- Stock: In Stock
- Brand: Laowa
- Model: Ultra-Macro Lens
- SKU: VE18045AFFE
- UPC: 694048679974
Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra-Macro APO Lens
Sony E | Full-Frame | 1.5:1 Macro | APO | AF / MF
Why Choose the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 Ultra-Macro APO?
The Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra-Macro APO Lens combines a long-reaching 180mm telephoto focal length with extraordinary 1.5:1 macro magnification, allowing photographers to capture subjects larger than life-size. A 30cm minimum focusing distance and approximately 14.7cm working distance provide useful room for lighting and photographing small subjects such as insects. The Sony E version supports autofocus from approximately 1.5m to infinity, while closer macro photography uses manual focusing. Its apochromatic optical design reduces color fringing, and practical features include an assignable Lens Function button, a USB-C firmware update port, electronic lens contacts, and a compact 522g design.
180mm 1.5x Macro APO 522gOverview
The Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra-Macro APO is designed for photographers seeking an exceptional level of macro magnification together with the advantages of a medium-telephoto focal length.
Its 1.5x maximum magnification exceeds the reproduction capability of conventional 1:1 macro lenses, allowing exceptionally small details to be recorded at greater-than-life-size scale.
The 180mm focal length provides a narrow 13.7° angle of view on full-frame cameras, enabling effective framing of small subjects and attractive separation from surrounding backgrounds.
While primarily designed for macro photography, the lens can also be used for portraits, distant subjects, and general telephoto applications.
The Sony E version supports conventional autofocus at longer distances while retaining precise manual focusing capabilities for extreme close-ups.
Key Features
Full-Frame 180mm Prime
Medium telephoto perspective for macro and distant subjects.
1.5x Ultra-Macro
Greater-than-life-size reproduction at 1.5:1 magnification.
30cm Minimum Focus
Capture intricate details from close distances.
14.7cm Working Distance
Practical clearance for lighting and small moving subjects.
f/4.5 to f/32 Aperture
Flexible exposure and depth-of-field control.
APO Optical Design
Helps minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing.
Long-Range Autofocus
Autofocus from approximately 1.5m to infinity.
Manual Macro Focus
Direct focus control for close-up distances.
Assignable Lens Function
Customizable control button for compatible camera functions.
USB-C Firmware Port
Integrated USB-C connection for firmware updates.
Electronic Lens Contacts
Transfer supported lens data to the camera.
Lightweight 522g Design
Compact telephoto macro construction measuring 134.4mm long.
Exceptional 1.5:1 Ultra-Macro Magnification
The Laowa 180mm delivers an impressive 1.5x maximum magnification, exceeding the traditional 1:1 reproduction ratio offered by many dedicated macro lenses.
At maximum magnification, a subject is reproduced on the camera sensor at 150% of its actual size.
This makes the lens especially effective for revealing intricate structures and details in insects, plants, textures, and small products.
Its greater-than-life-size capabilities allow photographers to capture fine features that may be difficult to distinguish without magnification.
Comfortable Working Distance for Macro Photography
Get Closer While Maintaining Lighting Clearance
The lens offers a 30cm minimum focusing distance, measured from the camera's sensor plane.
At maximum magnification, its minimum front working distance is approximately 14.7cm, providing useful space between the front of the lens and the subject.
This additional clearance makes it easier to position lighting equipment around small objects and can be beneficial when photographing moving subjects such as insects.
The long focal length helps maintain a practical shooting distance while achieving extreme magnification.
Versatile 180mm Medium Telephoto Perspective
The 180mm focal length offers a narrow 13.7° angle of view on full-frame cameras.
This telephoto perspective helps isolate subjects, simplify backgrounds, and create pleasing separation between the main subject and distant scenery.
In addition to ultra-macro photography, the lens can be used for portraits, nature, and subjects photographed from longer distances.
The f/4.5 maximum aperture offers a balance of available-light performance, size, and portability.
Apochromatic Optics for Accurate Color and Detail
The Laowa 180mm uses an advanced Apochromatic APO optical design intended to minimize chromatic aberration and unwanted color fringing.
This optical correction is particularly useful when working with highly magnified subjects, where subtle color artifacts and optical imperfections can become visible.
The design helps maintain accurate colors, fine detail, and strong contrast across close-up and distant focusing applications.
Its optical construction consists of 12 elements arranged in 9 groups, combining high-resolution performance with a compact telephoto design.
Autofocus from 1.5m to Infinity
The Sony E version of the Laowa 180mm supports autofocus at subject distances starting from approximately 1.5m and extending to infinity.
This capability is useful for portraits, distant subjects, and general telephoto photography, where quick focusing can improve shooting convenience.
To activate autofocus, the focus ring must be set to the infinity position, according to the lens's operating instructions.
At distances closer than approximately 1.5m, the lens requires manual focusing, including the ultra-macro range used to achieve 1.5x magnification.
f/4.5 to f/32 Aperture Range
The f/4.5 maximum aperture provides a balance between image brightness and compact lens construction.
It is suitable for handheld photography in daylight conditions, while maintaining a relatively portable design for its focal length and macro capabilities.
The aperture can be stopped down to f/32 for increased depth of field when photographing very close subjects.
A 9-blade diaphragm provides aperture control for different exposure and depth-of-field requirements.
Very narrow apertures may introduce diffraction, so the ideal setting depends on the required balance between depth of field and fine detail.
Assignable Lens Function Button & Electronic Connectivity
The lens incorporates an assignable Lens Function button for convenient access to supported camera settings and functions.
When paired with a compatible camera body, this button can be assigned to suitable operations for a more efficient shooting workflow.
Integrated electronic contacts on the lens mount support communication and transfer of lens information to the camera.
A dedicated USB-C port enables firmware updates provided by the manufacturer, helping maintain lens functionality and compatibility.
Compact 522g Telephoto Macro Design
Despite its 180mm focal length and extreme macro capability, the Laowa lens offers a relatively compact and lightweight design.
It measures 67.6mm in diameter and 134.4mm in length, with a listed weight of 522g.
The compact construction helps make the lens suitable for outdoor photography, fieldwork, and travel.
For critical close-up sharpness at very high magnification, adequate camera support remains important.
Optional Tripod Collar Support
The lens supports a compatible optional tripod mounting collar for more stable camera support when working at extreme macro magnifications.
The specified collar design is removable and non-rotating, providing an additional support option for compatible setups.
The tripod collar is not included with the lens and must be obtained separately if required.
Ideal Applications
Technical Specifications
What's in the Box
Included Lens & Accessories
The package includes the lens, front lens cap, rear lens cap, and lens hood. The optional tripod collar, camera body, and photographic filters are not included.
