Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) vs Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) is 180mm, the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm — 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 (L-mount) for telephoto, the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO for zoom.
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 1.5x magnification vs 1x.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 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 100mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 430g (15.2 oz) it's lighter than the 670g (1.48 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) is 180mm, Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) reaches 1.5x magnification vs 1x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 430g (15.2 oz) 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 (L-mount) or the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) is 180mm, the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm — 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 (L-mount) for telephoto, the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO for zoom.
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 need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 1.5x magnification vs 1x.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 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 100mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 430g (15.2 oz) it's lighter than the 670g (1.48 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount) and the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO (L-mount)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 180mm | 100mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 14° | 24° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 22 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.5x | 1x |
| 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 | 74mm |
| Length | 214mm | 100mm |
| Weight | 670g (1.48 lb) | 430g (15.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
