Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is a zoom (70-300mm) and the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) 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 (Nikon Z) 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 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 180mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 70-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 180mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 180mm, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is 70-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) 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 0.32x — 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 Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) better?
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is a zoom (70-300mm) and the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) 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 (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) 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 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 180mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 70-300mm 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 (Nikon Z) and the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)?
Focal range: Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 180mm, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is 70-300mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 180mm | 70-300mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 13.7° | 34° – 8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 80 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.5x | 0.32x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 67.6mm | 74.4mm |
| Length | 134.4mm | 148.3mm |
| Weight | 522g (1.15 lb) | 545g (1.20 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
