Laowa just introduced a 180mm f/4.5 telephoto macro lens for full-frame cameras that delivers 1.5X image magnification at its closest focus setting. Shutterbug had a chance to exercise an early sample for a few weeks. Here is our review.

Overview & First Impressions
The Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO, priced at an affordable $499, packs a lot of features into its 1.15-pound (521g) figure.

Featuring bigger-than-life 1.5:1 reproduction, extended working distance when shooting macro, and an apochromatic optical formula, Laowa’s first tele-macro lens is a hybrid full-frame prime that’s suitable for a wide variety of photo scenarios.

We received an early sample (serial no. 000069) in Nikon Z full-frame mount and were immediately impressed by its compact size. Measuring just 2.7 x 5.3 inches (67.6 x 134.4mm), its build-quality matches the high standards we’ve come to appreciate from Laowa.

BTW, Laowa and Venus are the same brand. Confused? Get in line. Their official website is https://www.venuslens.net/.

Key Features of the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO
• Image magnification up to 1.5:1 (1.5X life-size)
• Auto-Focus* in: Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon EF
• Manual-Focus in: Canon RF / L mount
•  *AF is available at distances from 5 feet (1.5m) to infinity
• Internal focusing (lens does not extend)
• Minimum focus = 11.8 inches (30cm)
• Aperture diaphragm has 9 blades
• Dedicated function button
• Electronic contacts (AF models) for EXIF data recording
• 62mm filter thread
• USB-C port for firmware updates
• Optional tripod collar available

Watch Laowa’s official 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO YouTube Video here.

Unique Manual Macro + AF
It took a few trials for us to become fully comfortable with the hybrid focusing method. Rotate the focusing ring to the AF setting and enjoy autofocus, but only for subjects more than 5 feet (1.5m) away. At closer distances, focus is manual. That said, we soon began to enjoy the extreme versatility of being able to focus at life-size (1:1) and even 1.5:1 (1.5X) macro.

The superior Focus Peaking performance of the Nikon Zf test camera made manual focusing a breeze, but the smooth and precise focusing helicoid in the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO contributed even more to the effort. The bubbles above were shot in manual focus; there were no issues.

APO (Apochromatic)
The Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO is “apochromatic,” hence the “APO” designation. APO lenses focus all three colors of light on the same point. Generally speaking, non-APO lenses focus Red and Blue perfectly but only approximate the correct focus of Green light.

To be sure, the approximation is so close you cannot, in most cases, tell the difference in ordinary situations. But when it comes to suppressing both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations, APO lenses shine. Additionally, APO lenses, by and large, reproduce colors with greater fidelity.

Greater Working Range
Compared to a shorter (50mm or 60mm) macro lens, a 180mm macro provides greater distance from the subject at the same magnification. In other words, when focused at 1:1 (life-size) you are physically closer to the subject with a 50mm macro than with a 180mm macro.

This increased working distance afforded by the 180mm macro allows more room for lighting devices, for instance, and lets you keep a safer distance from things that bite or frighten easily. You can shoot macros of flowers without joining them on the ground.

Nowadays, f/4.5 is the New f/2
Although the new Laowa 180mm macro lens is a relatively slow f/4.5, modern cameras coupled with noise-reduction software enable use of very high ISO, making the smaller f/stop less of an obstacle.

One situation where having a slower f/4.5 aperture is an inescapable disadvantage is creation of bokeh. I’ve said before, in my book, bokeh is greatly overrated, but others love it unconditionally. Although 180mm is too long for portraiture (because it compresses facial features far too much) the limited depth of field is phenomenal when it comes to separating a subject from its background.

Optical Construction
The optical formula comprises 12 elements in 9 groups. The apochromatic design, as stated above, provides increased correction of common aberrations.

Performance Summary
Sharpness, contrast and color gradation were excellent. Overall, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO proved to be a top performer.

Color accuracy met my expectations for an apochromatic (APO) lens. Even the blue jay above, captured with an APS-C sensor Nikon Z fc, sparkled in full glory. Note that on a crop-sensor camera, the focal length changes but not the f/stop. So on the Nikon Z fc it performs as the equivalent of a 270mm f/4.5, a nice, long telephoto, and macro capability is still 1.5:1 (1.5X).

Although I was unable to try one, I believe the optional ($30) tripod collar would have been very useful when shooting macro. While the overall balance was okay, I generally prefer to attach the tripod to the lens instead of the camera.

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Conclusion
The Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO is a great choice if you’re looking for a mid-range telephoto and/or a macro lens that can deliver 1.5X (larger than life-size) magnification with extended working room between camera and subject.

It’s designed for full-frame cameras, but on an APS-C mirrorless you get the extra bonus of having a longish tele suitable for wildlife, etc.

Priced at $499, I can recommend it as a versatile, high-quality addition to your lens arsenal.

The Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO, also priced at $499, is a tempting alternative choice, but lacks autofocus.

Price & Availability
Available now, you can order a Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO directly from Laowa for $499. Tripod collar is optional and can be ordered for $30. All products are shipped from Laowa’s Hong Kong warehouse.

Or check Laowa’s Dealer Locator for a reseller near you. If you’re fortunate enough to have a camera store near you—or within 100 miles—thank your lucky stars and show them some support by purchasing locally.

—Jon Sienkiewicz