7artisans vs AstrHori: Mirrorless Lens Compared by Specs
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This 7artisans vs AstrHori mirrorless lens comparison focuses on two very different tools. Both brands offer manual focus optics for mirrorless systems, but they serve distinct purposes. The 7artisans option is a fisheye lens designed for ultra-wide creative shots. The AstrHori unit is a specialized probe lens built for macro photography in tight spaces. You need to decide if you want extreme wide-angle views or detailed close-ups.
Key differences
| Aspect | 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II Fisheye Lens | AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Type | Fisheye | Macro Probe |
| Sensor Format | APS-C | Full Frame |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/13 |
| Focal Length | 7.5mm | 28mm |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Canon RF |
Which one should you choose?
Choose 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II Fisheye Lens if
- You shoot with a Nikon Z camera and want a 190-degree viewing angle.
- You need a wider aperture for low-light situations or star photography.
- You prefer a compact lens for general ultra-wide scenic or underwater shots.
Choose AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens if
- You use a Canon RF camera and require full-frame compatibility.
- You need 2x magnification for detailed macro work in narrow spaces.
- You want built-in lighting and waterproof capabilities for special environments.
Verdict: The 7artisans lens suits you if you want a traditional ultra-wide fisheye look for landscapes or creative angles. The AstrHori probe lens is the better choice for specialized macro work where you need to reach into tight spaces. Your camera mount and specific shooting goals will determine the right tool.
Fisheye Versus Macro Probe Lens
Sensor format
The 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II is designed specifically for APS-C sensor cameras. This means it projects an image circle that covers the smaller sensor area, resulting in a cropped field of view. In contrast, the AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens is built for Full Frame sensors. It projects a larger image circle to cover the entire sensor surface. If you use a Full Frame body with the 7artisans lens, you will encounter significant black vignetting. Conversely, the AstrHori lens will work on APS-C bodies with a crop factor, but it is optimized for the larger format. Your camera body sensor size dictates which lens is physically compatible without cropping issues.
Lens type
These lenses serve completely different creative purposes. The 7artisans unit is a Fisheye lens. It provides an extreme 190-degree viewing angle, creating a distorted, spherical perspective ideal for creative wide-angle shots or VR panoramas. The AstrHori unit is a Specialty Macro Probe lens. It offers 2x magnification, allowing you to capture extreme close-up details of small subjects. The AstrHori design includes a detachable front section to fit into narrow spaces, such as animal caves or miniature models. The 7artisans lens cannot perform macro work, and the AstrHori lens cannot capture ultra-wide environmental scenes. You must choose based on whether you need distortion or extreme magnification.
Maximum aperture
Aperture controls the amount of light entering the lens and affects depth of field. The 7artisans 7.5mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This is a relatively large opening, allowing more light to hit the sensor, which helps in low-light situations or allows for faster shutter speeds. The AstrHori 28mm lens lists a maximum aperture of F13. This is a very small opening, meaning it lets in significantly less light. You will need more light or higher ISO settings with the AstrHori lens. The 7artisans lens has a clear advantage in low-light performance due to its wider aperture range.
Build features
The AstrHori lens includes several unique physical features not found on the 7artisans model. It has a waterproof front section made of sapphire glass, allowing it to go 20cm deep in water. It also features a built-in ten-level adjustable ring fill light powered by a Type-C interface. The 7artisans lens lacks these specialized features. It is a standard optical design with ED lenses to reduce color aberration. The AstrHori lens is also designed to detach into two sections for portability and includes movie focusing gears. The 7artisans lens is a fixed, single-piece construction. The AstrHori offers more versatility for special environments.
Dimensions and weight
Physical size and weight affect how you carry and use the lens. The 7artisans 7.5mm lens is compact, measuring 2.4 inches in length and weighing 1.26 pounds. It is a small, handheld optic. The AstrHori 28mm lens is much longer, measuring approximately 18 inches in length when assembled. It is significantly more elongated due to its probe design. While the weight of the AstrHori lens is not explicitly listed, its length makes it bulkier to handle. The 7artisans lens is easier to carry and mount on smaller mirrorless bodies without a heavy balance. The 7artisans lens is more portable for general travel.
Which lens fits your specific needs
APS-C owners seeking ultra-wide fisheye effects
You need a 190-degree viewing angle for creative wide shots. This 7.5mm manual lens covers APS-C sensors and features a large f/2.8 aperture. It helps shorten exposure times in low light while maintaining image quality. The optical structure includes ED lenses to reduce color difference at the edges, making it ideal for landscapes or artistic distortion.
Full-frame users needing high-magnification macro capabilities
You require 2x magnification to capture fine details on full-frame cameras. This specialized probe lens offers a 28mm focal length with a narrow aperture range of f/13 to f/40. It includes a built-in ten-level adjustable ring fill light and waterproof sapphire glass front. The design allows shooting in narrow spaces like animal caves or miniature models with a larger depth of field.
Photographers exploring unique macro and probe techniques
You want to shoot in tight or dark environments without disturbing the subject. This lens features a detachable body for portability and a waterproof front section. The integrated Type-C powered fill light provides essential illumination for pipes, gaps, or small objects. Its unique structure maintains a working distance, allowing you to integrate subjects with their environment while capturing detailed macro images.
The products compared
7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II Fisheye Lens
Best for: APS-C Nikon Z users needing ultra-wide angles
- Lens Mount
- Nikon Z
- Focal Length
- 7.5mm
- Maximum Aperture
- f/2.8
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Manual
- Lens Type
- Fisheye
View on Amazon: 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II Fisheye Lens Affiliate link
This 7artisans fisheye lens offers a 190-degree viewing angle and a large f/2.8 maximum aperture for APS-C sensors. It uses a manual focus mechanism with an 11-element optical structure including ED glass to reduce color aberration. The lens weighs 1.26 pounds and measures 2.4 inches in length. It is designed for Nikon Z mount cameras, providing a creative ultra-wide perspective for landscape and VR photography.
Pros
- 190-degree super wide-angle viewing angle
- f/2.8 large aperture for low light
- ED glass elements reduce color aberration
- Manual focus for precise control
Cons
- Manual focus only, no autofocus motor
- APS-C sensor format limits full-frame use
- 1.26 pounds weight is bulky for small cameras
Good fit if
- You shoot with an APS-C Nikon Z camera
- You want a 190-degree ultra-wide perspective
- You prefer manual focus for creative control
Skip if
- You use a full-frame Nikon Z camera
- You require autofocus for fast action
- You need a lightweight compact lens
Verdict: 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens for Nikon Z is a solid choice for APS-C users seeking extreme wide-angle shots with manual control.
AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens
Best for: confined space macro photography
- Lens Mount
- Canon RF
- Focal Length
- 28mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F13
- Sensor Format
- Full Frame
- Lens Type
- Macro
- Dimensions
- 18 × 2.36 × 2.36 inches
View on Amazon: AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens Affiliate link
This AstrHori lens is a 28mm full-frame macro tool for Canon RF cameras. It reaches 2x magnification with a minimum aperture of f/13. The design splits into two sections for storage. A built-in 5W ring light offers ten brightness levels. The front 20cm is waterproof with sapphire glass. It fits in narrow spaces like animal caves or model sets.
Pros
- 2x macro magnification for detailed close-ups
- Built-in 5W ring fill light with ten levels
- Waterproof front element made of sapphire glass
- Detachable two-section design for portability
Cons
- Minimum aperture is only f/13
- Length extends to 18 inches when assembled
- Maximum aperture is not wider than f/1.3
Good fit if
- You need to shoot in tight spaces like pipes or caves
- You require waterproof capabilities for close-up work
- You want adjustable lighting integrated into the lens
Skip if
- You need a standard maximum aperture for low light
- You prefer a compact single-piece lens design
- You shoot with Sony E or Nikon Z mounts
Verdict: AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens is a specialized tool for photographers who need to explore confined or wet environments. It suits those prioritizing macro detail and built-in illumination over traditional aperture flexibility.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II Fisheye Lens | AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Canon RF |
| Focal Length | 7.5mm | 28mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | F13 |
| Sensor Format | APS-C | Full Frame |
| Focus Type | Manual | not stated |
| Aperture | f/2.8 | not stated |
| Lens Type | Fisheye | Macro |
| Dimensions | 2.4 × 2.49 × 2.49 inches | 18 × 2.36 × 2.36 inches |
| Weight | 1.26 pounds | not stated |
| Size | For Nikon Z Mount | for Canon RF |
| Color | Version Ⅱ | Direct View |
| Model | 7artisans 7528-3 | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between these two lenses?
One is a fisheye lens and the other is a macro probe lens. The 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II creates ultra-wide, distorted images for creative shots. The AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens is a specialized tool for capturing extreme close-ups in confined spaces. They serve completely different photographic needs.
Which lens is better for APS-C cameras?
The 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II is designed for APS-C sensor cameras. It features a Nikon Z mount, making it compatible with Nikon Z50 or Z30 bodies. The AstrHori lens is built for full-frame sensors and uses a Canon RF mount, so it will not work correctly on APS-C bodies.
Can I use the AstrHori lens for general photography?
No, the AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens is a specialized macro tool. It is designed for exploring confined or wet environments with built-in illumination. Its 18-inch length and probe design make it impractical for standard photography. It prioritizes macro detail over traditional aperture flexibility and general use.
How heavy is the 7artisans fisheye lens?
The 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II weighs 1.26 pounds. It measures 2.49 inches in width and height, with a length of 2.4 inches. This compact size makes it portable for travel photography while still providing a large f/2.8 aperture for low-light performance on APS-C sensors.
What mount does the AstrHori probe lens use?
The AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens uses a Canon RF mount. It is designed specifically for Canon mirrorless cameras that support full-frame sensors. The Direct View version allows you to see the subject directly without a screen, which is useful for macro work in tight spaces.
Which lens has a wider aperture?
The 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Mark II has an f/2.8 aperture. The AstrHori lens is described with an F1.3 designation in its name, but it is a probe lens with a fixed setup for macro work. For standard aperture flexibility, the 7artisans unit offers a traditional f/2.8 opening for light control.