#Japan #Tokyo #LAOWA 180mm #F4.5 #Ultra Macro

Introduction

The latest addition to the LAOWA lens family is the LAOWA 180mm F4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO, set to be available for order starting November 7, 2025. This revolutionary lens is designed to offer exceptional performance in telephoto, macro, and portrait photography. Manufactured by Sightron Japan in collaboration with Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology (Venus Optics), this lens is compact, lightweight, yet packed with advanced features that cater to both professionals and amateurs alike.

Key Features

1.5x Ultra Macro Magnification

With a staggering maximum 1.5x magnification, the LAOWA 180mm lens allows photographers to capture minute details of subjects like insects and flowers with unprecedented clarity. Its minimum shooting distance is 30cm, coupled with a remarkable working distance of 14.7cm, ensuring you maintain adequate space between your lens and the subject, facilitating remarkably sharp close-up images.

Ample Working Distance

The 180mm focal length guarantees a minimum working distance of 147.6mm. This advantage allows photographers greater flexibility with lighting and composition compared to shorter macro lenses like 58mm or 100mm. Moreover, this distance minimizes the risk of startling and losing small subjects while you're setting up your shot.

Compact & Lightweight Design

Despite its impressive specifications, the LAOWA 180mm is surprisingly compact and lightweight compared to other lenses in its category. This portability makes it the ideal choice for handheld shooting, outdoor photography, and travel, ensuring that you can take it anywhere without the burden of additional weight.

APO Design

Featuring an Apochromat (APO) design, the optical structure drastically reduces both axial and transverse chromatic aberrations. Even in challenging lighting conditions, the lens offers outstanding sharpness, true color representation, and suppression of fringing, making it ideal for macro and telephoto captures that require reform precision.

Exceptional Sharpness

The lens comprises 12 elements in 9 groups, ensuring consistent sharpness across the frame—especially critical in high-magnification macro photography. It faithfully captures the intricate details of the subject, delivering professional-level results.

Focus Mode Switching

Compatible with Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF mounts, the lens accommodates autofocus (AF) from 1.5m to infinity. By rotating the focus ring until it clicks, users can swiftly switch to manual focus (MF) for precise macro shots within 1.5m. Canon RF users can employ an EF-RF adapter to utilize AF features. This dual-focus capability is ideal for varying shooting scenarios, transitioning smoothly from macro to portrait or wildlife photography.

Robust Build Quality

The robust barrel design is suitable for demanding shooting environments. It incorporates an inner focus mechanism, preventing changes in the lens length during adjustments and safeguarding against dust infiltration. Additionally, it features a dedicated function button, a φ62mm filter thread, and an electronic contact for EXIF data recording and firmware updates via a Type-C port, enhancing its functionality.

Specifications

• - Format: Full frame
• - Focal Length: 180mm
• - Aperture Range: AF: F4.5-F22, MF: F4.5-F32
• - Angle of View: 13.7°
• - Lens Construction: 9 groups, 12 elements
• - Number of Aperture Blades: 9
• - Minimum Shooting Distance: 300mm
• - Minimum Working Distance: 147.6mm
• - Maximum Magnification: 1.5x
• - Focusing Method: AF and MF
• - Filter Thread: φ62mm
• - Front Diameter: φ67.6mm
• - Dimensions: Canon EF: φ67.6mm x 88.4mm, Sony E: φ67.6mm x 134.4mm
• - Weight: Canon EF: 484g, Sony E: 521.6g
• - Mounts: AF: Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon EF, MF: Canon RF / L mount

*Note: Autofocus is only compatible from 1.5m to infinity.

Release Information

• - Product Name: LAOWA 180mm F4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO
• - Mount & JAN Codes:

Sony E (AF): 4541607061491
Nikon Z (AF): 4541607061507
Canon EF (AF): 4541607061514
Canon RF (MF): 4541607061521
L Mount (MF): 4541607061538

• - Suggested Retail Price: Open Price
• - Estimated Market Price: Approximately ¥105,000 (tax included)
• - Order Start Date: November 7, 2025 (Friday)

Conclusion

The LAOWA 180mm F4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO lens is poised to redefine macro photography by offering superb functionality and portability. Whether for a professional or an enthusiast, it promises to elevate the photography experience significantly.