Venus Optics, renowned for its specialized extreme macro lens technology, has officially announced two next-generation lenses in the ‘Laowa Aksen Ultra Macro APO Series’, including the world's first 5–10x parfocal ultra-macro lens.
The new lineup consists of the Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO and the Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO. Featuring full-frame coverage, a true parfocal zoom mechanism, Apochromatic (APO) chromatic aberration control, and extreme magnification capabilities, these lenses target both still photographers and video production professionals.
Here is a breakdown of the key specs and technological innovations behind the Laowa Aksen series, designed to redefine the microscopic world.
1. World's First 5-10x Parfocal Ultra-Macro & Focus Retention Across Magnifications
- World's First 5-10x High-Magnification Zoom (17.5mm f/1.7): As the first lens of its kind to offer an extreme 5x to 10x magnification range, it captures intricate textures and microscopic details invisible to the naked eye with exceptional clarity.
- Internal Parfocal Zoom Design: Focus position remains fixed even when altering magnification (zooming). Eliminating the need to refocus or adjust camera position significantly streamlines workflows for focus stacking and video recording.
- Constant Working Distance & Internal Zooming: The physical lens length does not change when adjusting magnification, maintaining a constant working distance (40.35mm for the 45mm; 22.48mm for the 17.5mm), making lighting setups and spatial management far easier.
2. APO Optical Performance, Coaxial Lighting Support, & Extensive Mount Options
- Apochromatic (APO) Design: Color fringing and edge distortions—common pitfalls in extreme macro photography—are minimized to deliver pristine detail and accurate texture reproduction.
- Coaxial Illumination Technology Support: The 17.5mm lens includes a dedicated 8mm Coaxial Light Adapter inspired by machine vision tech, delivering shadow-free, uniform lighting even at extreme working distances.
- Wide Mount Availability & Dual Versions: Available across major mounts including ARRI PL, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF/EF, Leica L, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds. It comes in both a Photo Version ($749) and a Cine Version ($1,499).
✍️ Editor's Note
"Macro specialist Laowa has once again shifted the paradigm for microscopic photography! By integrating an internal parfocal zoom mechanism, it completely solves the hassle of having to physically re-position the camera or adjust focus whenever changing magnification at high ratios. Furthermore, the coaxial lighting system paired with the 17.5mm 5-10x lens promises to be a game-changer for specialized scientific, commercial video, and nature macro shoots where lighting access is severely restricted!"
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