Venus Optics Unveils Parfocal Ultra Macro Lenses for Filmmakers and Photographers
On July 31, 2026, Venus Optics introduced the Aksen Ultra Macro Series, featuring two innovative parfocal zoom lenses. The series includes a 45mm f/2.8 lens offering 1–5x magnification and a groundbreaking 17.5mm f/1.7 lens that achieves 5–10x magnification, the first of its kind available. Both lenses maintain focus during zoom and possess fixed working distances. The 45mm lens consists of 13 elements in 9 groups, weighs 599g, and retails for $749 or $1,499 for cinema use, while the 17.5mm lens has 17 elements in 12 groups, weighs 570g, and is priced similarly. Various mounts are available for compatibility.
Key facts
- Venus Optics announced the Aksen Ultra Macro Series on July 31, 2026.
- The series includes two parfocal zoom lenses: 45mm f/2.8 1–5x and 17.5mm f/1.7 5–10x.
- The 17.5mm lens is the first 5-10x ultra macro lens on the market.
- Both lenses maintain focus during zoom and have fixed working distances.
- The 45mm lens has 13 elements in 9 groups, weighs 599g, and costs $749 (photo) or $1,499 (cinema).
- The 17.5mm lens has 17 elements in 12 groups, weighs 570g, and costs the same as the 45mm.
- The 5–10x lens includes a coaxial block for shadowless illumination.
- Available mounts include Arri PL, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Leica L, Canon EF, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds.
Entities
Institutions
- Venus Optics
- Laowa
- PetaPixel