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Not everybody wants a macro lens or, in the event that they do, it is solely from time to time. So if this sounds such as you, then it is sensible to decide on a extra reasonably priced lens or one that may do different issues too. The Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO ticks each bins.
First, it is a top-quality macro lens at a really reasonably priced worth. Usually, it’s a must to compromise on optical high quality whenever you spend much less, however not right here. Second, its 180mm focal size means it may also be used as a general-purpose telephoto, although the f/4.5 most aperture is just a little restrictive and you aren’t getting autofocus in each mount possibility.
That is an AF lens, however solely within the Sony E and Nikon Z variations. The Canon RF and L-mount variations are handbook focus solely. Additionally, even within the AF variations, the AF solely operates within the vary 1.5m to infinity, so it is nonetheless a handbook focus lens for close-up and macro work.
Lapwa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO: Specs
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Mount choices |
Nikon Z (FX), Sony E (FE), Canon EF, Canon RF (MF solely), L-mount (MF solely) |
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Lens development |
12 parts in 9 teams |
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Angle of view |
13.7 levels |
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Diaphragm blades |
9 |
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Minimal aperture |
f/22 (AF), f/32 (MF) |
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Minimal focus distance |
0.3m |
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Most magnification |
1.5x |
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Filter measurement |
62mm |
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Dimensions |
67.6mmx134.4mm (Sony FE mount) |
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Weight |
521g (Sony FE mount) |
Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO: Worth
The Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO has been launched at a worth of $499 / £499 (round AU$768), and whereas that is just like different mid-range macro lenses, it has an extended focal size which permits longer working distances and would historically put it in the next worth class. Its optical efficiency places it on the identical degree as own-brand equivalents however at a a lot lower cost.
Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO: Design & Dealing with
First impressions are that that is fairly a protracted lens, albeit additionally fairly gentle and slim. It’s a must to remember the fact that it is a 180mm lens, in any case. And, not like many macro lenses, this one doesn’t lengthen in use – it doesn’t change in size as you focus out and in, which is very helpful for close-up work.
This additionally reinforces this lens’s premium really feel. It additionally has one of many smoothest and most exact handbook focus rings I’ve utilized in a very long time. This is essential for close-up and macro images, the place the depth of area is tiny and focus changes have to be made with nice care.
At these distances, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO is a handbook focus lens solely – the AF doesn’t change into out there till 1.5m and past. Is that this an issue? Personally, I do not suppose so. For close-focus work I at all times focus manually as a result of you’ll be able to see precisely when issues snap out and in of focus and you are not continually attempting to regulate the AF level place or hoping that the AF goal is small/exact sufficient.
The AF does change into an element for normal telephoto images, although. Right here, the minimal 1.5m AF distance is just not an enormous drawback – it is a 180mm lens, in any case – however the larger challenge is that autofocus is just not out there for the Canon RF and L-mount variations. The Laowa nonetheless makes an amazing macro/close-up lens on these cameras however is so much much less compelling as a general-purpose telephoto.
I’ve the Sony FE model with AF, and the AF is engaged in a really uncommon method. There is no AF/MF change in any respect. As a substitute, as you flip the main target ring previous its infinity setting, it flips over to the AF mode with a VERY comfortable click on which feels extra magnetic than mechanical. This feels a bit odd and unsatisfactory… till you employ it. Indoors, you focus manually; open air you flip the main target ring to the AF setting, and earlier than you understand it, it turns into fully pure and instinctive.
Laowa’s darkish blue/black end is maybe an acquired style for these with black cameras, or possibly it will not trouble you in any respect. It is only a beauty factor. Operationally, this lens is simply very good. It is the inner focus that does it, and the lengthy, lengthy journey of that silky-smooth focus ring.
Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO: Efficiency
The ‘APO’ in Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO refers to its apochromatic design, a lens development particularly chosen to suppress or remove chromatic aberration. This isn’t simply the lateral chromatic aberration, or colour fringing, round object edges that you simply see in a number of lenses, and which is definitely corrected in software program. It additionally suppresses ‘bokeh fringing’, or longitudinal chromatic aberration, the place you get false colour results (usually blue) round blurred, out-of-focus objects. That is very troublesome to repair convincingly in software program, and with an extended focal size lens the standard of the bokeh turns into extra vital as a result of way more of the scene is more likely to be out of focus.
In my checks, the Laowa lived as much as its ‘APO’ designation. I did not see any hint of both lateral chromatic aberration or bokeh fringing in my check pictures. What I did see was very good edge to edge decision in outside telephoto pictures and equally spectacular definition and distinction in close-ups and macro work.
I did discover that there was just a little vignetting when taking pictures huge open at f/4.5 open air, however this aperture setting does additionally give shallow depth of area and good topic separation, so it is definitely worth the trade-off. In addition to, it is all a part of the lens’s character.
The AF is spectacular too, not less than within the Sony FE model examined. It’s totally quiet and fairly fast too. I discovered it tremendous for outside landscapes and nature images. I would not use it for sports activities, principally due to the restrictive f/4.5 most aperture, and it is not ideally suited for wildlife as a result of 180mm actually is not that ‘lengthy’. However it’s a nice panorama lens as a result of this focal size compresses perspective and makes spectacular backdrops look a lot bigger and extra imposing.
Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO: Verdict
Laowa is presenting this lens as a mixed macro/telephoto lens, and whereas there is definitely a case for that with the Sony FE, Nikon Z and Canon EF variations, the handbook focus solely Canon RF and L-mount variations are extra limiting. Additionally, whereas AF is offered in some lens mounts, it is solely from 1.5m onwards, so for macro work this must be considered a handbook lens. Does a macro lens want autofocus? I would not use it, however others would possibly really feel it is vital, so preserve that in thoughts.
However let’s speak concerning the construct high quality, operation and optical efficiency. At this worth, all three are fairly distinctive. The massive, super-smooth, long-travel focus ring makes focusing a pleasure, not a chore (sure, actually!), the inner focus provides practicality to the standard, and the MF/AF switchover is simply genius.
The optical high quality is great. If that is your key precedence, then why pay extra? However, if you would like AF right down to macro distances and maybe the styling consistency of own-brand lenses, then possibly the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Extremely Macro APO is just not for you.
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Options ★★★★☆ |
Nice for Sony FE and Nikon Z variations, however MF just for Canon RF and L-mount |
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Design ★★★★★ |
Inner focusing, glorious handbook focus ‘really feel’, premium development… and lightweight! |
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Efficiency ★★★★★ |
Glorious chromatic aberration management, edge-to-edge sharpness, with robust distinction and element in close-ups |
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Worth ★★★★★ |
Terrific worth for a ‘lengthy’ macros lens at this worth, particularly with this optical efficiency and construct high quality |