Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO vs Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS
The bottom line
The Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is a zoom (10-18mm) and the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO 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/4) 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 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/4, 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 Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 17.5mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 10-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 17.5mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO opens to f/1.7 vs the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO is 17.5mm, Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is 10-18mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO reaches 10x magnification vs 0.1x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 570g (1.26 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO or the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS better?
The Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is a zoom (10-18mm) and the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO 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/4) 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?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO if you want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/4, 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 Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS?
Choose the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS if you shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 17.5mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 10-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 17.5mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO and the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS?
Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO opens to f/1.7 vs the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17.5mm | 10-18mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | − | 110° – 76° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 15-27mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | − | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 10x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | Yes | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $749 | $749 |
| Filter Size | 42mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 70.2mm | 70.8mm |
| Length | 127.5mm | 63.8mm |
| Weight | 570g (1.26 lb) | 225g (7.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
