Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF vs Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is 180mm, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF for telephoto, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF 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.
- ✓You value portability — at 670g (1.48 lb) it's lighter than the 1350g (2.98 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 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 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.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is 180mm, Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is $999, $250 under the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF reaches 1.5x magnification vs 0.5x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is 670g (1.48 lb) vs 1350g (2.98 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF or the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is 180mm, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF for telephoto, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF?
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF 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. Choose it if you value portability — at 670g (1.48 lb) it's lighter than the 1350g (2.98 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 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro?
Choose the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 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.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF and the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro?
Aperture: the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 180mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 15 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 14° | 87.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | STM | Manual |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 230 cm | 23 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.5x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $1,249 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 82mm | − |
| Length | 214mm | 150mm |
| Weight | 670g (1.48 lb) | 1350g (2.98 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
