{"id":76107,"date":"2025-09-16T21:14:26","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T20:14:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/?p=76107"},"modified":"2026-03-23T12:52:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:52:30","slug":"review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro 1.5:1"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Introduction<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75640\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75640\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75640\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sony_A7rII.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sony_A7rII.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sony_A7rII-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sony_A7rII-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75640\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro on Sony A7rII<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Compact 180-200mm primes are pretty much dead today and have been replaced by bigger and heavier zoom lenses. Personally, I have been hoping for a modern incarnation of something like the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-voigtlander-180mm-4-0-sl-apo-lanthar\/\">Voigtl\u00e4nder 180mm 4.0 SL Apo-Lanthar<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-sigma-180mm-5-6-apo-macro-mf\/\">Sigma 180mm 5.6 Apo Macro<\/a> for a long time. In 2025 Laowa released this Laowa 180mm 4.5 1.5:1 Apo Macro. Is this the versatile tele prime we have been waiting for? Let&#8217;s try to find out in this review.<br \/>\n<em><strong>Update 10\/25: <\/strong>a firmware update has been released allowing for automated focus stacking, see <a href=\"https:\/\/mp.weixin.qq.com\/s\/GUexxnpCKesv923e-N22FQ\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Sample Images<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77547\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77547\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77547\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_27.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_27.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_27-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77547\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5 | Ai denoise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77544\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77544\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77544\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_24.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_24.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_24-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_24-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77544\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77553\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77553\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77553\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_8.0_31.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_8.0_31.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_8.0_31-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_8.0_31-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77553\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_76410\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-76410\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-76410\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_22.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_22.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_22-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_22-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-76410\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nikon Zf | megadap ETZ21pro | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5 | Ai Denoise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_76404\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-76404\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-76404\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_19.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_19.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_19-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_19-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-76404\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75764\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75764\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75764\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_13.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_13.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_13-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_13-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75764\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>You can find most of the shots in this review in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/181621809@N02\/albums\/72177720329077067\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Specifications<\/h2>\n<p>The Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro (Sony E-mount version) has the following specifications:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Diameter: 68 mm<\/li>\n<li>Field of view: 13\u00b070&#8242; (diagonally at infinity)<\/li>\n<li>Length: 135 mm<\/li>\n<li>Weight: 523g (without hood[38g], without caps)<\/li>\n<li>Filter Diameter: 62 mm<\/li>\n<li>Number of Aperture Blades: 9 (rounded)<\/li>\n<li>Elements\/Groups: 12\/9<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-76781 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Diagram-300x177.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Diagram-300x177.png 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Diagram-800x471.png 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Diagram-768x452.png 768w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Diagram-1536x905.png 1536w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Diagram.png 1543w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Close Focusing Distance: 0.3 m<\/li>\n<li>Maximum Magnification: 1.5:1&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Mount: Sony E (AF), Nikon Z (AF), Canon EF (AF), Canon RF (MF)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>buy from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.venuslens.net\/product\/laowa-180mm-f-4-5-1-5x-ultra-macro-apo\/ref\/57\/\">manufacturer&#8217;s homepage<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_nkw=laowa+180mm+4.5&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_nkw=laowa+180mm+4.5&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay. de<\/a> (advertisement\/affiliate links) for <strong>$499<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Disclosure<\/h2>\n<p>The Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro was kindly provided free of charge by Venus Optics \/ Laowa for reviewing purpose for a few weeks.<\/p>\n<h2>Handling \/ Build Quality<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75635\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75635\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75635\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75635\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This 180mm 4.5 looks features the same metallic dark grey casing design as Laowa&#8217;s other AF lenses, the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-10mm-2-8-af-the-beginning-of-a-new-era\/\">Laowa 10mm 2.8 AF<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-12mm-2-8-af\/\">Laowa 12mm 2.8 AF<\/a> before.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The focus ring is also the same at first sight, again featuring two bumps with a Laowa logo. What is special about this focus ring: it also doubles as the AF\/MF switch. Turn the focus ring behind the infinity symbol and you have an AF lens. There is also a click stop at this setting which is always welcome.<\/p>\n<p>There is a bit of a caveat here: the auto focus does not work across the whole distance range but only from 1.3 m to infinity. The manual focus does not have any limitations and works from 0.3 m to infinity.<\/p>\n<p>Because the auto focus does not work at close distances, in-camera focus stacking functions will also not work here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75636\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75636\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75636\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_AF_switch.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_AF_switch.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_AF_switch-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_AF_switch-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75636\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">focus ring with built-in AF\/MF switch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For an AF lens the focus ring is well dampened and it takes 180\u00b0 from the minimum focus distance to infinity &#8211; similar to Sony&#8217;s GM lenses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The E-mount version does not feature an aperture ring, you set the desired aperture in camera.<\/p>\n<p>The lens also features a rubber gasket at the rear bayonet which some people think helps with keeping the sensor clean of dust and others think is mainly a marketing gag.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75638\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75638\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75638\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_hood.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_hood.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_hood-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_hood-768x455.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75638\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro with hood attached<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A short lens hood with matching design is also part of the package.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75637\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75637\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75637\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_comparison_12mm_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_comparison_12mm_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_comparison_12mm_2.8-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_comparison_12mm_2.8-768x448.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75637\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Laowa 12mm 2.8 Zero-D | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As said before the casing design is the same as the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-10mm-2-8-af-the-beginning-of-a-new-era\/\">10mm 2.8 AF<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-12mm-2-8-af\/\">12mm 2.8 AF<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Auto Focus<\/h2>\n<p>I am not shooting sports or fast moving animals\/humans so if you want to know if the lens is fast enough for this or how it compares to other lenses in this segment you may have to look for a different review with a more detailed assessment of this aspect.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75639\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75639\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75639\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_megadap_ETZ_Pro_Nikon_Zf.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_megadap_ETZ_Pro_Nikon_Zf.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_megadap_ETZ_Pro_Nikon_Zf-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_megadap_ETZ_Pro_Nikon_Zf-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75639\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro via megadap ETZ21pro on Nikon Zf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In everyday use I found the AF to be perfectly usable and also nearly silent.<\/p>\n<p>The Laowa 180mm 4.5 also worked flawlessly via the megadap ETZ21pro adapter on my Nikon Zf.<\/p>\n<h2>Vignetting<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75849\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/vignetting_Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"750\" height=\"610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/vignetting_Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro.jpg 750w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/vignetting_Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro-300x244.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-250\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-250\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">infinity<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1.5:1 (0.30 m)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/4.5<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1.2 EV<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0.5 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/5.6<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.4 EV<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0.2 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/8.0<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.2 EV<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0.1 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/11<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.1 EV<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0.1 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-250 from cache -->\n<p>After seeing the small front element I was afraid we may encounter higher-than-usual-for-a-tele vignetting figures, but that isn&#8217;t the case.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The vignetting figures are low at infinity and there is practically none at closer distances.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-1-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-24525\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">infinity<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">1.5:1<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-1-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-24525\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane1-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75846\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Infinity_Vig_graph.png\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"1026\" height=\"766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Infinity_Vig_graph.png 1026w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Infinity_Vig_graph-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Infinity_Vig_graph-800x597.png 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Infinity_Vig_graph-768x573.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1026px) 100vw, 1026px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane1-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75847\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_mfd_Vig_graph.png\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"1026\" height=\"766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_mfd_Vig_graph.png 1026w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_mfd_Vig_graph-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_mfd_Vig_graph-800x597.png 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_mfd_Vig_graph-768x573.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1026px) 100vw, 1026px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>It is recommended to have a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/vignetting-graphs-explained\/\">this article<\/a> first to get an idea how this brightness graph works.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Sharpness<\/h2>\n<h3>infinity (42mp Sony A7rII)<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75688\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sharpness_Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_R2.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"1158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sharpness_Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_R2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sharpness_Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_R2-207x300.jpg 207w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sharpness_Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_R2-768x1112.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75679\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75679\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75679\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_R2_Sharpness_Infinity_11.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_R2_Sharpness_Infinity_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_R2_Sharpness_Infinity_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_R2_Sharpness_Infinity_11-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75679\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you were afraid the &#8220;macro&#8221; in the name means subpar performance at infinity I am happy to report that isn&#8217;t the case at all. From its maximum aperture the performance doesn&#8217;t leave anything to be desired here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>Keep in mind: at these distances heat haze and vibrations can have a big influence on ther results.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>close 0.36 m, 1:1 (42mp Sony A7rII)<\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-2-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-70263\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.5<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/11<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-2-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-70263\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane2-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75680\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_4.5.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_4.5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_4.5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_4.5-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75681\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75682\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_8.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75683\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_11.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1_11-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>100% crops from center, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Sony E-mount cameras (unlike Nikon cameras) do not show the effective aperture value of macro lenses at closer distances, so I will just use the theoretical value at infinity as it will be displayed in camera and in the Exif data here and for the sample images.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>At life size magnification I see peak performance at f\/5.6, beyond that diffraction seems to kick in.<\/p>\n<h3>very close 0.3 m, 1:1.5 (42mp Sony A7rII)<em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-3-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-73040\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.5<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/11<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-3-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-73040\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane3-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75684\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_4.5.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_4.5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_4.5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_4.5-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75685\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75686\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_8.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75687\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_11.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sharpness_1to1p5_11-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>100% crops from center, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>To my knowledge this is the first macro lens offering a 1.5 times magnification. As you can see this is a noticeable difference compared to 1:1 magnification and also here the performance looks best to me at f\/5.6.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>For magnification of 1.5:1 and even for 1:1 magnifications a test subject with finer structures and a setup allowing for a crucial alignment of camera and subject would have been advisable.<\/em><br \/>\n<em>So see these last two sections as a general idea of what to expect at these magnifications from this lens and not as a conclusive assessment of this lens\u2019 performance at high magnifications.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Flare resistance<\/h2>\n<p>Traditionally tele lenses do not have a lot of issues with ghosting, but veiling flare can be a problem. This Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro is no different.<em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-4-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-69693\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos1<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos2<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos3<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos4<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-4-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-69693\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane4-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75665\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos1.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75666\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos2.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75667\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos3.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75668\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos4.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_4.5_Pos4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Sony A7rII | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro| f\/4.5<\/span><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>As you can easily see: with the sun outside the frame it is easy to catch massive veiling flare. I was using the short hood for all the pictures in this section, but it doesn&#8217;t make much of a difference.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-5-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-34787\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos1<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos2<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos3<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos4<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-5-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-34787\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane5-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75669\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos1.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75670\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos2.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75671\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos3.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75672\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos4.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Flare_R2_8.0_Pos4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Sony A7rII | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro| f\/8.0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Stopped down we can also see some small ghosts and not much has changed when it comes to veiling flare. As ususal I am showing you the worst case scenarios here, often slightly reframing can mitigate those artefacts significantly.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of the day, a typical performance for a short tele lens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Distortion<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-6-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-64975\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">infinity<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">1.5:1<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-6-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-64975\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane6-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75750\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Distortion_Far.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Distortion_Far.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Distortion_Far-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Distortion_Far-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75751\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Distortion_MFD.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Distortion_MFD.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Distortion_MFD-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Distortion_MFD-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The lens is practically distortion free at all distances. Nice!<\/p>\n<h2>Coma<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-7-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-76423\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.5<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-7-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-76423\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane7-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75662\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_4.5.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_4.5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_4.5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_4.5-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75663\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75664\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Coma_R2_8.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro | 100% crops from extreme corner<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>As this is one of the slower short tele lenses I don&#8217;t think a lot of people are going to use it for deep sky photography, but if they do Coma will not be in their way, as the correction looks very good to me.<\/p>\n<h2>Bokeh<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_76406\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-76406\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-76406\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_21.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_21.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_21-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-76406\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A maximum aperture of f\/4.5 may not sound that impressive at first sight, but thanks to the long focal length of 180mm it still allows for some shallow depth of field photography and can also be used as a long portrait lens.<\/p>\n<h3>Macro<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_76402\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-76402\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-76402\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_17.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_17.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_17-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-76402\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_76405\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-76405\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-76405\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_20.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_20.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_20-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_20-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-76405\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_76403\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-76403\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-76403\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_18.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_18.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_18-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_18-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-76403\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77549\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77549\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77549\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_29.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_29.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_29-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_29-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77549\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5 | Ai denoise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In macro applications you will often find yourself having to work around a too thin depth of field rather than complaining that there isn&#8217;t enough bokeh in your pictures. This is why many professional macro photographers have to use focus stacking techniques.<\/p>\n<p>I am not sure I have seen a macro lens with bad bokeh in close focus scenarios yet and also here everything looks good to me. An older macro lens may render a slightly smoother background at the cost of a less well defined focal plane though.<\/p>\n<h3>Non Macro<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75765\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75765\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75765\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_14.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_14.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_14-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75765\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75762\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75762\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75762\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_11.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75762\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75756\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75756\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75756\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_5.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_5-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75756\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77550\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77550\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77550\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_32.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_32.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_32-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_32-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77550\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Also at longer focus distances this lens renders a mostly nice and unobtrusive bokeh. If you are used to faster portrait lenses like an 85mm 1.4 or 135mm 1.8 you may not find this lens rendering &#8220;blurry enough&#8221; backgrounds though.<\/p>\n<h2>Sunstars<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-8-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-59983\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.5<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/11<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/16<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-5\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/22<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-8-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-59983\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane8-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75766\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_4.5.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_4.5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_4.5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_4.5-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75767\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75768\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_8.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75769\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_11.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75770\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_16.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_16.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_16-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75771\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_22.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_22.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_22-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sunstars_22-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Sony A7rII | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro<\/span><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The sunstars don&#8217;t look that amazing to me, but then I am super happy decided to go for 9 rounded aperture blades this time and not to the awful diaphragm made of 7 straight ones they decided to use for the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-85mm-5-6-21-macro\/\">Laowa 85mm 5.6 2:1 Macro<\/a>, as I personally care way more about nicely round highlights stopped down a bit then about nice sunstars in a 180mm lens.&nbsp;<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Chromatic aberrations<\/h2>\n<h3><strong>lateral<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-9-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-68774\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">uncorrected<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">corrected<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-9-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-68774\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane9-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75674\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_laCA_R2_Uncorrected.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_laCA_R2_Uncorrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_laCA_R2_Uncorrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_laCA_R2_Uncorrected-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane9-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75673\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_laCA_R2_corrected.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_laCA_R2_corrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_laCA_R2_corrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_laCA_R2_corrected-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro | f\/11<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>I can see a low amount of lateral CA here, but nothing to worry about: these are easily corrected by just one click in a decent Raw converter.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>longitudinal<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-10-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-80592\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane10-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">focus point<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane10-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">foreground<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane10-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">background<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-10-review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51-80592\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane10-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75677\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_Focus_Point.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_Focus_Point.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_Focus_Point-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_Focus_Point-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane10-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75676\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_FG.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_FG.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_FG-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_FG-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane10-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75675\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_BG.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_BG.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_BG-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_BG-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro | f\/4.5 | 100% crops<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>There is an &#8220;Apo&#8221; tag to be found on this lens and not only purple fringing but also bokeh fringing is practically non existent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75678\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75678\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75678\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_PF.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_PF.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_PF-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_loCA_R2_100_4.5_PF-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75678\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Laowa 180m 4.5 Apo Macro | f\/4.5 | 100% crop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">very good sharpness and contrast at all distances<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">1.5:1 magnification<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">nice bokeh<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">great CA correction<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">very low distortion<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">Coma correction<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">low vignetting<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">build quality<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>average<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>flare resistance<\/li>\n<li>size\/weight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>not good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">AF only available between 1.3 m and infinity*<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Once more Laowa released something unique with this 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro and its dual focus mechanism. The optical performance hardly leaves something to be desired &#8211; at any distance &#8211; and it comes in an affordable and still reasonably compact package.<\/p>\n<p><del>If you also want to rely on the auto focus for macro applications or if you are using a camera with built-in automated focus stacking this lens might not be for you though. Also personally there were a few times I would have hoped for the auto focus to work at closer distances, too.<br \/>\n<\/del><em><strong>*Update 10\/25: <\/strong>a firmware update has been released allowing for automated focus stacking, see <a href=\"https:\/\/mp.weixin.qq.com\/s\/GUexxnpCKesv923e-N22FQ\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Still, if you are looking for a modern macro lens in this focal length range and you can live with focusing manually at closer distances, I am pretty sure you will end up being very happy with this lens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>buy from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.venuslens.net\/product\/laowa-180mm-f-4-5-1-5x-ultra-macro-apo\/ref\/57\/\">manufacturer&#8217;s homepage<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_nkw=laowa+180mm+4.5&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_nkw=laowa+180mm+4.5&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay. de<\/a> (advertisement\/affiliate links) for <strong>$499<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Alternatives<\/h2>\n<p>There are not a lot of modern long macro lens alternatives. The latest release at this point (fall 2025) is the Sigma 180mm 2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro from 2012. It is 4\/3 of a stop faster, but also way bigger and heavier making it not a lot of fun to use &#8211; especially adapted to a mirrorless camera.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Personally I have been using a <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-sigma-180mm-5-6-apo-macro-mf\/\">Sigma 180mm 5.6 Apo Macro<\/a> from 1990 the past years. It offers good optical performance across the whole distance range in a very compact package. It only offers a maximum magnification of 1:2 though and while the MF versions are rare, the AF versions feature pretty bad mechanics and compatibility to today&#8217;s AF adapters.<\/p>\n<p>Canon and Tamron also had 180mm 3.5 macro lenses in 1996 and 2003 and Nikon had their Nikon AF 200mm 4.0D IF-ED Micro-Nikkor even before that in 1993. I haven&#8217;t used these lenses personally (yet), but due to their age I don&#8217;t think they can compete with this Laowa in terms of optical performance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the E-mount world another really interesting alternative is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1776284-REG\/sony_fe_70_200mm_f_4_g.html\/BI\/21073\/KBID\/18855\/DFF\/d10-v21-t1-x1246046\/SID\/DFF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sony FE 70-200mm 4.0 G Macro OSS II<\/a> <em>(affiliate link)<\/em>. It may only offer a maximum magnification of 1:2, but it is an extremely versatile zoom lens with class leading autofocus performance and image quality at a surprisingly low weight of just under 800g. The problem is, it costs four times as much as this Laowa lens.<\/p>\n<h2>Sample Images<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77554\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77554\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77554\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_34.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_34.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_34-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_34-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77554\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77552\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77552\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77552\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_5.6_33.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_5.6_33.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_5.6_33-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_5.6_33-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77552\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77546\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77546\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77546\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_26.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_26.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_26-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_26-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77546\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77551\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77551\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77551\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_5.6_30.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_5.6_30.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_5.6_30-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_5.6_30-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77551\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77543\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77543\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77543\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_23.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_23.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_23-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_23-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77543\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77555\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77555\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77555\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_35.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_35.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_35-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_Zf_4.5_35-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77555\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77548\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-77548\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-77548\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_28.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_28.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_28-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7III_4.5_28-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-77548\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5 | Ai denoise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75760\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75760\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75760\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_9.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_9.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_9-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75760\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75763\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75763\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75763\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_12.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_12.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_12-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75763\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75761\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75761\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75761\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_10.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_10.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_10-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75761\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75759\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75759\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75759\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_8.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75759\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75757\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75757\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75757\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_6.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75757\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75758\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75758\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75758\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_7.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_7-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75758\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_75753\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-75753\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-75753\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_2.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_4.5_2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-75753\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/4.5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_76409\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-76409\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-76409\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_8.0_16.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_8.0_16.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_8.0_16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_8.0_16-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-76409\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/8.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_76408\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-76408\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-76408\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_6.3_15.jpg\" alt=\"laowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5iilaowa 180mm 4.5 f\/4.5 apo macro makro light tele lightweight small 200mm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii A9 A9ii a1 a1ii review resolution sharpness contrast sunstar sunstars starburst blende blendenstern Nikon z z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 zf z5ii\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_6.3_15.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_6.3_15-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laowa_180mm_4.5_Macro_Sample_A7II_6.3_15-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-76408\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Laowa 180mm 4.5 Macro | f\/6.3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You can find most of the shots in this review in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/181621809@N02\/albums\/72177720329077067\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Further Reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/lenses\/all-lens-reviews\/\">All Lens Reviews<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-15mm-5-0-cookie-tiny-and-useful\/\">Review: Laowa 15mm 5.0 Cookie<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-28mm-1-2-ffii-argus-the-worlds-fastest-28mm-lens\/\">Review: Laowa 28mm 1.2 Argus<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-mk-ii-a-worthy-update\/\">Review: Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM II<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-ef-200mm-1-8-l\/\">Review: Canon EF 200mm 1.8L USM<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Support Us<\/h2>\n<p>Did you find this article useful or just liked reading it? Treat us to a coffee!<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=3K9EJRRQVXT4J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-40345 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/donate2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"103\" height=\"29\"><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"><em>via Paypal<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This site contains advertisement\/affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of the links marked as advertisement\/affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of future content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Compact 180-200mm primes are pretty much dead today and have been replaced by bigger and heavier zoom lenses. Personally, I have been hoping for a modern incarnation of something like the Voigtl\u00e4nder 180mm 4.0 SL Apo-Lanthar or the Sigma 180mm 5.6 Apo Macro for a long time. In 2025 Laowa released this Laowa 180mm &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Review: Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro 1.5:1<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4708,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[212,211,18,21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-76107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-laowa","category-macro","category-review","category-sony-e-mount"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Review: Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro 1.5:1 - phillipreeve.net<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro is a very versatile tele lens with an impressive macro feature, is this finally the\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-180mm-4-5-apo-macro-1-51\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Review: Laowa 180mm 4.5 Apo Macro 1.5:1 - 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