Laowa Aksen Ultra Macro Lens Series Released – 1-5x and 5-10x Magnification, Parfocal Zoom, Optional Coaxial Light

Lens News

by Alexandra ThompsonAugust 3^rd, 2026

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Laowa has introduced the Aksen series, a full-frame parfocal zoom ultra macro lens lineup consisting of the Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO and the Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO, each offered in photo and cine variants. The lenses keep focus locked while you change magnification, maintain a fixed working distance, and feature a fully internal zoom mechanism; the 5-10x is additionally available with a built-in coaxial light block.

According to Laowa, the Aksen series fills a long-standing gap in the 1-10x ultra macro category, where serious macro photographers, professional scientific users, and hobbyists have so far depended on high-cost, complicated DIY solutions. The company also positions the 17.5mm as the first commercially available 5-10x lens on the market. Laowa is no stranger to extreme close-up optics, of course: the Probe Zoom series and the 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO are recent examples we covered here on CineD.

A parfocal zoom that holds focus at extreme magnification

The defining feature of the Aksen series is its parfocal zoom design. Unlike traditional macro lenses, the Aksen maintains focus as the magnification ratio changes, so there is no refocusing when zooming in or out. In practice, this means no more readjusting the entire setup, including camera position, working distance, and lighting placement, which avoids interrupting the workflow and reduces setup time.

Both lenses also keep a fixed working distance throughout the magnification range: 40.35mm (1.59in) on the 1-5x and 22.48mm (0.89in) on the 5-10x. The internal zoom mechanism keeps the lens barrel completely stationary across the entire range, so there is no extending barrel to disturb a flash diffusion setup or, worse, touch and damage the subject.

APO design against fringing

Chromatic aberration becomes increasingly visible at extreme magnification, so both lenses use an apochromatic (APO) optical design intended to reduce color fringing. According to Laowa, the design also helps maintain clarity and sharpness across the magnification range.

That optical engineering has already earned recognition: the series, previously named “Axon”, won the Best Ultra Macro Lens category at the TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) World Awards.

Optional coaxial light block on the 5-10x

The Aksen 17.5mm 5-10x can be ordered with a coaxial light block built directly into the lens, a technology traditionally used in machine vision systems. The configuration can increase edge contrast and provide more even, shadow-reduced illumination. An external coaxial light source connects via the included Ø8mm adapter, opening up another lighting option at magnifications where conventional setups can be difficult to position.

Accessories

The Aksen lenses come with a specially designed tripod collar that attaches directly to any Arca-Swiss compatible tripod. Via 15mm rods, users can mount a variety of accessories, including a follow focus. All 5-10x lenses additionally include a Ø8mm coaxial light adapter for secure attachment of a coaxial light source.

Price and availability

The Aksen series is now available through the Laowa website and authorized resellers. The photo versions of the 45mm 1-5x and the 17.5mm 5-10x cost $749, each, while the 5-10x with the built-in coaxial light block is priced at $849. The cine versions come in at $1,499 per lens, or $1,599 for the 5-10x coaxial light variant.

Both lenses can also be purchased as a set: the photo bundle costs $1,399, or $1,499 with the coaxial light version of the 5-10x. The cine bundle is priced at $2,899, rising to $2,999 for the coaxial light configuration.

For more information on the Aksen series, please see the Venus Optics website. Information on the cine version can be found here.

Would a parfocal zoom change your macro workflow? Let us know in the comments below!