Summary
- Laowa has added a Fujifilm X version of the 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO.
- It is the company's first autofocus lens for the Fujifilm X system.
- On APS-C it delivers a roughly 270mm-equivalent field of view and up to 1.5X magnification.
- Full AF works from 1.5m to infinity, with macro AF assist available after a firmware update.
Laowa has added a Fujifilm X version of the 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO, marking the company’s first autofocus lens for the X system.
The lens had already been available in other mounts, but the new version is directly aimed at Fujifilm APS-C photographers. At 180mm it delivers a field of view equivalent to roughly 270mm on full frame, with up to 1.5X magnification and a 30cm minimum focusing distance.
The key addition is autofocus support on Fujifilm X mount. Normal AF operates from 1.5m to infinity, while very close macro distances rely on manual focusing plus the AF-assist function introduced through firmware for focus bracketing.
180mm reach and 1.5X magnification for longer working distance
The 180mm focal length is the lens’s main practical advantage for macro work. Laowa specifies a minimum working distance of 147.6mm, leaving more room between the front element and the subject than shorter macro lenses. That is useful for insects, small wildlife, flowers and lighting setups.
Maximum magnification reaches 1.5:1, exceeding the classic 1:1 reproduction ratio of many macro lenses. On Fujifilm X, the 180mm focal length provides a field of view equivalent to roughly 270mm on full frame, making the lens usable for portraits and distant subjects as well as macro.
APO design with 12 elements in 9 groups
The optical construction uses 12 elements in 9 groups and an apochromatic design intended to reduce longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations. It has a 9-blade diaphragm, a 62mm filter thread and internal focusing so the barrel does not extend while focusing.
The Fujifilm X version is listed at roughly 67.6 × 134.7mm and about 526g. Electronic contacts provide EXIF communication and a USB-C port is included for firmware updates.
Autofocus, Dual Focus and focus bracketing
Normal autofocus covers 1.5m to infinity. For macro distances below 1.5m, Laowa’s firmware adds Dual Focus/AF assist: the photographer first brings the subject close to focus manually, then the camera can perform the final autofocus correction under compatible conditions.
The same update also enables focus bracketing support, a particularly useful feature in macro photography where depth of field can be extremely shallow and multiple frames are often required for focus stacking.
Price and availability
Laowa’s official product page currently lists the 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO at $499. The Fujifilm X version has also appeared at European retailers at around €586 including VAT, although final pricing varies by country and dealer.
The $449/£300 figure quoted by Amateur Photographer does not match Laowa’s current official listing or other recent listings for the new mount, which state a $499 price.
Find out more here.
What we think
The X-mount addition matters more than a routine new mount because it is Laowa’s first autofocus lens for Fujifilm X. The combination of a 270mm-equivalent field of view, 1.5X magnification and generous working distance makes it particularly interesting for field macro work. The main limitation remains that full autofocus does not operate throughout the close-focus range.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Laowa’s first autofocus lens for Fujifilm X?
Yes. The X-mount version of the 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO is Laowa’s first autofocus lens for the Fujifilm X system.
What is the maximum magnification?
Maximum magnification is 1.5X, or 1.5:1, beyond the classic 1:1 ratio of a typical macro lens.
Does autofocus work at macro distances?
Full AF works from 1.5m to infinity. At closer distances, AF assist is available through Dual Focus mode, together with focus bracketing support after a firmware update.
What is the full-frame equivalent on Fujifilm X?
On a Fujifilm X APS-C body, the field of view is equivalent to roughly 270mm on full frame.
