Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO
Laowa · 180 mm · f/4.5
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
52
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Exceptional 1.5x magnification at longer 180mm focal length provides comfortable working distance for macro subjects without disturbing them
+Unique hybrid AF/MF system delivers autofocus for general telephoto use (1.5m-infinity) while enabling precise manual focus for macro work
+Compact, lightweight design (484-522g) with durable metal construction rivals 100mm macro lenses despite longer focal length
+Advanced APO optics minimize chromatic aberration and color fringing with excellent corner-to-corner sharpness at all distances
+Excellent value at $499 with professional-grade optical performance and build quality
+Smooth, mechanically-coupled focus ring ideal for precise macro adjustments without focus-by-wire lag
Worth Knowing
−Autofocus limited to 1.5m minimum distance means no AF for close-up macro work, requiring manual focus switching
−Modest f/4.5 aperture limits bokeh creation and handheld low-light shooting capability compared to faster telephotos
−Canon RF and L-mount versions are manual focus only; autofocus limited to Sony E/Nikon Z/Canon EF mounts
−Prone to flare with bright light sources in frame; hood alone provides insufficient protection without careful framing
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Laowa |
| Release Year | 2025 |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon EF |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Canon EOS |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 484 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 67.6 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 88.4 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 62 mm |
Optics70/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 180 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 4.5 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 13.7° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 44 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 30 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 1.5x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction38/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 12 |
| Groups | 9 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 0 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 2 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |