Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM vs Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 180mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) for telephoto.
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 305g (10.8 oz) it's lighter than the 500g (1.10 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1.5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 180mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) reaches 1.5x magnification vs 0.5x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 305g (10.8 oz) vs 500g (1.10 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM or the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 180mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) for telephoto.
Who should choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. 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 305g (10.8 oz) it's lighter than the 500g (1.10 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if you need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1.5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 180mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 63° – 63° | 13.7° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | STM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 1.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $499 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 74.4mm | 67.6mm |
| Length | 62.8mm | 134.4mm |
| Weight | 305g (10.8 oz) | 500g (1.10 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
