Gear
SUMMARY
Laowa, a brand specializing in macro photography, has introduced the Asken series, including the 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO and the 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO. These lenses offer unprecedented macro magnification, with the 17.5mm reaching up to 10x. They feature a parafocal zoom design, allowing focus to remain constant while changing magnification. To address lighting challenges at extreme close distances, the lenses incorporate a coaxial light block accessory. Both lenses are apochromatic (APO) to minimize chromatic aberration and are available in photo and cinema variants for various camera mounts.
TAKEAWAYS
Laowa's new Asken series includes the world's first 5-10x macro lenses.
The lenses feature a parafocal zoom design for consistent focus during magnification changes.
An integrated coaxial light block accessory helps illuminate subjects at extreme close-ups.
Both lenses are apochromatic (APO) to reduce color fringing and enhance sharpness.