Venus Optics has officially opened preorders for the Laowa 180mm F4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO, priced at $499. Initially announced earlier this year, the lens now arrives in Fujifilm X‑mount and Nikon F‑mount versions, expanding its reach across more systems.
Tele-Macro Reach for Fujifilm and Nikon
The Laowa 180mm F4.5 delivers a 270mm full‑frame equivalent field of view on Fujifilm APS‑C cameras, offering macro shooters extended reach for insects, flowers, and fine detail while maintaining comfortable working distance. For portrait and wildlife photographers, the focal length doubles as a compact telephoto option.
Optical Performance
- APO optical design with 12 elements in 9 groups.
- Sharp rendering with minimal chromatic aberration.
- 1.5× ultra‑macro magnification for detailed close‑ups.
- Minimum focusing distance: 30cm (11.8 in.).
- Minimum working distance: 14.7cm (5.8 in.).
Compact and Lightweight
Despite its telephoto reach, the lens remains portable at just 526g for the Fujifilm X version. Dimensions are Ø67.6 × 134.7mm, making it easy to carry for fieldwork. Autofocus is available from 1.5m to infinity, with AF assistance below 1.5m for focus stacking.
Key Specifications
- Focal length: 180mm
- Aperture range: F4.5–22 (AF), F4.5–32 (MF)
- Angle of view: 13.7°
- Lens structure: 12 elements in 9 groups
- Aperture blades: 9
- Filter thread: Ø62mm
- Weight: 526g (Fujifilm X)
- Mounts: Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon EF, Fujifilm X (AF); Canon RF, L‑Mount, Nikon F (MF)
Price and Availability
- Retail price: $499 USD
- Availability: Preorders open now at major retailers
Laowa 180mm F4.5 at B&H Photo,
Laowa 180mm F4.5 on Amazon,
Laowa 180mm F4.5 at Adorama,
Other Laowa Macro lenses at B&H Photo,
Other Laowa Macro lenses on Amazon,
Other Laowa Macro lenses at Adorama,
Fujifilm X‑mount lenses at B&H Photo,
Fujifilm X‑mount lenses on Amazon,
Fujifilm X‑mount lenses at Adorama.
Closing Thoughts
The Laowa 180mm F4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO is now available for preorder, offering Fujifilm and Nikon shooters a rare tele‑macro option with autofocus support. Compact, lightweight, and priced at $499, it delivers a unique blend of reach, magnification, and portability. For macro enthusiasts and portrait shooters alike, this lens represents one of the most versatile third‑party options in the market today.
For background, see our Venus Optics archive, Fujifilm section, lens category, and our Fujifilm X system guide.
