Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 180mm, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 45mm — 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 (Nikon Z) for telephoto, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You're on a budget — $499 vs $749 leaves more for other gear.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) 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 45mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 5x magnification vs 1.5x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 180mm, Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is $499, $250 under the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z).
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) reaches 5x magnification vs 1.5x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 180mm, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 45mm — 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 (Nikon Z) for telephoto, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $499 vs $749 leaves more for other gear.
Who should choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) 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 45mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 5x magnification vs 1.5x.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) and the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 180mm | 45mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/11 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 13.7° | − |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | STM | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | − |
| Max Magnification | 1.5x | 5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | Yes |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $749 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 56mm |
| Diameter | 67.6mm | 70.2mm |
| Length | 134.4mm | 121mm |
| Weight | 522g (1.15 lb) | 599g (1.32 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
