Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x is 1mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for macro, the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x for standard.
Choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 65mm vs 1mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 1mm vs 65mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 335g (11.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x is 1mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x is 130g (4.6 oz) vs 335g (11.8 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x is 1mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for macro, the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x for standard.
Who should choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 65mm vs 1mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 1mm vs 65mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 335g (11.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 65mm | 1mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 6 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 4 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/1 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 37° | − |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | − |
| Max Magnification | 2x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $549 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | − |
| Diameter | 63.5mm | 70mm |
| Length | 99.5mm | 18mm |
| Weight | 335g (11.8 oz) | 130g (4.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
