Venus Laowa Aksen 45mm F2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO

The Venus Laowa Aksen 45mm F2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO is a manual focus macro zoom for full frame cameras that covers magnifications from 1x to 5x. Laowa announced it in July 2026 together with the 17.5mm F1.7 5-10X, and it is offered for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Leica L, Nikon F, Canon EF, Fujifilm X and Micro Four Thirds. It is meant for photographers and filmmakers who work at extreme close range, for example with insects, jewelry, electronics or textures.

Optical design

The lens has 13 elements in 9 groups and an 11 blade aperture that runs from f/2.8 to f/11. Besides the f-number, Laowa specifies the numerical aperture, which ranges from 0.09 to 0.143. The company describes the design as apochromatic (APO) and says it aims to keep chromatic aberrations and fringing under control, which become more visible at high magnification. The magnification changes from 1x to 5x with a zoom ring. Laowa calls it the first parfocal zoom macro lens, meaning the focus stays locked across the magnification range.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual, and the specifications list no autofocus. According to Laowa the zoom mechanism is internal and the barrel stays still while the magnification changes, so a rig or a stand keeps its balance. The minimum working distance is 41.35 mm at the highest magnification. Laowa lists an optional coaxial lighting version only for the 5-10X sibling, not for this lens. Laowa says the Aksen series won the TIPA 2026 and Cine Gear Expo 2026 Camera Technology Awards.

Build and size

Laowa quotes a size of 70.2 mm in diameter and 121 mm in length, a front diameter of 56 mm and a weight of 599 g. The product page does not give separate figures per mount and does not mention a filter thread. A cine version also exists and is not covered here.

Where it fits

The closest relatives in the database are the Venus Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro and the AstrHori 25mm f/2.8 2-5x Ultra Macro, which cover a similar range with a fixed magnification per setting. For DSLR users the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro is the DSLR option for 1x to 5x. The companion lens, the Venus Laowa Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO, continues from 5x to 10x.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 1x to 5x in one parfocal lens
• Constant focus while zooming and a stationary barrel
• Eight mounts, including Nikon F and Canon EF
• 41.35 mm working distance at the highest magnification
• Apochromatic design according to Laowa

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Aperture closes only to f/11
• Weight of 599 g is considerable for its size
• No separate weights or lengths per mount
• A specialist tool with a narrow field of use

Verdict

The Venus Laowa Aksen 45mm F2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO suits macro photographers who want to work from life size to five times life size without changing lenses. It is a precise but demanding tool, best used on a stand or a rail.