Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 17.5mm, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — 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 (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) for zoom.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) 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 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 10x magnification vs 1x.
Choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 17.5mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓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 (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.7 vs the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)'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 (Nikon Z) is 17.5mm, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) reaches 10x magnification vs 1x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Durability: the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 17.5mm, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — 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 (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) for zoom.
Who should choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) 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 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 10x magnification vs 1x.
Who should choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 17.5mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. 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 (Nikon Z) and the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.7 vs the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17.5mm | 90mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | − | 27° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | − | 29 cm |
| Max Magnification | 10x | 1x |
| 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 | 117mm |
| Weight | 570g (1.26 lb) | 500g (1.10 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
