AstrHori 18mm f/8 (APS-C) 90° Macro Probe

Sony E

Review

The AstrHori 18mm f/8 (APS-C) 90° Macro Probe lens for Sony E is an extraordinary tool designed specifically for photographers who want a unique perspective on macro photography. With a wide 90-degree field of view and a minimum focusing distance that allows you to get exceptionally close to your subjects, this lens opens up new creative avenues for capturing intricate details that are often overlooked.

Build Quality and Design

This lens sports a robust construction that's both durable and lightweight, making it easy to handle for extended periods. The elongated design not only looks striking but also serves a functional purpose, allowing you to get into tight spaces without disturbing your subject. With a sleek, matte black finish, it has a professional appearance that suits various shooting environments.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the AstrHori 18mm f/8 is one of its standout features. It boasts impressive sharpness across the frame, even at f/8, which is quite remarkable for a macro lens. Colors are rendered beautifully, and the contrast is maintained well, providing an overall pleasing image quality. The unique probe design allows for a shallow depth of field at close distances, which can produce beautiful background blur, thereby isolating your subject.

Usability

While the lens excels in many areas, it has a steep learning curve. The fixed aperture of f/8 can limit your creativity in lower-light situations, restricting both your shutter speed and ISO choices. Additionally, focusing can be quite challenging, especially at such close distances, and may require practice to perfect. The lack of image stabilization may also be a concern for users who are accustomed to such features in other lenses.

Macro Capabilities

The true beauty of the AstrHori lens shines when used as a macro lens. The 90° field of view coupled with its extreme close-focusing capabilities allows photographers to capture fascinating and detailed images of insects, flowers, and various other small subjects in ways that few other lenses can achieve. The lens does not include a focus ring; instead, it requires you to move the camera in and out for focusing, which encourages you to engage more creatively with your subjects.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional optical performance with sharpness and contrast.
• Unique 90° field of view ideal for macro photography.
• Lightweight and durable design, easy to handle.
• Excellent close-focusing capabilities.

Cons

• Fixed aperture of f/8 may be limiting in low light.
• Challenging focusing method that may require practice.
• No image stabilization, which may be a drawback for some users.

Verdict

Overall, the AstrHori 18mm f/8 (APS-C) 90° Macro Probe lens for Sony E is a fantastic option for photographers looking to explore the world of macro photography. Its unique design and exceptional optical quality make it stand out, and while it poses some usability challenges, the creative possibilities it offers are well worth the effort. If you are willing to invest the time to master its quirks, this lens can greatly enhance your macro photography journey.