The Venus Optics Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO Lens with Coaxial Illumination (Nikon Z) is a specialized high-magnification optic designed for capturing extremely small subjects with remarkable clarity and detail. With an impressive 5:1 to 10:1 magnification range, the Aksen 17.5mm goes far beyond conventional macro lenses, making it ideal for scientific imaging, product details, insects, textures, and creative macro photography and cinematography.
A consistent 0.9" working distance from the front of the lens is maintained throughout the entire magnification range, providing predictable positioning when working with tiny subjects. This is particularly useful at extreme magnifications, where even minor changes in camera or subject placement can dramatically affect framing and focus.
The lens features an internal parfocal zoom design that maintains focus while adjusting magnification between 5x and 10x. This allows photographers and filmmakers to refine composition and magnification without having to completely refocus after every adjustment, helping create a more efficient workflow for demanding ultra-macro applications.
An APO optical design helps minimize chromatic aberration and color fringing for cleaner edges, accurate colors, and greater clarity when resolving extremely fine details. Integrated coaxial illumination further enhances its macro capabilities by directing light along the optical axis, helping illuminate subjects that can otherwise be challenging to light at such close working distances.
Despite its extreme magnification capabilities, the Aksen 17.5mm maintains a compact form factor suitable for handheld operation as well as controlled studio setups. It can also be incorporated into motorized focus-stacking rigs, providing a versatile solution for creating highly detailed images with expanded depth of field.
Combining 5-10x magnification, parfocal operation, APO optics, and coaxial illumination, the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO Lens is a powerful imaging tool for exploring details beyond the reach of traditional macro lenses.
Coaxial Illumination
A coaxial lighting system projects light directly down the camera's optical axis using an internal beam splitter, eliminating shadow and lens reflections for extreme detail. Thanks to the lack of angled light, the coaxial lighting brings out hidden colors and textures instead of causing glare, allowing you to see essential details such as scratches and dents. It is ideal for use on flat, highly reflective surfaces such as microchips, circuit boards, and polished metal.
Apochromatic Correction
The Aksen series is engineered to eliminate chromatic aberration, even at higher magnifications. The apochromatic correction effectively prevents color fringing, allowing you to capture more details and texture without distortion in your final image.
Parfocal Internal Zoom
Adjust your magnification without moving your camera or subject thanks to the innovative parfocal zoom design. The Aksen maintains sharp focus across the entire magnification range, while the internal zoom allows you to shift magnification without disturbing your lights or hitting your subject. Because the weight distribution also remains identical, this lens is ideal for videography as well as macro photography. Exposure changes are the only thing that need to be compensated for as you magnify your subject.
Additional Details
- Eleven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing focus falloff when using shallow depth of field.
- Wide-angle design benefits the high magnification design by providing greater depth of field compared to telephoto or long lens designs.
- When adapting the Aksen to medium format cameras, there will be varying levels of vignetting depending on the magnification.
- Lightweight physical design makes the lens easier to use handheld and offers more room for illuminating subjects.
