Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) vs Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount)
The bottom line
There's a clear price gap: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) at $499 versus the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) at $999. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $499 vs $999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 522g (1.15 lb) it's lighter than the 670g (1.48 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) if…
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) is $499, $500 under the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount).
- ›Weight: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) is 522g (1.15 lb) vs 670g (1.48 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) or the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) better?
There's a clear price gap: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) at $499 versus the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) at $999. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Who should choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount)?
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) if you're on a budget — $499 vs $999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 522g (1.15 lb) it's lighter than the 670g (1.48 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount)?
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) and the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount)?
Price: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO AF (L-Mount) is $499, $500 under the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount).
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 180mm | 180mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 13.7° | 14° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | STM | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 22 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 67.6mm | 82mm |
| Length | 134.4mm | 214mm |
| Weight | 522g (1.15 lb) | 670g (1.48 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
