AstrHori 50mm f/2

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The AstrHori 50mm f/2 is a compact prime lens designed specifically for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras. This lens delivers remarkable performance with a versatile focal length that is ideal for various photography styles, ranging from portraiture to street photography. Its lightweight construction makes it highly portable, appealing especially to photographers on the go.

One of the standout features of the AstrHori 50mm f/2 is its sharpness. From wide open at f/2, the lens provides crisp and detailed images that maintain excellent resolution throughout the frame. By stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4, you’ll notice an increase in contrast and sharpness, making it great for landscape and architectural shots as well. The lens also offers pleasing bokeh due to its rounded aperture blades, adding a nice aesthetic to out-of-focus backgrounds.

Build quality is another strong point, with a metal housing that gives the lens a solid, professional feel. The focus ring operates smoothly and provides an intuitive feel for manual focusing. However, it’s worth noting that this is a manual focus lens and does not come with autofocus capabilities, which can be a drawback for those who prefer the convenience of auto-focus especially in fast-moving scenarios.

In terms of aberrations, the lens does a commendable job minimizing chromatic aberration and distortion, ensuring that your images remain clean and free from distracting optical issues. However, some users may encounter slight vignetting at its widest aperture, which could require correction in post-processing depending on the application.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sharp images with great detail
• Rounded aperture blades for beautiful bokeh
• Solid metal construction and smooth focus ring
• Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may not suit all users
• Some vignetting at f/2

Verdict

Overall, the AstrHori 50mm f/2 is an excellent addition to any Micro Four Thirds photographer's kit, especially for those who appreciate the artistry of manual focusing. Its sharp optics and solid build quality make it a reliable choice for a variety of shooting scenarios. While the lack of autofocus may deter some users, those willing to embrace the manual focus experience will find this lens truly rewarding.