AstrHori AF 27mm f/2.8

The AstrHori AF 27mm f/2.8 is a very small autofocus prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras, sold for Sony E, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X. On APS-C it gives a field of view comparable to about 41 mm on full frame, which makes it a standard lens for street photography, travel and everyday snapshots. It should not be confused with the manual focus AstrHori 27mm f/2.8 II, which is a different lens.

Optical design

The optical layout is 6 elements in 5 groups. The aperture range is f/2.8 to f/16 and the angle of view is 55 degrees. According to AstrHori's product page the minimum focus distance is 0.3 m, although B&H lists 0.25 m in its specification table and 11.8 inches (30 cm) in the product text, so we use the manufacturer value. The filter thread is 39 mm.

Autofocus and handling

AstrHori describes an STM stepping motor with a leading screw, with support for eye and face detection. The aperture ring is declicked and has to be set to the A position when the camera should control the aperture. A USB-C port at the mount is used for firmware updates. The lens has no stabilization.

Build and size

The body is made of aluminum and the lens is sold in black and titanium finishes. For the Nikon Z version AstrHori gives about 165 g, 67 mm diameter and 43 mm length. B&H lists 167 g with the same dimensions for the Sony E version. We have no manufacturer figures for the Fujifilm X version.

Where it fits

There is no predecessor in our database. On Fujifilm X the obvious comparisons are the Fujifilm XF 27mm F2.8 at 78 g and the XF 27mm F2.8 R WR at 84 g, both from the first party. The Viltrox AF 27mm F1.2 Pro is a much larger and heavier alternative at 560 g to 605 g depending on the mount, with a very different aperture class. In the same class, the TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 is the closest rival with a similar focal length and weight.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very compact and light at about 165 g
• Autofocus with eye and face detection
• Declicked aperture ring and USB-C firmware updates
• Close focus of 0.3 m
• Available for three mounts in two colors

Cons

• Only f/2.8, so little background separation for an APS-C lens
• No built-in stabilization
• Conflicting retailer numbers for minimum focus distance
• Missing manufacturer data for the Fujifilm X version
• Aperture must be set to A before the camera can control it

Verdict

The AstrHori AF 27mm f/2.8 is a small, light normal lens that gives APS-C cameras a pocketable autofocus option. Its appeal is size and weight rather than aperture, and the data sheet shows a sensible set of features for its size. Anyone looking for a brighter lens on APS-C should compare faster 27 mm designs, while those who value compactness will find the numbers attractive.