Venus Optics · LAOWA Aksen Series
LAOWA Aksen 17.5 mm + 45 mm Ultra Macro APO – 2-lens set with coaxial lighting
Coaxial illumination built into the 17.5 mm lens
1× to 10× without a gap — plus light exactly where none can reach at ten times magnification.
🔬
1× – 10×
Continuous magnification
💡
Coaxial
Light through the optics
🔄
2 lenses
45 mm + 17.5 mm coaxial
✅
Same mount
Both lenses identical
Why buy as a set?
The Aksen 45mm covers one to five times magnification and the Aksen 17.5mm picks up seamlessly from five to ten times. Together they give a continuous range from 1× to 10× — no gap and no extension tubes. Finding the subject and capturing the detail happen with the same toolset, and because both lenses are parfocal, most of a setup carries through the whole session.
Coaxial lighting: the light follows the optics
The higher the magnification, the shorter the working distance — and the harder it becomes to get light between the front element and the subject. At ten times magnification the lens shades its own subject, and a flash placed to the side simply no longer reaches the relevant areas. This is exactly what the coaxial version addresses: light is coupled into the optical path via a beam splitter and emerges on practically the same axis the optics look along.
The result is completely shadow-free illumination. The difference is most obvious on reflective or metallic surfaces — circuit traces, solder joints, watch movement components, minerals: instead of harsh specular highlights and deep cast shadows you get even, flat illumination in which surface texture and material defects become visible. In industrial inspection and scientific documentation this is often the only practical lighting method.
Ideal for
⚙ Industrial inspection
Inspect circuit boards, solder joints and surfaces shadow-free.
🔬 Research & lab
Repeatable illumination across the whole magnification range.
💎 Minerals & watches
Reflective surfaces without distracting highlights.
📊 Focus stacking
Constant light across every slice of a sequence.
A note on availability
The set versions are built to order only. Please allow for lead time — we will confirm the expected delivery date once your order is received. Both lenses in the set are supplied in the same mount; select the mount you need above.
Manufacturer data from Venus Optics
Venus Optics officially offers both Aksen lenses as a 2-lens bundle and provides coaxial lighting exclusively for the 17.5mm 5–10X. The series holds a TIPA World Award and is listed by the manufacturer as the world’s first parfocal macro zoom and the first commercially available lens beyond 5x magnification.
Why coaxial lighting sits on the stronger lens is clear from the official data sheets: the 45mm f/2.8 1–5X works at 41.35 mm working distance (13 elements in 9 groups, 11 aperture blades, Ø56 mm front diameter, Ø70.2 × 121 mm, 599 g), while the 17.5mm f/1.7 5–10X has only 22.48 mm (17 elements in 12 groups, 11 aperture blades, Ø42 mm front diameter, Ø70.2 × 127.5 mm, 570 g). At barely two centimetres there is simply no room left for side lighting. The USB coaxial light is specified with an Ø8 mm light guide and a 3 W LED.
Together the two lenses cover 1X to 10X without a gap. Barrel diameter is an identical 70.2 mm on both, so a single tripod collar fits either one. The manufacturer also lists the Leofoto MP-180S macro focusing rail and the WeMacro electronic slider bundle as accessories.
Technical specifications
| Included lenses |
LAOWA Aksen 45mm f/2.8 1–5X Ultra Macro APO |
|
LAOWA Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5–10X Ultra Macro APO with coaxial lighting |
| Combined magnification |
1× to 10× without gaps |
| Lighting |
coaxial illumination integrated in the 17.5 mm lens |
| Focusing |
manual, parfocal |
| Set price |
1,849.– € (Arri PL: 3,649.– €) |
| Available mounts |
Sony FE, Canon RF, Canon EF, Nikon Z, Nikon F, Leica L, Fuji X, MFT, Arri PL |
| Note |
Sets are built to order only |
Compatible accessories
Tripod collar with 15 mm rods – transfers the weight directly to the tripod, relieves the camera bayonet and accepts follow focus units or lighting solutions (RRP 99,– €, included with the Cine versions).
Interchangeable bayonet mounts for the Arri PL version – available for Sony FE, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fuji X, MFT and L-Mount (RRP 65,– € each).
Why MJKZZ?
✓ Authorised dealer for LAOWA / Venus Optics lenses
✓ Personal advice on choosing the right mount version
✓ Fast shipping and inspected stock directly from Germany
Prices are RRP incl. VAT. Product images may differ from the actual item.
