Venus Laowa Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO

The Venus Laowa Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO is a manual focus macro zoom for full frame cameras that works between 5x and 10x magnification. Laowa announced it in July 2026 as the second lens of the Aksen series, next to the 45mm F2.8 1-5X. It is offered for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Leica L, Nikon F, Canon EF, Fujifilm X and Micro Four Thirds, and it targets work that is closer to microscopy than to classic macro photography, such as small parts, textures, crystals or tiny insects.

Optical design

The lens has 17 elements in 12 groups and an 11 blade aperture that runs from f/1.7 to f/5.6. Besides the f-number, Laowa specifies the numerical aperture, which ranges from 0.25 to 0.10 on this lens. The design is described as apochromatic (APO). The magnification changes from 5x to 10x with a zoom ring, and Laowa calls the Aksen series the first parfocal zoom macro lenses, so the focus stays locked while the magnification changes.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual and the specifications list no autofocus. According to Laowa the zoom is internal and the barrel stays stationary through the whole range. The minimum working distance is only 22.48 mm, so lighting needs planning. Laowa therefore offers this lens with optional coaxial lighting, and a version without it is available too. According to Laowa the Aksen series won the TIPA 2026 and Cine Gear Expo 2026 Camera Technology Awards.

Build and size

Laowa quotes 70.2 mm in diameter, 127.5 mm in length, a front diameter of 42 mm and a weight of 570 g. The product page does not list figures per mount and does not mention a filter thread. Cine versions of the Aksen lenses exist and are not covered here.

Where it fits

Within the database, the Venus Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro and the AstrHori 25mm f/2.8 2-5x Ultra Macro stop at 5x, and the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro does the same on DSLRs. The sibling Venus Laowa Aksen 45mm F2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO covers the range below 5x, so the two lenses together span 1x to 10x.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 5x to 10x magnification in one parfocal lens
• f/1.7 maximum aperture
• Optional coaxial lighting, according to Laowa
• Stationary barrel while zooming
• Eight mounts, including Nikon F and Canon EF

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Working distance of 22.48 mm limits lighting options
• Depth of field is extremely thin at these magnifications
• No separate weights or lengths per mount
• Very specialized, so it needs a stable stand or rail

Verdict

The Venus Laowa Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO is a tool for photographers who want to go beyond standard macro and reach microscope territory on a normal camera body. The data suggests a precise instrument that is best paired with a rail, a stand and controlled lighting.