Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro vs Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO

Both are Nikon F macro lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Tamron

SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro

f/3.5

Full specs

Laowa

180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO

f/4.5

Full specs

Pick the Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro if

You need ⅔ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/3.5 vs f/4.5)
Our notes say it suits: Insects and wildlife close-ups, flowers, portraits and details

Pick the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO if

You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.3 m vs 0.47 m

Spec differences

8 differences

Specifications that differ between the Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro and the Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO
	Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro	Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO
Brand	Tamron	Laowa
Format	not listed	Full frame
Max aperture	f/3.5 ⅔ stop faster	f/4.5
Filter thread	72 mm	62 mm
Min focus distance	0.47 m	0.3 m closer
Max magnification	not listed	1.5×
Aperture blades	not listed	9
Optical design	not listed	12 elements / 9 groups

4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, focal length, image stabilization. Show all

Mount: Nikon F both
Type: Macro both
Focal length: 180mm both
Image stabilization: No both

Our notes

Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro

A long 180mm macro lens that offers 1:1 reproduction with a comfortable working distance. It has a 72mm filter thread and a minimum focus distance of 0.47 m.