The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro and the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM is the longer of the two lenses at 187mm. The LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro with a length of 134mm, is 53mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM also has a larger diameter of 83mm compared to the LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro's 68mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro weighs 521g, which means it is 569g (52%) lighter than the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM which has a weight of 1090g.
Filter Threads
The LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM:
Lens Mounts
The LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro is also available in the Sony E , Nikon Z and Leica L mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
180mm but while LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro has the fastest aperture of
F4.5, the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM's widest aperture value is
F3.5.
