Laowa has unveiled the Aksen 1-5X & 5-10X Ultra Macro Series, a new line of full-frame parfocal zoom lenses designed for ultra-macro photography and cinematography. The series includes two models: the Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1–5x Ultra Macro APO and the Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5–10x Ultra Macro APO. Both lenses maintain focus across their zoom range, a key feature for creators needing consistent focus during macro shoots.

Each lens is offered in both photo and cine variants, catering to still photographers and video creators alike. The cine versions are available with PL mount, making them compatible with professional cinema cameras commonly used in indie and commercial productions. This dual-format approach reflects Laowa’s strategy to serve hybrid creators who work across stills and motion.

The APO (apochromatic) designation indicates reduced chromatic aberration, promising sharper images with better color fidelity — critical for detailed macro work where optical flaws are magnified. While specific pricing and release dates were not detailed in the source, the announcement positions the series as a specialized tool for creators pushing the boundaries of close-up imaging.

By combining parfocal zoom capability with extreme magnification ranges in a full-frame format, Laowa addresses a niche but growing demand among macro photographers and cinematographers seeking precision and flexibility without sacrificing image quality. The launch underscores the brand’s continued focus on innovative, creator-driven optics.