The Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Extremely-Macro APO lens stands out due to its mixture of attain and magnification. With a 180mm focal size, you get further working distance in comparison with shorter macro lenses, whereas nonetheless reaching 1.5x magnification. That steadiness opens up artistic choices in each close-up and portrait work. The lens can also be compact and light-weight for its class, which makes it interesting for lengthy taking pictures periods.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this detailed video covers the Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Extremely-Macro APO lens. It’s obtainable in a number of mounts, with autofocus on Canon EF, Nikon Z, and Sony E, whereas Canon RF and Leica L variations are guide focus solely. Autofocus works solely at distances past 1.5 m, so when taking pictures macro, you’ll be focusing manually. That stated, the main focus ring is mechanically coupled and easy, which makes exact changes simple. Frost factors out that the compact dimension is shocking for a 180mm lens, roughly much like a 100mm macro, although its most aperture of f/4.5 is extra modest.
The lens doubles as a portrait possibility, producing smooth backgrounds regardless of the narrower aperture. At shut distances, you’ll be able to obtain placing sharpness at f/4.5, although diffraction units in sooner than you would possibly anticipate when stopped down. Autofocus is quick and quiet in its supported vary, and the construct feels sturdy with a metallic physique, weather-sealing gasket, and a singular manual-to-autofocus switching mechanism constructed into the main focus ring. At $499, it undercuts many specialised macro choices whereas providing further magnification and telephoto attain.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 180mm
Most Aperture: f/4.5
Minimal Aperture: f/32
Lens Mount: Canon EF, Nikon Z, Sony E, Canon RF, Leica L
Format Protection: Full body
Minimal Focus Distance: 11.8 in / 30 cm
Most Magnification: 1.5:1
Optical Design: 12 parts in 9 teams
Aperture Blades: 9
Focus Sort: Autofocus (restricted vary)
Picture Stabilization: No
Tripod Mount: Optionally available, not included
Filter Dimension: 62 mm
Dimensions: 2.7 x 3.5 in / 67.6 x 88.4 mm
Weight: 1.1 lb / 484 g
Picture high quality at regular distances exhibits strong sharpness, although distinction improves when stopping down barely. Within the corners, sharpness holds up surprisingly properly, and chromatic aberration is managed higher than many macro lenses Frost has examined. At macro distances, the lens produces glorious element at wider apertures, however diffraction rapidly softens outcomes past f/5.6. Flare will be a difficulty with vibrant gentle sources within the body, however bokeh is easy and highlights stay clear, helped by the APO design that reduces colour fringing. Take a look at the video above for the complete rundown from Frost.
