Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO vs Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO is 17.5mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm — 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 for wide-angle, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17.5mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 10x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 17.5mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 280g (9.9 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 opens to f/1.7 vs the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — 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 FE 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO reaches 10x magnification vs 0.24x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 280g (9.9 oz) vs 570g (1.26 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO or the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO is 17.5mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm — 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 for wide-angle, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 shoot wide — it starts at 17.5mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 10x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 17.5mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 280g (9.9 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 and the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO opens to f/1.7 vs the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17.5mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | − | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | − | 22 cm |
| Max Magnification | 10x | 0.24x |
| 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 | $749 |
| Filter Size | 42mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 70.2mm | 73mm |
| Length | 127.5mm | 73.7mm |
| Weight | 570g (1.26 lb) | 280g (9.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
