Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (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 Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) is 17.5mm, 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 Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) for wide-angle, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) 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 wide — it starts at 17.5mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 10x magnification vs 5x.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 17.5mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) opens to f/1.7 vs the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount)'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 (L-Mount) is 17.5mm, Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) is 45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) reaches 10x magnification vs 5x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (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 Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) is 17.5mm, 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 Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) for wide-angle, the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount)?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) 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 wide — it starts at 17.5mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 10x magnification vs 5x.
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 need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 17.5mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) and the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount)?
Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount) opens to f/1.7 vs the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (L-Mount)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17.5mm | 45mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/11 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | − | − |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | No |
| Focus Motor | − | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | − | − |
| Max Magnification | 10x | 5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $749 | $749 |
| Filter Size | 42mm | 56mm |
| Diameter | 70.2mm | 70.2mm |
| Length | 127.5mm | 121mm |
| Weight | 570g (1.26 lb) | 599g (1.32 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
