Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO vs Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO is 45mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — 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 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO if…
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO is 45mm, Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO reaches 5x magnification vs 0.19x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO or the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO is 45mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — 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 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO if you shoot close-ups — 5x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. 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 and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 45mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/11 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| 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 | − | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | − | 27 cm |
| Max Magnification | 5x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | Yes | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $749 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 56mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 70.2mm | 75.9mm |
| Length | 121mm | 115.9mm |
| Weight | 599g (1.32 lb) | 645g (1.42 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
