Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO Lens - Nikon Z

The Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO is a revolutionary full-frame macro lens offerin...

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Wex Photo VideoLaowa Aksen 17.5mm f1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Nikon Z, Full-Frame Magnification Lens
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Product Information

Full details

The Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO lens is designed for macro photography enthusiasts and scientific researchers who require extreme magnification with clinical precision. Its standout benefit is the world-first parfocal internal zoom, which allows users to scale from 5x to 10x magnification without losing focus, though it requires a disciplined approach to lighting and subject stabilization due to the fixed, extremely narrow working distance.

All features

BrandLaowa

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Can I use this lens for standard portrait photography?

No, this lens is specifically engineered for ultra-macro magnification between 5x and 10x and will not focus at infinity.

Do I need a special flash setup?

At 5-10x magnification, a dedicated macro ring light or twin flash system is highly recommended to compensate for the light loss inherent in high-magnification optics.

Is this lens compatible with full-frame Nikon Z cameras?

Yes, it is designed for full-frame sensors and works natively with the Nikon Z mount.

What is the working distance at 5x versus 10x?

The working distance remains fixed at 22.5mm throughout the entire zoom range.

Does the lens support autofocus?

No, the Laowa Aksen is a fully manual focus lens, which is standard for specialized high-magnification macro photography.

How heavy is the lens for field use?

The lens weighs 570g, making it relatively light and portable for handheld or mobile macro setups.

Troubleshooting

Image appears blurry at 10x magnification

Check that the camera is secured on a stable tripod and use a remote shutter release or self-timer to eliminate vibrations.

Subject is too dark

Since the working distance is fixed at 22.5mm, ensure your light source is angled to avoid obstruction by the lens barrel.

Focus shifts slightly when zooming

Verify the lens mount is clean and securely locked to the camera body, as even microscopic mount play can affect parfocal performance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Parfocal design maintains focus while zooming
  • Exceptional APO color correction
  • Compact and lightweight for its magnification range
  • High-speed aperture for improved light gathering

Cons

  • Fixed 22.5mm working distance limits subject space
  • Extreme magnification requires professional-grade stabilization
  • Depth of field is extremely shallow at 10x
  • Manual focus only, as is standard for ultra-macro lenses

Setup, Compatibility & Care

The lens is designed for the Nikon Z-mount, ensuring full mechanical compatibility with Z-series mirrorless cameras. When setting up, ensure the camera is on a sturdy tripod. Given the 22.5mm working distance, lighting must be positioned carefully to avoid casting shadows on the subject. For care, always use a lens blower before wiping with a microfiber cloth to prevent scratching the glass. Because it is a high-precision optic, store the lens in a temperature-controlled environment with silica gel packets to prevent fungus growth, which can bloom quickly in the small crevices of macro lens barrels.

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