Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO vs Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO is 45mm, 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 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 value portability — at 280g (9.9 oz) 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 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, Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO reaches 5x magnification vs 0.24x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 280g (9.9 oz) vs 599g (1.32 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 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO or the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO is 45mm, 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 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 value portability — at 280g (9.9 oz) 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 and the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 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 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/11 | 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 | 5x | 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 | 56mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 70.2mm | 73mm |
| Length | 121mm | 73.7mm |
| Weight | 599g (1.32 lb) | 280g (9.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
