Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 180mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm — 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 Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR for wide-angle.
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓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 Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 180mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 522g (1.15 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR opens to f/3.5 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, Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) reaches 1.5x magnification vs 0.23x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 130g (4.6 oz) vs 522g (1.15 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 180mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm — 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 Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR for wide-angle.
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 28mm 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 prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 180mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR if you want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 180mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 522g (1.15 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 (Nikon Z) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR opens to f/3.5 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 | 12-28mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 13.7° | 99° – 54° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 18-42mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.5x | 0.23x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $499 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 67.6mm | 70mm |
| Length | 134.4mm | 45.5mm |
| Weight | 522g (1.15 lb) | 130g (4.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
