LAOWA announced two new macro lenses on October 9th. These lenses are the “LAOWA Aksen 45mm F2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO” and the “LAOWA Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (with coaxial incident illumination),” along with related accessories. Delivery typically takes about one month from the time of order.
The Aksen series is a full-frame compatible, ultra-high-magnification macro lens series. It features a design that maintains working distance and focus position even when changing the magnification, allowing you to adjust the subject’s magnification without changing the camera or lighting position. It supports not only still photography but also macro video expression by changing magnification during video recording.
In particular, the “LAOWA Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO” is touted as the world’s first commercially available 5-10x macro lens for general consumers (as of August 2026, according to Venus Optics).
The lineup are as follows:
- LAOWA Aksen 45mm F2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO
- LAOWA Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Coaxial Incident Illumination Specification)
- LAOWA Aksen 2-lens Bundle (45mm F2.8, 17.5mm F1.7 coaxial incident illumination)
- LAOWA Aksen series tripod mount
- LAOWA Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 coaxial incident illumination light source
LAOWA Aksen Ultra Macro Product features
Working distance remains constant even when the magnification is changed.
The Aksen series employs an inner zoom structure that keeps the overall lens length constant even when changing the magnification. The working distance is approximately 40mm for the “45mm F2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO” and approximately 22mm for the “17.5mm F1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO”. Because the working distance remains constant even when changing magnification, it reduces the need to readjust the camera position and lighting.
Furthermore, it employs a perfocal design that maintains focus across the entire magnification range. Once focus is achieved, the focus on the subject is maintained even when the magnification is changed. This structure improves workflow efficiency in still photography and is also effective in video recording. By changing the magnification during shooting, it becomes possible to continuously zoom in on the fine details of the subject, enabling macro zoom effects.
Apochromatic (APO) design suppresses chromatic aberration.
In high-magnification macro photography, chromatic aberration in the contours and fine details of the subject can easily affect image quality. The Aksen series employs an apochromatic (APO) design to suppress chromatic aberration caused by light of different wavelengths, pursuing sharp depiction and accurate color reproduction.
In addition to observing nature such as insects and plants, it can also handle photography requiring high resolution performance, such as recording minute scratches and structures on industrial products, and for scientific and research purposes.
Supports full-frame sensors while weighing less than 600g.
Both models feature a compact design while covering a full-frame sensor. The 45mm model weighs 599g, and the 17.5mm model weighs 570g. Additionally, both weigh under 600g, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from handheld fieldwork to precise studio photography using motorized rails.
17.5mm model supports coaxial incident illumination.
The “17.5mm F1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO” features a built-in beam splitter and supports coaxial incident illumination. By illuminating the subject from the same direction as the camera’s optical axis, it suppresses shadows and unwanted reflections that tend to occur with oblique illumination, making it easier to capture the fine structure of the subject’s surface.
Additionally, a dedicated coaxial reflected light source is available as an option. It can be connected via an 8mm diameter coaxial reflected light adapter included with the lens.
LAOWA Aksen Ultra Macro usage scenarios
The Aksen series is designed not only for general macro photography but also for high-magnification photography that was difficult to achieve with conventional photographic equipment.
- Nature and macro photography: Insects, microorganisms, pollen, plant microstructures, mineral and material textures, etc.
- Scientific and research fields: Specimen photography in biology and botany, high-resolution focus stacking, etc.
- Product and hobby photography: For detailed documentation and authentication purposes of items such as jewelry, mechanical watches, coins, and stamps.
Photography Example
Aksen Ultra Macro Main Specifications
| Model | LAOWA Aksen 45mm F2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO | LAOWA Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (Coaxial Incident Illumination Specification) |
| Supported formats | Full frame | Full frame |
| focal length | 45mm | 17.5mm |
| Aperture value | F2.8～F11 | F1.7～F5.6 |
| Number of aperture blades | 11 sheets | 11 sheets |
| Magnification | 1 to 5 times | 5 to 10 times |
| Focusing method | Manual focus | Manual focus |
| Working distance | 40.35mm | 22.48mm |
| Lens configuration | 13 elements in 9 groups | 17 elements in 12 groups |
| Front diameter | φ56mm | φ42mm |
| size | φ70.2×121mm | φ70.2×127.5mm |
| mass | 599g | 570g |
| Compatible mounts | Canon EF, Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, Nikon F, L-mount, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds | |
*Dimensions and weight may vary slightly depending on the mount. The 17.5mm model comes compatible with coaxial incident illumination.
Options for LAOWA Aksen Ultra Macro Series
Tripod mount for LAOWA Aksen series
A dedicated tripod mount for attaching Aksen series lenses to tripods and various shooting stands. Provides stable support for lenses during precise macro photography.
LAOWA Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 coaxial epi-illumination light source
This is a light source specifically designed for the “17.5mm F1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO (coaxial reflected illumination specification)” lens. It attaches via the 8mm diameter coaxial reflected illumination adapter included with the lens.
By illuminating the subject along the optical axis, shadows and unwanted reflections caused by oblique lighting are suppressed, making it easier to examine fine details. Observe and record scratches, defects, dents, and deformations in industrial products, for example.
