AstrHori 10mm f/8 II

Leica L-Mount

Review

The AstrHori 10mm f/8 II is an ultra-wide-angle lens designed specifically for the Leica L mount. This lens has gained attention for its compact size, affordability, and ability to deliver impressive image quality in various shooting conditions. Let's dive deeper into its characteristics to help you determine if it's the right lens for your photographic needs.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the AstrHori 10mm f/8 II strikes a balance between robustness and portability. With a primarily metal construction and a sleek profile, the lens feels solid in hand. Weighing only about 200 grams, it’s ideal for traveling photographers who value lightweight gear. Its compact design makes it easy to carry in a camera bag without bulking up your setup.

One of the most notable features of this lens is its manual focus design, which some photographers may find refreshing in an era dominated by autofocus. The focus ring is smooth and offers decent resistance, allowing for precise adjustments. However, the lack of autofocus may be a significant downside for those who prefer quicker adjustments and those shooting fast-moving subjects.

Image Quality

The 10mm focal length offers an expansive field of view, making this lens perfect for landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography. Surprisingly, the image quality is quite commendable considering the lens's budget price point. Users can expect sharp corners and excellent color rendition, with minimal chromatic aberration. The f/8 aperture yields a good level of sharpness throughout the frame, although some may find it a bit limiting in low-light scenarios.

Distortion is present, as one might expect with an ultra-wide lens, but it can be easily managed in post-processing. Overall, this lens manages to provide images that are both vibrant and detailed, making it a solid choice for wide-angle photography enthusiasts who are on a budget.

Usability

The manual focus and fixed f-stop may take some getting used to, especially for individuals accustomed to modern autofocus systems with variable apertures. The limited f/8 aperture can be challenging in lower light situations, requiring the use of higher ISO settings or longer exposure times. However, using this lens for its intended purpose—wide landscapes or expansive vistas during the day—will yield stellar results.

The lens features a 67mm front filter thread, which allows you to add filters easily, although finding creative filters suitable for ultra-wide lenses can sometimes be limiting.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design, perfect for travel.
• Good build quality with metal construction.
• Impressive image quality with sharp details and good color rendering.
• Great for landscapes and architecture.
• Affordable price point.

Cons

• Manual focus may not appeal to all users.
• Fixed f/8 aperture limits its performance in low light.
• Some distortion that may require correction in post-processing.

Verdict

In summary, the AstrHori 10mm f/8 II lens for Leica L mount is an excellent option for photographers looking for an affordable ultra-wide-angle lens with solid image quality and build. While its manual focus and fixed aperture can be drawbacks for some shooters, those who embrace its characteristics will find a versatile lens that excels in landscape and architectural photography. For anyone seeking to explore the world of ultra-wide shots without breaking the bank, the AstrHori 10mm f/8 II is definitely worth considering.