AstrHori 28mm f/13 90° 2x Macro Probe

Canon EF

Review

The AstrHori 28mm f/13 90° 2x Macro Probe is a unique lens designed for Canon EF mounts, primarily focusing on those photographers who seek to delve deep into the world of macro photography. With its innovative design, this lens opens up a plethora of creative opportunities for capturing minute details in both the natural world and the realm of product photography.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you notice about the AstrHori 28mm Macro Probe is its distinctive long and slender design, resembling a probe. This allows for an exceptional working distance, making it incredibly easy to capture small subjects without disturbing them. The build quality is robust, feeling solid in hand, yet it remains relatively lightweight, making it suitable for prolonged use.

The lens features a durable aluminum body and a matte black finish that beautifully reduces the risk of glare during shoots. While the overall construction feels premium, the nature of the probe design may require careful handling to avoid bending or damaging the lens.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the AstrHori 28mm f/13 is commendable. It offers a maximum 2x magnification, which is quite impressive for a macro lens. The sharpness is exceptional across the frame, even at its maximum aperture of f/13, allowing for crisp details in the images. Additionally, the lens exhibits minimal chromatic aberration and barrel distortion, providing clean and professional results.

However, it is worth noting that since this lens is designed for macro photography, the depth of field can be quite shallow depending on your distance from the subject. Therefore, precise focusing is paramount when shooting close-up, and it may take some practice to achieve the desired results.

Usability

In terms of usability, the AstrHori 28mm Macro Probe lens is straightforward yet may require a learning curve for those new to macro photography. The lens lacks autofocus, which means you will be relying heavily on manual focus. While this can be a hurdle, it also gives photographers the opportunity to hone their focusing skills and to achieve a level of control that autofocus may not allow.

The lens also features a built-in LED ring light, which is a fantastic addition for illuminating small subjects in low-light conditions or when you're very close to the subject. This feature can significantly enhance your ability to capture details that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique probe design allows for a great working distance.
• Excellent sharpness and minimal optical aberrations.
• Built-in LED ring light for enhanced close-up shooting.
• Lightweight and solid construction.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may be challenging for some users.
• Requires careful handling due to the long design.
• Limited to macro photography, making it less versatile for general use.

Verdict

Overall, the AstrHori 28mm f/13 90° 2x Macro Probe is a fantastic lens for those dedicated to exploring macro photography. Its unique design and optical performance make it a valuable addition to the toolkit of any serious photographer. While it may not be the best choice for those looking for a versatile all-purpose lens, its specialized features and capabilities truly shine in close-up scenarios. If you're ready to embrace the world of macro with careful practice and patience, this lens can help you achieve stunning results.