Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 45mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 45mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 470g (1.04 lb) it's lighter than the 599g (1.32 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 Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 45mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) reaches 5x magnification vs 0.12x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 470g (1.04 lb) vs 599g (1.32 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 45mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 45mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 470g (1.04 lb) it's lighter than the 599g (1.32 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 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 45mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/11 | f/16 |
| 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 | − | 28.5° – 28.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | − | 80 cm |
| Max Magnification | 5x | 0.12x |
| 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 | 56mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 70.2mm | 75mm |
| Length | 121mm | 99mm |
| Weight | 599g (1.32 lb) | 470g (1.04 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
