Laowa 180mm f4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens for Nikon Z

Laowa designed the 180mm f4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO for macro specialists who need extra reach without sacrificing portability. Its 1.5:1 magnification goes beyond life-size reproduction, revealing detail invisible to the naked eye. An apochromatic design with 12 elements in 9 groups corrects chromatic aberration and maintains sharpness at high magnification. Autofocus works from 1.5m to infinity, with manual focus required at closer distances.

Laowa 180mm f4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens Key Features:

• 180mm telephoto prime built for macro photography with extended reach
• Full-frame coverage and f4.5 to f22 aperture range for depth of field control
• 1.5:1 maximum magnification exceeds life-size reproduction
• Reveals finer details invisible to the naked eye at a regular scale
• Minimum focusing distance of 30cm for framing precision
• 14.7cm working distance creates flexibility in composition and setup
• Apochromatic optical design minimises colour fringing in high-contrast areas
• 12 elements in 9 groups deliver sharpness across the frame
• 9-blade diaphragm produces natural background bokeh
• Internal focusing system ensures balance and reduces dust ingress
• USB-C port enabling firmware updates to maintain compatibility
• Electronic contacts provide EXIF data transmission
• 62mm filter thread for attaching protective or creative filters
• Lightweight construction weighing 545g for handheld use

APO optical construction

The Laowa 180mm f4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO features a 12-element, 9-group apochromatic layout that incorporates two extra-low dispersion elements and one ultra-high refractive element. This advanced combination corrects both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration, suppressing colour fringing and maintaining clarity at high magnification. Even in high-contrast scenes, these advanced optics ensure accurate colour rendering and edge-to-edge detail. The aperture range of f4.5 to f22 on AF versions balances shallow depth of field with extended focus control, while a nine-blade diaphragm produces naturally rounded bokeh.

1.5x magnification with 30cm minimum focus

With a 1.5:1 reproduction ratio, this lens moves beyond life-size to capture finer surface detail invisible to the naked eye. At 1.5x magnification, it captures microstructures, such as wing membranes, plant fibres, and product textures, with clarity that exceeds the quality of competing macro lenses. A 30cm minimum focusing distance pairs with a 14.7cm working distance, creating space to place flashes, diffusers, and reflectors without crowding the subject. This extra distance also reduces the chance of disturbing temperamental subjects, which is particularly useful when photographing live insects or small wildlife.

Autofocus from 1.5m to infinity

The focusing system provides autofocus from 1.5m to infinity, extending the lens’s use beyond macro into telephoto and portrait applications. At closer distances, autofocus is disabled and manual focus delivers the precision required for high magnification. The large focus ring is engineered for smooth, controlled adjustment, enabling critical accuracy when working at reproduction ratios above life-size. An internal focusing design maintains a constant barrel length throughout the range, enhancing balance for handheld shooting and minimising the risk of dust ingress.

Lightweight build with USB-C integration

Despite its 180mm focal length and optical complexity, the lens weighs only 545g, making it one of the most portable telephoto macro lenses on the market. The compact housing maintains balance on both DSLR and mirrorless bodies, supporting practical handheld shooting. Autofocus versions include electronic contacts for EXIF data transmission, while a USB-C port allows firmware updates to ensure long-term compatibility.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Laowa 180mm f4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens
• 1 x Front Cap
• 1 x Rear Cap

FAQs:

What type of photography is the Laowa 180mm f4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO suited to?

With 1.5x magnification and a 14.7cm working distance, this lens is well-suited to photographing insects, plants, and fine product details. The 180mm focal length also supports both portrait and telephoto use, offering versatility that extends beyond macro applications.

Does the lens support autofocus at all focusing distances?

Autofocus operates from 1.5m to infinity, making it effective for telephoto and portrait work. At closer distances, the lens requires manual focus, allowing precise adjustment where accuracy is critical at high magnification.

Can I use filters on the Laowa 180mm f4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens?

The Laowa 180mm f4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO features a 62mm filter thread, a standard size that supports a wide range of accessories. This thread allows photographers to attach protective filters for lens safety, circular polarisers to manage reflections, or neutral density filters for exposure control, all without the need for step-up rings or adapters.

Is the tripod collar included with the lens?

A tripod collar is not supplied as standard but is available as an optional accessory. It provides added stability when shooting at high magnification or with tripod-mounted telephoto compositions.

Laowa 180mm f4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens for Nikon Z - Sample Images