Venus Laowa Acris 35mm F2.8 1X Macro APO

The Venus Laowa Acris 35mm F2.8 1X Macro APO is a full frame 35 mm prime with true 1:1 magnification. Laowa announced it on 30 September 2026 as its first Acris series lens and calls it the world's first full frame autofocus 35 mm lens with life size macro capability. It is offered with autofocus for Sony E, Nikon Z and Canon EF and in a manual focus version for Canon RF and Leica L. It aims at product, food, nature and environmental macro photography where the surroundings should stay visible.

Optical design

The lens has 13 elements in 10 groups and an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22, with an angle of view of 63.4 degrees. The autofocus versions use 9 aperture blades and the manual versions use 13. Laowa describes an apochromatic (APO) design that aims to limit chromatic aberration and color fringing, and the maximum magnification is 1x at a minimum focus distance of 180 mm, which leaves a working distance of 48.6 mm. PetaPixel notes that the lens focuses internally, so its length does not change.

Autofocus and handling

On the autofocus versions Laowa specifies autofocus from infinity down to 0.5 m. For the range from 0.5 m to 1:1 the lens switches to a manual focus ring with a Macro Range AF button, which Laowa says helps with micro step adjustments and focus stacking. The Canon RF and Leica L versions are manual focus throughout. There is no stabilizer in the specifications.

Build and size

According to Laowa the body is made of metal and weather resistant. Weights are 560 g for Sony E, 570 g for Nikon Z and 530 g for Canon EF without hood and cap, and the manual mounts have no figures on the product page. Laowa lists about 87.4 mm by 79 mm for the Canon EF version without hood. The filter thread measures 72 mm.

Where it fits

For close work in the same systems, the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro and the Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro are autofocus alternatives, and the Voigtländer Macro APO-Ultron 35mm f/2 is a manual focus option for Nikon Z and Fujifilm X. The Acris combines a wide 35 mm field of view with a 1:1 scale, while longer macro lenses offer more working distance but a narrower view. Its autofocus is limited to the range beyond 0.5 m.

Pros and cons

Pros

• True 1:1 magnification on a 35 mm lens
• Autofocus on Sony E, Nikon Z and Canon EF
• f/2.8 maximum aperture
• Metal body with weather resistance, according to Laowa
• Internal focusing

Cons

• Autofocus only from infinity to 0.5 m
• Manual focus only on Canon RF and Leica L
• No stabilizer
• Size and weight for the manual mounts are not listed
• Working distance of only 48.6 mm at 1:1

Verdict

The Venus Laowa Acris 35mm F2.8 1X Macro APO is a niche lens for photographers who like a wide macro view with background context. It works as a walkaround 35 mm and as a 1:1 macro, though serious close work still happens by hand.