The Venus Optics Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO Lens (Micro Four Thirds) is designed for photographers and imaging specialists who need to reveal details far beyond the capabilities of conventional macro lenses. Combining extreme magnification with a compact form factor, this specialized optic is ideal for capturing intricate textures, miniature subjects, and other details that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
Offering an impressive 5:1 to 10:1 magnification range, the Aksen 17.5mm allows tiny subjects to fill the frame at dramatically enlarged scales. This level of magnification makes the lens particularly useful for extreme macro photography where revealing fine surface details and microscopic-looking structures is the priority.
A fixed 0.9" working distance from the front of the lens provides consistency throughout the magnification range, helping photographers maintain predictable positioning relative to their subject. Its internal parfocal zoom design maintains sharp focus as magnification is adjusted, simplifying composition and reducing the need for repeated focus corrections.
Despite its specialized capabilities, the Aksen 17.5mm maintains a compact and portable design suitable for a variety of shooting configurations. It can be used handheld when appropriate or integrated into a motorized focus-stacking rig for controlled, high-magnification imaging where precise incremental focus adjustments are required.
Combining a 5-10x magnification range, fast f/1.7 aperture, 0.9" fixed working distance, internal parfocal design, and compact construction, the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO Lens provides a powerful platform for photographers looking to explore subjects at an extraordinary scale.
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 than 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.
