Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Macro Lens - Nikon F

Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens

The Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens is a telephoto macro prime designed for detailed close-up photography and longer-distance subjects. Featuring 1.5:1 maximum magnification, apochromatic optical correction, and a 180mm focal length, it captures subjects beyond life-size while providing additional working distance. Choose between Nikon F and Fujifilm X mount versions.

Ideal for wildlife photographers, macro enthusiasts, product photographers, and professionals documenting intricate subjects, this telephoto macro lens combines close-focusing performance with a portable design. Its 11.8-inch minimum focusing distance and 5.8-inch minimum working distance provide room for lighting equipment when photographing insects, flowers, jewelry, and other small objects. The 180mm focal length also makes the lens suitable for portraits and distant subjects. Photographers seeking a 1.5x magnification macro lens for Nikon F cameras or a Fujifilm X telephoto macro lens can select the appropriate mount without compromising the lens's core optical performance.

Laowa incorporates an apochromatic (APO) optical system using 12 elements in nine groups to reduce chromatic aberration and unwanted color fringing. Internal focusing maintains a consistent physical lens length throughout the focusing range, while a nine-blade diaphragm supports smooth background rendering. Both versions feature a 62mm front filter thread and full-frame optical coverage. The Nikon F version provides manual focusing, while the Fujifilm X version supports autofocus under specified conditions and electronic communication with compatible cameras.

Key Features

• 1.5x Ultra Macro Magnification: Capture subjects at 1.5 times their actual size on the camera sensor, revealing textures and details beyond conventional 1:1 macro photography.
• 180mm Telephoto Focal Length: Photograph small subjects from a greater working distance while maintaining the narrow field of view useful for portraits and distant details.
• Apochromatic Optical Design: Reduces longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration for improved color accuracy and reduced fringing in high-contrast scenes.
• 12-Element Optical Construction: Combines 12 elements in nine groups to support detailed image capture across the focusing range.
• Internal Focusing System: Maintains a consistent barrel length while adjusting focus, helping preserve handling balance and lighting clearance.
• Comfortable Macro Working Distance: Provides approximately 5.8 inches between the front of the lens and subject at maximum magnification.
• Mount-Specific Focusing: Offers manual focusing for Nikon F cameras and autofocus capabilities for compatible Fujifilm X cameras.
• 62mm Filter Compatibility: Accepts compatible screw-in filters for additional optical protection and creative photography applications.

Available Lens Mount Variants

Nikon F Mount - VE18045MFN

The VE18045MFN version is designed for Nikon F-mount cameras and provides manual focusing throughout the lens's available focusing range. Its 180mm focal length and full-frame optical coverage accommodate compatible Nikon FX-format DSLR cameras while also supporting compatible DX-format bodies.

Manual focusing gives photographers direct control over precise focus placement, an important consideration when working at magnifications greater than life-size. The lens's internal focusing mechanism also maintains a consistent physical length during close-up adjustments.

• Manufacturer Part Number: VE18045MFN
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Focus Operation: Manual Focus
• Optical Format: Full-Frame
• Compatible Camera Format: Nikon FX and DX Cameras with Compatible F Mount
• Maximum Aperture: f/4.5
• Minimum Aperture: f/32
• Maximum Magnification: 1.5x
• EAN-13: 6940486798692

Fujifilm X Mount - VE18045AFFX

The VE18045AFFX version is designed for compatible Fujifilm X-mount mirrorless cameras. It provides autofocus functionality for general telephoto applications while retaining manual focus control for high-magnification macro photography.

With a 180mm focal length, the lens delivers an approximately 270mm full-frame-equivalent field of view on Fujifilm APS-C cameras. This narrower perspective is useful when photographing insects, flowers, wildlife, and distant details.

The Fujifilm X version incorporates electronic contacts for supported camera communication and a USB-C connection for firmware updates. The manufacturer specifies autofocus operation from approximately 4.9 feet to infinity in its standard focusing configuration. Updated firmware may expand autofocus functionality, depending on compatibility.

• Manufacturer Part Number: VE18045AFFX
• Lens Mount: Fujifilm X
• Focus Operation: Autofocus and Manual Focus
• Standard Autofocus Range: Approximately 4.9' to Infinity
• Macro Focusing: Manual Focus; Additional Autofocus Functionality May Require Compatible Firmware
• Optical Format: Full-Frame Image Coverage
• Camera Sensor Format: Fujifilm APS-C
• Full-Frame Equivalent Focal Length: Approximately 270mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/4.5
• Manufacturer-Published AF Aperture Range: f/4.5 to f/22
• Electronic Lens Contacts: Supported
• Firmware Update Connection: USB-C
• Maximum Magnification: 1.5x
• Lens Diameter: 2.7"
• Lens Length: 5.3"
• Weight: 1.2 lbs
• EAN-13: 6940486798920

1.5x Ultra Macro Photography

The Laowa 180mm f/4.5 provides a maximum reproduction ratio of 1.5:1, allowing photographers to capture subjects at 150% of their actual size on the image sensor.

This magnification is particularly useful for insects, botanical specimens, jewelry, collectible objects, and product details that require close examination. The longer focal length also helps photographers maintain additional space between the lens and subject compared with many shorter macro lenses.

At its closest focusing distance of 11.8 inches, the lens provides approximately 5.8 inches of working distance. This separation allows more flexibility when positioning lighting equipment and photographing sensitive subjects.

Apochromatic Optics and Chromatic Aberration Control

The optical construction incorporates 12 elements in nine groups and uses an apochromatic design to control color fringing. Apochromatic correction helps different wavelengths of light converge more consistently, reducing unwanted color separation around contrasting edges.

This design is beneficial when photographing reflective surfaces, detailed textures, bright highlights, and subjects with fine structural details. It also supports applications requiring accurate color reproduction, including product photography and scientific documentation.

Internal Focusing and Portable Telephoto Construction

Unlike lenses that extend their barrels during focusing, the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 uses internal focusing to maintain a consistent external length. This construction helps preserve balance during close-up photography and reduces changes in the space available for lighting equipment.

The lens features a 62mm filter thread and a nine-blade aperture diaphragm. Its compact telephoto construction makes it practical for studio setups, field photography, and location-based macro work.

Versatile Macro and Telephoto Applications

Although designed primarily for close-up photography, the 180mm focal length also supports telephoto compositions at longer focusing distances. Photographers can isolate subjects against distant backgrounds while capturing a narrow angle of view.

For portrait photography, the focal length provides a compressed perspective and subject separation. For nature photography, the extended working distance helps reduce interference with insects and other small subjects.

The Fujifilm X version adds autofocus capabilities for compatible shooting conditions, while the Nikon F version emphasizes manual focusing control. Both versions share the same focal length, magnification capability, and optical construction.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

• Brand: Venus Optics
• Product Series: Laowa
• Model: 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO
• Product Type: Telephoto Macro Prime Lens
• Available Variants: Nikon F and Fujifilm X
• Nikon F Part Number: VE18045MFN
• Fujifilm X Part Number: VE18045AFFX
• Focal Length: 180mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/4.5
• Minimum Aperture: f/32 for Nikon F Manual-Focus Version
• Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
• Lens Type: Fixed Focal Length
• Optical Design: Apochromatic
• Image Stabilization: Not Included

Optical Specifications

• Optical Elements: 12
• Optical Groups: 9
• Aperture Blades: 9
• Angle of View: 13.7 Degrees on Full-Frame
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 1.5:1
• Maximum Magnification: 1.5x
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 11.8"
• Minimum Working Distance: 5.8"
• Chromatic Aberration Correction: Apochromatic Optical Design
• Focusing Mechanism: Internal Focusing

Focus and Camera Compatibility

• Nikon F Version: Manual Focus
• Fujifilm X Version: Autofocus and Manual Focus
• Standard Fujifilm X Autofocus Distance: Approximately 4.9' to Infinity
• Fujifilm X Close-Range Focusing: Manual Focus; Firmware-Dependent AF Enhancements
• Nikon F Camera Compatibility: Compatible Nikon F-Mount FX and DX Cameras
• Fujifilm X Camera Compatibility: Compatible Fujifilm X-Mount Cameras
• Fujifilm X Equivalent Field of View: Approximately 270mm Full-Frame Equivalent
• Fujifilm X Electronic Contacts: Supported
• Fujifilm X Firmware Updates: USB-C Interface

Physical Specifications

• Front Filter Thread: 62mm
• Front Lens Diameter: 2.7"
• Lens Construction: Fixed-Length Barrel with Internal Focusing
• Fujifilm X Lens Length: 5.3"
• Fujifilm X Lens Weight: 1.2 lbs
• Optional Lens Support: Compatible Tripod Collar, Sold Separately Where Supported

What's in the Box

Nikon F Variant - VE18045MFN

• Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens - Nikon F
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap

Fujifilm X Variant - VE18045AFFX

• Venus Optics Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra Macro APO Lens - Fujifilm X
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Lens Hood