Laowa ACRIS 35mm f/2.8 1X Macro APO Canon EF

35mm macro and everyday photography

The Laowa ACRIS 35mm f/2.8 1X Macro APO is a full-frame macro lens for Canon EF cameras. At its minimum focusing distance of 180mm, it achieves 1:1 magnification, reproducing a subject at life size on the camera sensor. The minimum working distance is 48.6mm. Its relatively wide 63.4° angle of view captures fine details, textures and surfaces while retaining visual context around the subject.

Compared with traditional 90–105mm macro lenses, the 35mm focal length includes more of the surroundings in the frame. It is suited to photographing plants in their natural environment, food with its table setting, product details, tools, mechanical components and other subjects where both close-up detail and context matter. At greater distances, it 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 across the camera sensor.

Its internal focusing design keeps the lens’s physical length unchanged during focusing. This is useful when working close to small subjects and provides predictable operation when the camera is mounted 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 designed 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 metallic reflections, small highlights, fine textures and transitions between in-focus and out-of-focus areas can make chromatic aberration more visible.

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 close subject from its background. Smaller apertures provide greater depth of field when more of a larger macro subject needs to remain in focus.

Canon EF autofocus version

This Canon EF version features autofocus for standard focusing from 0.5m to infinity, making it suitable for general photography and close-ups of larger subjects. At distances closer than 0.5m, it uses Laowa’s macro focus assistance system for precise adjustment throughout the macro range, up to 1:1 magnification. This is useful for positioning the focus point carefully and for capturing image sequences for focus stacking.

The autofocus versions include a function button and focus-assistance button for quicker access to focus functions without navigating the camera menus. Autofocus models have a 72mm filter thread and a 9-blade aperture diaphragm.

Precision close-up operation and construction

The ACRIS is designed for precise control at close focusing distances, where even small changes in focus position matter. It is suited to controlled studio work, product photography, focus stacking and outdoor macro photography.

The lens has a full-metal body and protection against dust and moisture. Combined with internal focusing, this construction is intended for both studio use and outdoor photography in changing conditions. Dimensions and weight vary by mount; the Canon EF version weighs approximately 530g, excluding the lens hood and caps.

Key features

• Full-frame 35mm macro lens for Canon EF
• True 1:1 maximum magnification
• 180mm minimum focusing distance
• f/2.8 maximum aperture
• APO optical design to reduce chromatic aberration
• Internal focusing design
• Autofocus with macro focus assistance
• 72mm filter thread and 9-blade aperture diaphragm
• 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