Venus Optics has once again delivered a game changing tool for close focus with the Laowa Aksen 45mm and 17.5mm Coaxial Illumination lenses. These lightweight, ultra-macro lenses have a fixed focal distance and feature an innovative internal parfocal zoom system for easy magnification adjustments.
First up, let’s look at the 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro APO. As hinted at in the name, this lens offers a 1:1 to 5:1 magnification ratio, allowing users to photograph larger-than-life objects, all while maintaining sharp focus throughout the range thanks to the internal parfocal zoom design. The lens also offers a fixed 1.6” working distance, or distance between the subject and front of the lens.
Now, the 17mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO Lens is for those who want to capture the tiniest of subjects as this lens boasts a 5:1 to 10:1 magnification ratio. It’s working distance is 0.9”, meaning we need to get closer to our subjects, but with such incredible magnifications, it’s a sacrifice users should be willing to make. This lens benefits from the same parfocal zoom design, but what exactly does that mean? A parfocal internal zoom allows users to adjust margination without moving your camera or subject. What makes this feature impressive is the weight distribution of the lens remains identical even as you zoom, making the lens ideal for videography as well as macro photography.
Both lenses also feature apochromatic correction engineered to eliminate chromatic aberration and an eleven-blade aperture, contributing to a pleasing focusing fallout when shooting at a wide aperture and shallow depth of field. The Aksen line will be available for Canon RF, Fujfilm X, Sony E, Nikon Z Mounts, L-Mount, and Micro Four Thirds.
The Asken series is surely one of the most versatile and well corrected macro offerings in Laowa’s lineup suiting both still photography and videography well. If you’d like to read more about both of these exquisite macro imaging tools, check out the detailed product page here.
