:1 magnification ratio, enabling photographers to capture subjects larger than life-size with extraordinary detail. Every intricate texture, pattern, and fine detail is rendered in stunning high resolution, making this lens perfect for the most demanding macro photography applications.

Apochromatic (APO) Optical Design
Featuring an advanced apochromatic design, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 effectively eliminates both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations. The result is exceptional sharpness, true-to-life color accuracy, and minimal color fringing across the entire image, even in challenging lighting conditions. The optical construction comprises 12 elements arranged in 9 groups, including two extra-low dispersion glass elements and one ultra-high refraction glass element for corner-to-corner sharpness.

Telephoto 180mm Focal Length with Extended Working Distance
With a 180mm focal length, the lens offers a generous minimum working distance of 5.8 inches (147.6mm), surpassing shorter macro lenses like 58mm or 100mm options. This longer reach provides photographers with ample space for shooting and lighting setups, while reducing the chance of scaring skittish subjects such as insects and small wildlife. The 180mm focal length also creates a natural compression effect, making backgrounds appear closer to the subject for enhanced creative composition.

Autofocus Capability
The lens features autofocus functionality for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF mounts. Autofocus operates from 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) to infinity, while close-up focusing within the macro range is achieved manually. This dual-mode approach provides the best of both worlds: quick, reliable autofocus for general photography and precise manual control for critical macro work.

Compact and Lightweight Design
Weighing just 522 grams (Sony E / Nikon Z versions) and measuring 2.7 inches in diameter by 5.3 inches in length, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 stands as one of the smallest and lightest lenses in its class. This makes it an ideal choice for handheld shooting, field work, and travel photography.

Additional Features

9-blade aperture diaphragm for smooth, circular bokeh

62mm front filter thread

Electronic contacts for data transfer with the camera body

Assignable lens function button for customizable control

USB-C port for firmware updates (on electronic-contact versions)

AF/MF selector switch

Removable and non-rotating tripod collar (sold separately)

Use Cases
Nature and Wildlife Photography
The extended working distance of the 180mm focal length allows photographers to capture insects, small reptiles, and other wildlife without disturbing their subjects. The 1.5x magnification reveals details invisible to the naked eye, from the intricate patterns on butterfly wings to the compound eyes of dragonflies.

Product and Commercial Photography
The apochromatic design ensures accurate color reproduction and exceptional sharpness, making this lens ideal for product photography where precise detail and true-to-life color are essential. The 180mm focal length provides a comfortable working distance for lighting setups.

Portrait Photography
Beyond its macro capabilities, the 180mm f/4.5 functions as an excellent medium telephoto portrait lens. The natural compression effect and smooth bokeh from the 9-blade aperture create flattering portraits with beautiful background separation.

Artistic and Creative Macro
From abstract texture studies to focus stacking for extreme depth of field, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 opens up creative possibilities limited only by the photographer's imagination.