Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P § 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P vs Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO
Nikon 45mm f/2.8 is 479 g lighter. Laowa 45mm f/2.8 focuses 41 cm closer.
The Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P is a 45mm 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 they trade blows, with 2 advantages each.
Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P 
Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P better than the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO?
- 479 g lighter (120 g vs 599 g)
- 60 mm shorter (61.5 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 Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P?
- Focuses 41 cm closer (0.04 m vs 0.45 m)
- More aperture blades (11 vs 7)
02
Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P has the edge: it is 479 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 | Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P | Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 45mm | 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 | 120 g (4.23 oz) ◆ | 599 g (21.13 oz) |
| Dimensions | 17 x 61.5 mm | 121 x 70.2 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.45 m (17.72 inches) | 0.04 m (1.57 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 11 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 4 elements / 3 groups | 13 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm | — |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F, Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, L-Mount |
| Released | — | 2026 |
| Price | — | $749 launch price |
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Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Venus
- 61.5 × 17 mm
- 121 × 70.2 mm
The Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO is 59 mm longer and 479 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P.
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P or the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO?
- The Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P weighs 120 g, 479 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO (599 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P 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 0.45 m for the Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P.
- Do the Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P 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 Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P or the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P has the edge: it is 479 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor MF 45 mm f/2.8 P or the Venus Optics LAOWA Aksen 45 mm f/2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO better for macro photography?
- 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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Other comparisons
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- Canon EF 40 mm f/2.8 STM 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