Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (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 Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is 56mm — 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 Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (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 56mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1.5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 56mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 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, Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is 56mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Durability: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 180mm, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is 56mm — 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 Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (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 56mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1.5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 56mm vs 180mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 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 | 56mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 13.7° | 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 85-85mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | Dual HyperVCM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.5x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $580 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 67.6mm | 78.4mm |
| Length | 134.4mm | 94mm |
| Weight | 522g (1.15 lb) | 595g (1.31 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
