When Laowa entered the lens market, little did we know that they would change the way photographers look at third-party lenses. The company has consistently performed, and they have introduced some exciting new lenses for various wide-to mid-focal range photographers. To grow their macro portfolio, the company has launched its first-ever telephoto macro lens, the 180mm f4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO. What can this do? Let’s have a look.
The company states that the lens is “designed to revolutionize telephoto, macro, and portrait photography.” As we stated before, a macro lens can double as a portrait lens and provide great bokeh and blur, so this lens can offer what photographers want. In addition, you get 1.5X ultra macro magnification, better aberration control, and quite lightweight. There is also an autofocus option on select mounts, but with macro, sometimes it’s best to play with manual focus. Here is a look at its specs:
- Format: Full frame
- Focal Length: 180mm
- Aperture Range: AF: f/4.5 – f/22 | MF: f/4.5 – f/32
- Angle of View: 13.7°
- Optical Construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
- Aperture Blades: 9
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 300mm
- Minimum Working Distance: 147.6mm
- Maximum Magnification: 1.5×
- Focusing System: AF* & MF (*AF only from 1.5m to infinity)
- Filter Thread: 62mm
- Front Diameter: 67.6mm
- Dimensions: Canon EF: Ø67.6mm × 88.4mm | Sony E: Ø67.6mm × 134.4mm
- Weight: Canon EF: 484g | Sony E: 521.6g
- Available Mounts: AF*: Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon EF | MF: Canon RF / L-Mount
- Price: $499
So far, Laowa has options such as 15mm f4, 55mm f2.8 Tilt-shift, 85mm f5.6 2x, and 100mm f2.8 2x. The latest addition means one not only gets a longer range, but can capture extreme details of insects. But in addition, there are very few options in the 180mm range. For instance, there is the Tamron AF 180mm f3.5 Di SP, which is designed for DLSR. There is also the Sigma APO Macro 180mm f2.8, but that is a model that’s over a decade old. Sony has its own macro lens, but the focal range is limited to 90mm.
Considering this, mirrorless photographers have limited options, and some may have to rely on lens converters or teleconverters. But with Laowa’s latest addition, you get a bargain for just $500. The company offers great image quality and build, but the challenge is always the autofocus with certain mounts. So, we do hope that you have changed that. There is no mention of weather sealing and seeing past lenses; there was a lack of that as well. It is surprising Laowa is continuing to remove this, despite it being a need today. We do hope future lenses are better protected.