Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO Lens Nikon Z

Key Features

• Nikon Z mount ultra macro lens
• Continuous 1x to 5x magnification
• Fixed 40.35mm working distance throughout the magnification range
• Internal parfocal zoom maintains focus and composition
• APO optical design reduces chromatic aberration
• Manual focus with adjustable f/2.8-f/11 aperture
• Compact 646g design measuring 70.2 × 149.5mm
• Suitable for focus stacking, macro videography and scientific imaging

Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO Lens Nikon Z Summary

The Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Nikon Z is a manual-focus ultra macro lens covering a continuous 1x to 5x magnification range. Unlike conventional high-magnification macro lenses, it maintains a fixed 40.35mm working distance using an internal parfocal zoom, allowing magnification to be adjusted without repositioning the camera, subject or lighting.

APO optics minimise chromatic aberration for higher contrast and finer detail, making it suitable for focus stacking, scientific imaging, product photography and extreme close-up videography. The Aksen series received a TIPA World Award for Best Ultra Macro Lenses, recognising its innovative optical design.

Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO Lens Nikon Z In More Detail

Continuous 1x to 5x magnification

The lens bridges the gap between conventional life-size macro lenses and microscope objectives. At 1x it fills the frame with a subject measuring approximately 36 × 24mm; at 5x this narrows to around 7.2 × 4.8mm, revealing detail in insects, minerals, jewellery, electronic components and scientific specimens. Manual focus provides the precision required for focus stacking and high-magnification photography.

Fixed working distance with internal parfocal zoom

The internal parfocal zoom maintains a constant 40.35mm working distance and physical lens length throughout the 1x to 5x range, allowing magnification to change without moving the camera, subject or lighting. This improves repeatability when using diffusers, flash, macro rails and copy stands for photography, product imaging and macro video.

APO optical design

The optical formula comprises 13 elements in nine groups with an 11-blade diaphragm and apochromatic correction to minimise chromatic aberration. This delivers higher contrast, improved colour accuracy and finer detail throughout the 1x to 5x magnification range.

Manual aperture control

The manually adjustable f/2.8-f/11 aperture balances light transmission, depth of field and diffraction. Wider apertures maximise available light at high magnification, while stopping down increases depth of field for three-dimensional subjects and focus-stacked images.

Native Nikon Z mount

The native Nikon Z mount provides direct compatibility with Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras without an adapter. Measuring 70.2 × 149.5mm and weighing 646g, the lens remains compact for a specialist 1x to 5x ultra macro optic suited to studio, laboratory and field use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Aksen lens should I choose: the 45mm 1-5X or the 17.5mm 5-10X?

The 45mm covers life-size to 5x magnification, making it suitable for insects, jewellery, product photography and other subjects where a longer working distance is beneficial. The 17.5mm starts at 5x and reaches 10x for much smaller subjects such as pollen grains, microchips, textile fibres and forensic evidence.

What is the working distance at maximum magnification?

The lens maintains a fixed 40.35mm working distance throughout its entire 1x to 5x magnification range. Its internal parfocal zoom allows magnification to change without repositioning the camera, subject or lighting.

Can it be used for standard macro photography?

Yes. At 1x magnification it functions as a conventional life-size macro lens while also extending to 5x for subjects that require greater enlargement.

Does this lens require focus stacking?

Not always. Single-frame images are possible, particularly at lower magnifications or with relatively flat subjects, but focus stacking is commonly used at higher magnifications where depth of field becomes extremely shallow.

Does it autofocus?

No. The lens is manual focus only, providing the precision required for accurate focus placement at high magnifications where autofocus is generally impractical.

Is it compatible with APS-C Nikon Z cameras?

Yes. Although designed for full-frame Nikon Z cameras, it can also be used on APS-C Nikon Z DX models. The smaller sensor crops the image, providing a tighter field of view while maintaining the same optical magnification.

Why does the lens maintain a fixed working distance?

A fixed working distance keeps the distance between the lens and subject constant as magnification changes. This makes lighting, subject positioning and focus stacking more consistent because the camera and lighting setup do not need to be repositioned.

Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO Lens Specifications

What’s in the Box

• Laowa Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5X Ultra Macro APO Lens Nikon Z
• Front lens cap
• Rear lens cap
• Lens pouch