AstrHori 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye

Leica L-Mount

Review

The AstrHori 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye lens for the Leica L mount is an exciting addition for those looking to explore the world of wide-angle photography. With its ultra-wide focal length and a distinctive fisheye effect, this lens opens up a multitude of creative possibilities for both landscapes and architectural shots. Let’s delve into the key features of this lens, along with its strengths and weaknesses.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of the AstrHori 12mm f/2.8 is impressive for its price point. The lens features a robust metal construction that feels durable yet lightweight, making it easier to handle during long shooting sessions. Its compact design, combined with a relatively small size, makes it ideal for travel and outdoor photography. Additionally, the smooth focus ring provides a satisfying tactile feel, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, this fisheye lens is capable of delivering strikingly sharp images across the frame. At f/2.8, it does exceptionally well for low-light situations while maintaining detail. The lens's distortion is inherent due to its fisheye nature, providing a unique, spherical perspective perfect for creative endeavors. Even when shooting at wide-open apertures, the images retain a good level of sharpness, although some vignetting may be observed in the corners.

Usability and Autofocus

One aspect to note is that the AstrHori 12mm f/2.8 is a manual focus lens, which can be a pro or con depending on the preference of the photographer. Manual focusing allows for precise adjustments, particularly in creative shooting scenarios, but may pose a challenge for those who rely heavily on autofocus. As with most fisheye lenses, getting the right focus requires some practice, especially in dynamic environments.

Light and Handling

The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.18m, allowing for interesting close-up shots that amplify the bulging perspective common in fisheye photography. However, given its ultra-wide nature, care must be taken with composition to avoid distortion that may detract from your subject.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a durable metal construction
• Striking sharpness and good performance at f/2.8
• Unique perspective ideal for creative photography
• Compact and lightweight design, great for travel
• Close minimum focus distance for interesting compositions

Cons

• Manual focus may be off-putting for some users
• Potential for vignetting in the corners
• Distortion inherent to fisheye lenses may not appeal to all photographers

Verdict

The AstrHori 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye lens for Leica L mount is a compelling choice for photographers looking to explore the creative possibilities of the fisheye perspective. Its solid build, impressive optical performance, and compact design make it a fantastic option for those who appreciate a hands-on approach to focusing. However, the manual focus nature may limit its appeal to photographers who prefer the convenience of autofocus. Overall, if you’re willing to embrace the quirks of fisheye photography, this lens is bound to enhance your creative journey.