Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF vs Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is 180mm, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 50mm — 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 Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art 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 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1.5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 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, Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF reaches 1.5x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF or the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is 180mm, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 50mm — 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 Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art 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 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1.5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Choose the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm 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 Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Aperture: the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 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 | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 14° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 230 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.5x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 82mm | 80.2mm |
| Length | 214mm | 111.3mm |
| Weight | 670g (1.48 lb) | 665g (1.47 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
