Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM § 03 Head to head
Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM vs Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO
Canon 40mm f/2.8 has a wider field of view. Laowa 45mm f/2.8 has a longer reach.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM is a 40mm f/2.8 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO is a 45mm f/2.8 prime. On paper the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM 
Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM better than the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO?
- Wider field of view (40mm vs 45mm)
- 469 g lighter (130 g vs 599 g)
- 98 mm shorter (22.8 mm vs 121 mm long)
Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO better than the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM?
- Longer reach (45mm vs 40mm)
- Focuses 26 cm closer (0.04 m vs 0.3 m)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- More aperture blades (11 vs 7)
- Newer design (2026 vs 2012)
02
Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM has the edge: it is 469 g lighter to carry.
- travel For travel, the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM has the edge: it is 469 g lighter to carry.
- macro For macro photography, the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.04 m.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM | Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 40mm | 45mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/11 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 130 g (4.59 oz) ◆ | 599 g (21.13 oz) |
| Dimensions | 68.2 x 22.8 mm | 121 x 70.2 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.30 m (11.81 inches) | 0.04 m (1.57 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 11 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 6 elements / 4 groups | 13 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm | — |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F, Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, L-Mount |
| Released | 2012 | 2026 |
| Price | — | $749 launch price |
04
Size
- A · Canon
- B · Venus
- 22.8 × 68.2 mm
- 121 × 70.2 mm
The Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO is 98 mm longer and 469 g heavier than the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM.
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Sample frames
Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM or the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO?
- The Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM weighs 130 g, 469 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (599 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM or the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO?
- The Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO focuses down to 0.04 m, against 0.3 m for the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM.
- Do the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM and the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM or the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM has the edge: it is 469 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM or the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO better for travel?
- For travel, the Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM has the edge: it is 469 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
- Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary vs Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO
- Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P vs Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO
- Canon TS-E 45 mm f/2.8 vs Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO
- Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH. M.O.I.S. vs Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO