Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens for Canon EF

Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens for Canon EF Summary

The Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens for Canon EF is the first tele-macro prime from Laowa, which combines high magnification with telephoto reach in a portable form. It offers a 1.5:1 magnification ratio, which enables the capture of subjects at life-size and higher with extraordinary detail. This suits subjects such as insects, plants, and product photography where fine details can be highly beneficial.

At 484g this Canon EF mount DSLR lens is one of the smallest and lightest tele-macro lenses available, which is ideal for shooting out in the field and for travel, where larger lenses can be cumbersome, especially when working at close range with high magnification.

The apochromatic (APO) design eliminates longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations, while rendering high levels of sharpness and accurate colours. The optical formula includes 12 elements in 9 groups, with results that render good quality even at the highest magnifications. Corner-to-corner sharpness ensures consistency for macro and telephoto applications, where the smallest details need to be pin sharp.

Canon DSLR camera users benefit from autofocus functionality, with an AF range from 1.5m to infinity, and only manual focus within 1.5m for precise fine adjustments. This combination of MF/AF provides greater flexibility when alternating between macro, portrait, and telephoto subjects, which are all possible with this single 180mm prime. The internal focusing system helps to keep the lens compact, and the barrel design includes a function button, 62mm filter thread, electronic contacts for EXIF data, and a Type-C port for firmware updates.

This Laowa macro lens provides a unique combination of reach with high magnification, portability, and advanced optics, which makes it a great option for macro photographers who may also capture telephoto images.

Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Key Features

• 1.5:1 magnification ratio for detailed close-up work
• Weighs 484g in Canon EF mount and measures 67.6mm x 88.4mm
• Apochromatic optical design corrects longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations
• Optical construction includes 12 elements in 9 groups for consistent sharpness
• Autofocus is supported on Canon EF mount from 1.5m to infinity, with manual focus for closer
• Internal focusing system prevents lens extension and helps protect against dust ingress
• Includes a 62mm filter thread, electronic contacts for EXIF data transmission, and a Type-C port
• Tripod collar is available separately to provide added stability when required

Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens for Canon EF in More Detail

1.5x Ultra Macro Magnification

This lens offers up to 1.5:1 magnification, which exceeds life-size reproduction. With a minimum focusing distance of 30cm and a working distance of 14.7cm in manual focus, subjects such as insects, flowers, mushrooms and everyday items can be captured with exceptional detail. The extended working distance also helps to maintain a short gap between the front element and the subject to avoid accidentally knocking or disturbing it.

Compact and Lightweight

At around 522g, this lens is extremely compact for a 180mm tele-macro. Its 67.6mm x 134.4mm dimensions are also smaller and lighter than comparable lenses, so you can bring it for fieldwork and handheld shooting without any weight issues.

APO Optical Design

The apochromatic design effectively reduces chromatic aberrations, producing accurate colour and clarity even in challenging light. This ensures that your images are sharp and free from colour fringing in high contrast or out of focus areas.

Sharpness Across the Frame

With an optical formula of 12 elements in 9 groups, the lens renders sharp results from the centre to the corners. This consistency is particularly useful when working at high magnifications where image detail is essential.

Autofocus and Manual Focus

Sony E mount users benefit from AF operation between 1.5m and infinity, which extends versatility as the lens can also be used for portraits and telephoto subjects. Under 1.5m only manual focus is available, for more precise control during close-up macro photography.

Durable Construction and Controls

The lens design features internal focusing, which keeps the lens balanced and slightly more resistant to dust ingression. Additional features include a programmable function button for quick access to settings without needing to go into camera menus. There’s also a compact 62mm filter thread for filters such as UV and CPL, and the lens communicates with the body for EXIF data transmission. Lastly there’s a USB-C port for future firmware updates to help keep the lens current. 

A tripod collar can be purchased separately for better balance when shooting mounted on a tripod.

What’s in the box

• Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens for Canon EF (DSLR)
• Front and rear lens caps

Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Specifications