Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) vs Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF)
The bottom line
The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (11-20mm) and the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is a 17.5mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.7 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 10x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 17.5mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 17.5mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 11-20mm zoom covers what the fixed 17.5mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) opens to f/1.7 vs the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 17.5mm, Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) is 11-20mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) reaches 10x magnification vs 0.26x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) is 335g (11.8 oz) vs 570g (1.26 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) or the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) better?
The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (11-20mm) and the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is a 17.5mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.7 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 10x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 17.5mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF)?
Choose the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) if you shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 17.5mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 11-20mm zoom covers what the fixed 17.5mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. 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 Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) and the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) opens to f/1.7 vs the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17.5mm | 11-20mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | − | 104° – 71° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 18-32mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | − | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 10x | 0.26x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | Yes | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $749 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 42mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 70.2mm | 74mm |
| Length | 127.5mm | 86.2mm |
| Weight | 570g (1.26 lb) | 335g (11.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
