Laowa Aksen series: first ever commercial 5-10x macro

The Aksen series fills a long-standing gap in the 1–10x Ultra Macro category, offering a compelling option for serious macro photographers and professional scientific users. 

The Laowa Aksen series of full-frame parfocal zoom ultra macro lenses comprises 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 available in both photo and cine variants. The series is available for purchase through Laowa’s official site and authorised resellers. 

The Aksen series is the first ever commercial 5-10x in the market and it fills a long-standing gap in the 1–10x Ultra Macro category, offering a compelling option for serious macro photographers, professional scientific users, and hobbyists who have long depended on high-cost, complicated DIY solutions. 

Beyond the 1–5x & 5–10x ultra-high magnification, the lens set distinguishes itself with its parfocal zoom design. Unlike traditional macro lenses, the Aksen maintains focus as the magnification ratio changes — no refocusing needed when zooming in or out. No more readjusting the entire setup, including camera position, working distance, and lighting placement. This avoids interrupting the workflow and reduces setup time.

The Aksen series maintains a fixed working distance of 40.35mm (1–5x) and 22.48mm (5–10x), while its internal zoom mechanism keeps the lens barrel completely stationary throughout the entire magnification range. No more extended barrel interrupting the flash diffusion setup — or potentially damaging the subject. 

Laowa notes that “the sophisticated APO design delivers exceptional optical performance. Since chromatic issues typically escalate at extreme magnification levels, the Aksen effectively eliminates fringing. Providing the unmatched clarity and sharpness that the creative community demands from their optical solutions.” 

The Aksen 5–10x features a coaxial block built directly into the lens — a technology traditionally reserved for machine vision, now made accessible to all photographers by Laowa. This optical configuration heightens contrast at the target’s edges and provides shadowless illumination, opening up a new dimension of creative lighting possibilities. It can be used on its own or combined with other techniques to create a truly unique piece of art. 

 The Aksen features a specially designed tripod collar (included in the Cine version, sold separately on the Photo version) that attaches directly to any Arca-Swiss compatible tripod. Via the 15mm rods, users can mount a variety of accessories — including a follow focus. All 5–10x lenses also include a Ø8mm Coaxial Light Adapter for secure and convenient coaxial light attachment.

The Aksen Ultra Macro Series will be available for purchase starting July 31, 2026, through the Laowa official website and authorised resellers. The photo versions costs $749 for both the 1-5X and 5-10X versions, while the Cine version – 1-5X and 5-10X – costs $1499. The Coaxial Light version costs $849 (Photo) and $1599 (Cine). The Photo bundle costs $1399 or $1499 for the Coaxial Light version, while the Cine bundle has a price of $2899 or $2999 for the Coaxial Light version.