AstrHori 18mm f/8 Macro Probe

Sony E

Review

The AstrHori 18mm f/8 Macro Probe lens for Sony E mount is a unique addition to the world of macro photography, offering both versatility and creativity. Its design is particularly intriguing, featuring a slender, elongated barrel that allows photographers to capture macro shots in ways that traditional lenses cannot. This lens is perfect for those who love to explore intricate details in the natural world, as well as for creative shoots where a unique perspective can make all the difference.

One of the main highlights of the AstrHori 18mm f/8 Macro Probe is its impressive close-focusing capability. It can achieve a remarkable minimum focusing distance of just 2 centimeters, allowing users to get incredibly close to their subjects while still maintaining sharp details. This feature is especially beneficial for capturing the fine textures and colors found in insects, flowers, and other small objects. The lens also sports an ultra-wide angle of view, which helps in including more context in macro shots, something that is often missing with traditional macro lenses.

Additionally, the lens boasts a constant f/8 aperture, which while limiting in low-light scenarios, can be beneficial for achieving a greater depth of field, especially when shooting close-ups. This can result in beautifully rendered images that maintain sharpness across the frame. The lens also features a built-in LED ring light, which can illuminate subjects, making it an excellent tool for photographing in darker environments or when details are hard to see.

On the downside, the f/8 aperture may not be suitable for all shooting conditions, especially for those who prefer to work with a wider aperture for more control over depth of field and bokeh. Furthermore, the lens's fixed aperture means that it does not provide the flexibility photographers might desire to adjust exposure settings as you would with a variable aperture lens.

The design of the lens, while innovative, also has its limitations. Its length may make it unwieldy to handle on a standard tripod or in tight spaces, which can be a disadvantage for those used to more traditional macro lenses that offer more compact designs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional close-focusing ability (2 cm minimum focusing distance).
• Unique perspectives with an ultra-wide 18mm field of view.
• Built-in LED ring light for low-light situations.
• Greater depth of field at f/8, leading to sharp images across the frame.

Cons

• Fixed f/8 aperture might be limiting for low-light situations.
• Lengthy design can be cumbersome to handle.
• Lack of flexibility in exposure settings due to a constant aperture.

Verdict

The AstrHori 18mm f/8 Macro Probe for Sony E mount is a creative tool that stands out in the macro photography realm. It is particularly well-suited for photographers looking to explore close-up details while adding a unique touch to their work. While it does have its limitations in terms of aperture flexibility and handling, its innovative features and excellent close-focusing capability make it a worthy lens for enthusiasts and professionals alike who are eager to experiment with macro photography.