Key facts
- Lens models
- 45mm f/2.8 1-5x and 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO
- Magnification range
- 1-10x combined
- Fixed focus distances
- 40.35mm (1-5x) and 22.48mm (5-10x)
- Mounts
- Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Leica L, Nikon F, Canon EF, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds; Cine in PL with adapters
- Optional coaxial light
- 3W LED unit, $50
- Tripod collar
- $80, with 15mm rails and Arca Swiss foot
Background
Chinese optical brand Laowa, known for its unusual lenses, has launched a pair of macro lenses that between them offer photographers and filmmakers magnifications of 1-10x. The new series, called Aksen, includes the 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO and the 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO.
Both lenses are offered in physically different stills and cine bodies, and in mounts for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Leica L, Nikon F, Canon EF, Fujifilm X and Micro Four Thirds cameras. The Cine version comes natively in the PL mount, but Laowa offers adapters for most popular mounts at $50 each.
The Aksen series fills a long-standing gap in the 1-10x Ultra Macro category, offering a compelling option for serious macro photographers, professional scientific users, and hobbyists who have long depended on high-cost, complicated DIY solutions.
Current situation
Both lenses have a fixed focus distance, so the zoom ring on the lenses alters the magnification of the image rather than the focal length. Laowa says that its internal 'zoom' system means the lenses stay the same length no matter the magnification, and the focus distance remains constant the whole time. The 45mm f/2.8 1-5x lens focuses at 40.35mm and the 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x lens focuses at 22.48mm.
An interesting feature of the 5-10x lens is an option to attach a light to the side of the barrel that shines through the optical system to illuminate the subject directly from the front element. Like a ring-flash, this front-on lighting is designed to show more detail in finely textured subjects and to ensure information isn't lost in shadow areas. The facility is optional, so a non-coaxial version is also available, and the 3W LED lighting unit is also an add-on accessory that costs $50.
Both lenses are marked APO (apochromatic) which means all visible wavelengths should focus in exactly the same plane to avoid red/purple fringing around the edges of high-contrast details. This is a common problem with macro work where regular lenses are used with adapters, as optical faults are dramatically magnified. These lenses, we are told, will produce clean edges and no colour interference.
| Item | Specification/Price |
|---|---|
| 45mm f/2.8 1-5x focus distance | 40.35mm |
| 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x focus distance | 22.48mm |
| Coaxial light adapter (5-10x) | Ø8mm included |
| 3W LED lighting unit | $50 |
| Tripod collar | $80 |
| Cine mount adapters | $50 each |
Impacts
The Aksen series has already received industry-wide acclaim, winning the prestigious Best Ultra Macro Lens category at the TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) World Awards. The series was previously named 'Axon'.
The parfocal zoom design distinguishes the lens set: unlike traditional macro lenses, the Aksen maintains focus as the magnification ratio changes — no refocusing needed when zooming in or out. This avoids interrupting the workflow and reduces setup time, as users do not need to readjust camera position, working distance, or lighting placement.
The Aksen 5-10x features a coaxial block built directly into the lens — a technology traditionally reserved for machine vision, now made accessible to all photographers by Laowa. This optical configuration heightens contrast at the target's edges and provides shadowless illumination, opening up a new dimension of creative lighting possibilities.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The Aksen Ultra Macro Series will be available for purchase starting July 31, 2026, through the Laowa official website and authorised resellers. If the lenses perform as claimed, they could become a standard tool for macro photographers and scientific users seeking high magnification without complex DIY setups.
The optional coaxial light and tripod collar accessories may expand the creative and practical applications of the lenses. If demand is strong, Laowa could potentially expand the Aksen series with additional focal lengths or mounts in the future, though no such plans have been announced.
However, the actual optical performance and user experience remain to be seen once the lenses are in the hands of photographers and filmmakers. If any issues arise, they could affect the series' reputation despite its TIPA award.
Source: whatdigitalcamera.com
