Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO Lens - Sony FE - Coaxial Illumination
The Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO lens is a groundbreaking optical tool designed ...The Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO lens is a groundbreaking optical tool designed for extreme magnification photography. As the world's first parfocal zoom macro lens, it allows users to adjust magnification from 5x to 10x while keeping the focus locked on the subject and maintaining a fixed working distance. This eliminates the need to reposition the camera or adjust lighting when changing compositions. Featuring an advanced APO design, the lens effectively eliminates color fringing and chromatic aberrations to provide exceptional clarity and sharpness. This specific version includes Coaxial Illumination, which directs light along the optical axis. This feature is essential for capturing fine details on flat or reflective surfaces, as it prevents angled reflections from obscuring the subject. With a fast aperture range of f/1.7 to f/5.6, photographers can achieve high-quality, noise-free images at lower ISO settings even at extreme magnifications.
The Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10X Ultra Macro APO lens is a precision-engineered tool designed for scientific, industrial, and creative photographers who require extreme magnification without sacrificing control. Its primary advantage is the unique parfocal zoom capability, allowing users to shift magnification between 5x and 10x while keeping the focus and working distance fixed. While this specialized lens offers unmatched clarity and lighting control through coaxial illumination, it is a highly technical manual-focus instrument that requires a stable shooting environment and dedicated lighting setup.
All features
Brand
Laowa
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Does this lens have autofocus?
No, this is a fully manual focus lens designed for precise macro work.
What is the primary benefit of the coaxial illumination?
It directs light along the optical axis, which is essential for seeing detail inside small holes or on reflective, flat surfaces without creating glare.
Can I use this lens for general portrait photography?
No, the focal length and magnification range are designed exclusively for extreme macro photography.
What does 'parfocal' mean in this context?
It means the lens maintains focus even when you zoom in or out, allowing you to change magnification without refocusing.
Do I need a special tripod?
A sturdy tripod with a high-quality geared head or a focusing rail is highly recommended due to the extreme sensitivity of the 5x-10x magnification range.
Troubleshooting
Image appears blurry at high magnification
Ensure the subject is perfectly parallel to the sensor and verify that the focus has not shifted due to camera vibration.
Coaxial light not turning on
Check the power supply connection and ensure the cable is fully seated in the port.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Fixed working distance simplifies composition during magnification changes
Coaxial lighting provides even illumination for reflective surfaces
Superior sharpness due to APO optical design
Fast aperture minimizes the need for high ISO and excessive light intensity
Requires significant stabilization due to extreme magnification
Specific to specialized macro applications; limited for general photography
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Mounting: This version is compatible with Sony FE mounts. Align the lens index with the camera mount and rotate until it clicks.
Lighting Setup: Connect the coaxial illumination cable to your power source before mounting the lens to the camera.
Stability: Due to the extreme magnification, even minor vibrations will cause image blur. Always use a heavy-duty tripod and a cable release or self-timer.
Storage: Store the lens in a cool, dry place with the front and rear caps securely attached to protect the precision optical elements.
Maintenance: Clean the front element only with a professional-grade lens blower and soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the delicate glass surfaces.