Laowa’s Tiny 200mm f/2 and 180mm f/4.5 Macro Lenses Pack Big Features

At IBC 2025, John Aldred spoke with a representative from Laowa to showcase some of their latest and most interesting lenses. You’ll discover a range of creative choices, such as improved probe lenses, a surprisingly compact 200mm f/2 lens with autofocus, and a hybrid autofocus macro lens. Laowa appears to be expanding the possibilities for photographers like you with Laowa’s Tiny 200mm f/2 and 180mm f/4.5 Macro Lenses.

The Return of the Probe Lens, with a Twist

You might know about Laowa’s well-known 24mm f/14 Probe Lens. It’s that unusual macro lens that can fit into tight spaces. Now, they’ve made some improvements. John and Jimmy discussed two new Probe Zoom Lenses: one is a 15-24mm with a T8 aperture, and the other is a 15-35mm with a T12. I think it’s great to have the choice between a wider zoom range or a larger aperture.

Jimmy mentioned that these lenses offer more than just the usual features. They provide different viewing angles, such as a direct view, a 90-degree angle, a 45-degree angle, and even a periscope-like option. He showed how the periscope model works, which he says allows you to get very low to the ground for some creative shots. John felt that this lens could really change the way we capture subjects from new perspectives.

A Tiny 200mm f/2 Lens

John was excited to discuss another lens, and Jimmy delivered. He showed off a new 200mm f/2 lens, and I was surprised by how small and portable it is. For a 200mm f/2, it’s quite compact. This will definitely make things easier for you when shooting on location.

Jimmy mentioned that the lens will be compatible with E-mount, Z-mount, and RF-mount. For E and Z mounts, you can use a 43mm filter at the back or a larger 105mm filter at the front if you prefer. The best part is that Jimmy said this new 200mm f/2 lens will have autofocus. That’s great news since most lenses like this typically only offer manual focus from Laowa.

An Autofocus Macro You’ve Never Seen Before

John inquired about a new autofocus lens, and Jimmy shared that it’s a hybrid model. It can autofocus from 1.5 meters all the way to infinity, but for close-up macro photography, you’ll need to switch to manual focus. Jimmy mentioned that this lens is a great choice for anyone looking for both a regular lens and a macro lens without too much trouble.

Jimmy also pointed out that the lens is compact and has an impressive magnification ratio of 1.5:1, which is better than the usual 1:1. This means you can get closer to your subject and capture more detail. He mentioned that the autofocus version will work with E, Z, and RF mounts, while the manual focus versions will be compatible with Canon RF and L-mount.

Pricing and Availability

Jimmy noted that Laowa’s Tiny 200mm f/2 and 180mm f/4.5 Macro Lenses aren’t available on the market yet, but he expects them to be available “next week.” Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra-Macro APO Lens price will be $499, which seems quite reasonable for such a versatile lens. It looks like Laowa is aiming to provide options that are both innovative and affordable.

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