Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED vs Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO
Both are Nikon F lenses for full frame. Here is what actually differs.
Pick the Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED if
- You need 1⅓ stops more light for low light or background blur (f/2.8 vs f/4.5)
- Our notes say it suits: Portraits, sports on film, adapted use on Z
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 1.8 m
Spec differences
12 differences| Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED | Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand |
Nikon
|
Laowa
|
| Type |
Prime
|
Macro
|
| Max aperture |
f/2.8
1⅓ stops faster
|
f/4.5
|
| Weight |
880 g
|
not listed
|
| Length |
138 mm
|
not listed
|
| Diameter |
78.5 mm
|
not listed
|
| Filter thread |
72 mm
|
62 mm
|
| Min focus distance |
1.8 m
|
0.3 m
closer
|
| Max magnification |
not listed
|
1.5×
|
| Aperture blades |
not listed
|
9
|
| Optical design |
5 elements / 5 groups
|
12 elements / 9 groups
|
| Autofocus motor |
Manual focus
|
not listed
|
4 identical specs hidden: mount, format, focal length, image stabilization. Show all
- Mount
- Nikon F both
- Format
- Full frame both
- Focal length
- 180mm both
- Image stabilization
- No both
Our notes
Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED
A manual-focus 180mm f/2.8 with ED glass, a built-in hood and a 72mm filter thread, introduced in 1981. It weighs about 880g and focuses to 1.8m.
Pros
- ED glass
- f/2.8 aperture
- Built-in hood
- Solid metal build
Cons
- Manual focus only
- Heavy at 880g
- Minimum focus of 1.8m
Our notes
Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO
More comparisons
Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro vs Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED
focuses closer vs ⅔ stop faster
Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro vs Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO
⅔ stop faster vs focuses closer
Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED vs Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di LD [IF] Macro 1:1
⅔ stop faster vs focuses closer
Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di LD [IF] Macro 1:1 vs Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO
⅔ stop faster vs focuses closer
Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED vs Sigma 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro
portraits vs stabilized
Nikon Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED AI-S vs Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5X Ultra Macro APO
1⅓ stops faster vs focuses closer