AstrHori 10mm f/8 II

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The AstrHori 10mm f/8 II is a unique wide-angle lens designed specifically for the Micro Four Thirds mount. This lens stands out due to its ultrawide perspective, making it an excellent choice for landscape photography, architectural shots, and even creative videography where you want to maximize your field of view.

One of the first things you will notice about the AstrHori 10mm f/8 II is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just a few hundred grams, this lens is an ideal companion for travel and street photography, allowing for easy handling without burdening your camera bag. The lens construction feels robust, and it has a solid feel in hand, which gives you confidence when using it in various situations.

The f/8 aperture provides a good depth of field, which is advantageous for capturing tack-sharp images from the foreground to the background. The lens exhibits impressive performance in terms of sharpness, particularly at the center of the frame. Distortion is minimal, which is often a concern with ultrawide lenses, making the AstrHori 10mm f/8 II a reliable performer for architectural and nature scenes where straight lines matter.

However, there are limitations to be aware of. The fixed f/8 aperture means that you won’t have much versatility with exposure settings, especially in low-light conditions. Its performance starts to drop off a little in terms of corner sharpness and contrast compared to the center of the frame. Additionally, there is no autofocus, which might deter those who are accustomed to relying on AF systems. Instead, you will need to focus manually, which could slow you down if you're not used to it.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design ideal for travel
• Good sharpness in the center of the frame
• Minimal distortion, suitable for architecture and landscapes
• Affordable pricing for budget-conscious users

Cons

• Fixed f/8 aperture limits versatility in low light
• Manual focus may slow down certain shooting scenarios
• Corner sharpness could be improved

Verdict

In conclusion, the AstrHori 10mm f/8 II offers a compelling choice for Micro Four Thirds users looking for an ultrawide lens that is both affordable and portable. While the fixed aperture and potential corner sharpness issues are noteworthy, the overall image quality, minimal distortion, and ease of transport make it an appealing option for enthusiasts and professionals alike. If you can embrace the manual focus and the constraints of the f/8 aperture, this lens could very well enhance your creative toolbox.