Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM vs Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 24mm, the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 17.5mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for standard, the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
Choose the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 24mm vs 17.5mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 270g (9.5 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 10x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) opens to f/1.7 vs the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 24mm, Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 17.5mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) reaches 10x magnification vs 0.5x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 270g (9.5 oz) vs 570g (1.26 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM or the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 24mm, the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 17.5mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for standard, the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if you need more reach — it goes to 24mm vs 17.5mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 270g (9.5 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if you shoot close-ups — 10x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) opens to f/1.7 vs the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24mm | 17.5mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/5.6 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 84° | − |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | STM | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 14 cm | − |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 10x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | Yes |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $749 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 42mm |
| Diameter | 74.4mm | 70.2mm |
| Length | 62.8mm | 127.5mm |
| Weight | 270g (9.5 oz) | 570g (1.26 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
