Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) vs Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) is 35mm, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) is 45mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) if…
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You're on a budget — $749 vs $1,249 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 599g (1.32 lb) it's lighter than the 1350g (2.98 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) is 35mm, Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) is 45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) is $749, $500 under the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount).
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) reaches 5x magnification vs 0.5x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) is 599g (1.32 lb) vs 1350g (2.98 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) or the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) is 35mm, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) is 45mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount)?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) if you shoot close-ups — 5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you're on a budget — $749 vs $1,249 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 599g (1.32 lb) it's lighter than the 1350g (2.98 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) and the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount)?
Focal range: Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro (L-Mount) is 35mm, Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) is 45mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 45mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/11 |
| Aperture Blades | 15 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 87.5° | − |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | No |
| Focus Motor | Manual | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | − |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | Yes |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,249 | $749 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 56mm |
| Diameter | − | 70.2mm |
| Length | 150mm | 121mm |
| Weight | 1350g (2.98 lb) | 599g (1.32 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
