LAOWA 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO

[MSH411]

With it's recent release of this lens, some recent discussion and a suggestion from our friend Mr Roboto it seemed like a good point to start a thread.

Owning three macro lenses, the RF100mm, EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM (adapted) and now the EF LAOWA 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro (EF version for the AF).

The Laowa for it's price point of $500 in my opinion is a steal. The lens is solid and well built, focus ring smooth and the balance is nice on both my R5 and R6 MkII, easily an all day carry.

With it's release date of September 16, 2025 and receiving my copy in the first week of October I haven't had a lot of opportunities in the winter months of Chicago. I did get out a bit prior to it getting cold and here are some of the results.

I may have posted these before but figured it was good to have samples in this thread for our group to see.....

 

[MSH411]

One more

 

[Mr Roboto]

Thank you thank you thank you!

These are great! I've actually had the EF180mm (which I originally purchased back in 2005 and can't believe they are still selling it new) and the Irix 150mm macros in my cart at B&H for some time now as I've been missing that longer focal length, true macro telephoto lens.

Please keep posting examples as you shoot with this lens. For the time being, I'm using my EF100-400v2 with 1.4xTC and/or extension tubes to fulfill the longer-focal-length macro shooting needs.

Thanks again and happy shooting!

 

[MSH411]

My pleasure Mr Roboto, and I appreciate the feedback.

I was looking at the Irix 150mm macro when shopping for a long lens with better magnification. It's a great price point and I read a review by someone named wildmacro-chris that did the lens justice, he displayed some beautiful frames shooting on a Canon 5DII.

I ended up with the Laowa because of the 1.5X and so far I think it was the right choice.

When I get out with it mounted I will swing back to this thread and post the images.