Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF vs Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2
The bottom line
The Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is a zoom (25-200mm) and the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is an 180mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF if…
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1.5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 180mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 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 25mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 25-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 180mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 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, Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is 25-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF reaches 1.5x magnification vs 0.4x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is 575g (1.27 lb) vs 670g (1.48 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF or the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 better?
The Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is a zoom (25-200mm) and the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF is an 180mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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 shoot close-ups — 1.5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 180mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?
Choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 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 25mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 25-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 180mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO AF and the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?
Aperture: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 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 | 25-200mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 14° | 82° – 12° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 230 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.5x | 0.4x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 82mm | 76.6mm |
| Length | 214mm | 118.6mm |
| Weight | 670g (1.48 lb) | 575g (1.27 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
