Laowa ACRIS 35mm f/2.8 1X Macro APO Nikon Z

Laowa ACRIS 35mm f/2.8 1X Macro APO

Designed for full-frame Nikon Z cameras, this 35mm macro lens combines true 1:1 magnification with a relatively wide 63.4° angle of view. At its minimum focusing distance of 180mm, it can reproduce a subject at life size on the camera sensor. The minimum working distance is 48.6mm, allowing close-up images of fine details, textures and surfaces while retaining more of the surrounding scene than a conventional longer-focal-length macro lens.

35mm macro and everyday photography

Unlike traditional 90–105mm macro lenses, the 35mm focal length can show a subject in its environment rather than isolating it against a tightly compressed background. It is suited to photographing plants in their natural surroundings, food with its table setting, product details, tools, mechanical components and other subjects where both close-up detail and context matter.

When focused farther away, the lens can also serve as a general-purpose 35mm prime for street photography, environmental portraits, documentary work and everyday photography.

True 1:1 macro reproduction

The lens focuses as close as 180mm and provides a maximum magnification ratio of 1:1. At maximum magnification, a 10mm subject is projected approximately 10mm wide across the camera sensor.

Its internal focusing design keeps the lens’s physical length unchanged while focusing. This is useful when working close to small subjects and provides predictable operation on a tripod or focusing rail.

APO optical design

The optical construction comprises 13 elements in 10 groups and uses Laowa’s apochromatic APO design. It is intended to reduce both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration, helping minimise colour fringing around high-contrast edges and fine details.

This is particularly useful in macro photography, where reflections from metal, small highlights, fine textures and transitions between in-focus and out-of-focus areas can make chromatic aberration more noticeable.

The aperture range is f/2.8 to f/22. The maximum f/2.8 aperture offers flexibility in low light and can help separate a nearby subject from its background. Stopping down provides greater depth of field when more of a larger macro subject needs to remain sharp.

Nikon Z autofocus version

This Nikon Z version features autofocus for general photography and close-up work. Standard autofocus operates from 0.5m to infinity. At distances closer than 0.5m, Laowa’s macro focus assistance system enables precise focusing throughout the macro range, up to the maximum 1:1 magnification. It is useful for positioning the focus point carefully and for capturing image sequences for focus stacking.

The autofocus version includes a dedicated function and focus-assistance button for quicker access to focus functions without navigating the camera menu. Autofocus and physical specifications vary between mount versions: autofocus models are also available for Sony E and Canon EF, while Canon RF and L-Mount versions use manual focus throughout the focusing range.

Construction and specifications

The lens has a full-metal body, dust and moisture protection, and internal focusing. Its construction is intended for both studio work and outdoor photography in changing conditions. Autofocus models have a 72mm filter thread and a 9-blade aperture diaphragm; manual-focus versions have a 67mm filter thread and a 13-blade diaphragm.

The Nikon Z version weighs approximately 570g, excluding the lens hood and caps. Dimensions and weight vary by mount.

Key features

• Full-frame 35mm macro lens for Nikon Z
• True 1:1 maximum magnification
• 180mm minimum focusing distance
• 48.6mm minimum working distance
• 63.4° angle of view
• Maximum aperture of f/2.8; aperture range f/2.8–f/22
• APO optical design to reduce chromatic aberration
• Internal focusing
• Autofocus with macro focus assistance
• Full-metal construction with dust and moisture protection

In the box

• Laowa ACRIS 35mm f/2.8 1X Macro APO
• Lens hood
• Front lens cap
• Rear lens cap