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

At its minimum focusing distance of 180 mm, the lens reaches 1:1 magnification, meaning the subject can be reproduced at life size on the camera sensor. The minimum working distance is 48.6 mm. This allows very small details, textures and surfaces to fill the frame while the relatively wide 63.4° angle of view can still retain visual context around the main subject.

The 35 mm focal length gives the ACRIS a different character compared with traditional macro lenses in the 90 to 105 mm range. A longer macro lens naturally narrows the background and separates a subject from its surroundings, while 35 mm can show the subject together with its environment.

This makes the lens useful for photographing subjects such as plants in their natural setting, food together with the surrounding table environment, product details, tools, mechanical components and other subjects where both close-up detail and context are important.

Move further away from the subject and the lens can also function as a general-purpose 35 mm prime for street photography, environmental portraits, documentary work and everyday photography.

The ACRIS can focus down to 180 mm and offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1. At maximum magnification, a subject measuring 10 mm can therefore be projected approximately 10 mm across the camera sensor.

The internal focusing construction means the physical length of the lens remains unchanged while focusing. This is particularly useful when working close to small subjects and also provides more predictable handling when the camera is mounted on a tripod or focusing rail.

The optical construction consists of 13 elements arranged in 10 groups and uses Laowa's apochromatic APO design. It is designed to reduce both longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration, helping minimise coloured fringes around high-contrast edges and fine details.

This is particularly relevant 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 visible.

The lens has an aperture range from f/2.8 to f/22. The f/2.8 maximum aperture provides flexibility when working in lower light and can also be used to separate a close subject from its background. Smaller apertures provide additional depth of field when more of a macro subject needs to remain sharp.

Laowa ACRIS 35mm f/2.8 1X Macro APO is available for several full-frame camera systems. The focusing system differs depending on the selected mount.

Sony E

Nikon Z

Canon EF

Canon RF

L-Mount

On the autofocus versions, standard autofocus operates from 0.5 m to infinity, making the lens practical for general photography as well as larger close-up subjects.

For distances closer than 0.5 m, the AF versions use Laowa's Macro Focus Assistance system. This provides precise focus adjustment through the macro range down to the maximum 1:1 reproduction ratio and is particularly useful when positioning the focus point carefully or producing a series of images for focus stacking.

The Canon RF and L-Mount versions use manual focusing throughout the complete focusing range.

The physical specifications also differ between versions. Autofocus models use a 72 mm filter thread and a 9-blade diaphragm, while the manual-focus versions use a 67 mm filter thread and a 13-blade diaphragm.

Macro photography often requires very small changes in focus position. The ACRIS is designed to provide precise control in the close focusing range, making it suitable for controlled studio work, product photography and focus stacking as well as outdoor macro photography.

A dedicated function and focus-assist button on the AF versions provides quicker access to focusing functions without having to navigate through camera menus.

The lens uses an all-metal exterior construction and features protection against dust and moisture. Combined with internal focusing, the construction is designed for both studio use and outdoor photography where changing weather and working conditions need to be considered.

Size and weight vary depending on the mount. The Canon EF version weighs approximately 530 g, the Sony E version approximately 560 g and the Nikon Z version approximately 570 g, excluding the lens hood and caps.

Laowa ACRIS 35mm f/2.8 1X Macro APO combines the detail of a true 1:1 macro lens with a 35 mm perspective that retains more of the environment around the subject. It can move from close-up details to general 35 mm photography without changing lenses, making it suitable for photographers working with products, food, nature, environmental macro, documentary photography and everyday subjects.

With APO optics, internal focusing, f/2.8 maximum aperture and versions for several major camera mounts, the ACRIS 35mm provides an alternative to the narrower perspective normally associated with full-frame macro lenses.