Looking Beyond the AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How these alternatives compare

ZEISS Touit 2.8/12 Wide-Angle Lens

The ZEISS Touit 12mm F2.8 is a wide-angle lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, not a macro probe. It offers a much wider field of view at 12mm compared to the AstrHori’s 28mm fixed focal length. This lens is larger and heavier, measuring 3.39 inches in length and weighing 9.52 ounces, whereas the AstrHori probe is extremely long but narrow. You should choose this if you need general wide-angle coverage rather than specialized close-up work in tight spaces. The ZEISS lens provides consistent optical quality for landscapes or architecture, sacrificing the unique probe design that allows the AstrHori to reach into confined areas. It is a standard interchangeable lens, not a specialty macro tool.

Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS

The Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS is a dedicated macro lens for Sony E-mount cameras. It features a 90mm focal length and a wider F2.8 aperture, allowing for more light and subject isolation than the AstrHori’s F13. This lens includes optical stabilization, which the fixed AstrHori probe lacks. It is significantly more compact, measuring 5.16 inches in length and weighing 1.33 pounds, compared to the AstrHori’s 18.5-inch length. Choose this if you prioritize image sharpness, autofocus speed, and versatility for high-quality macro photography on a full-frame Sony camera. It gives up the ability to physically extend into tight spaces but offers superior ergonomics and general-purpose macro performance.

AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens

This AstrHori 28mm F13 probe is designed for Canon RF-mount cameras, offering the same specialized macro capabilities as the original but for a different lens mount. It shares the 28mm focal length and narrow F13 aperture, making it suitable for static subjects in narrow environments. The dimensions are similar, with a length of 18 inches and a width of 2.36 inches. You should pick this version if you use a Canon RF-mount system instead of Fujifilm X-mount. It provides the same unique ability to reach into tight spaces for macro shots. The primary difference is the mount compatibility, ensuring it fits your specific camera body while maintaining the specialized probe design for confined area photography.

Viltrox 135mm F1.8 Telephoto Prime Lens

The Viltrox 135mm F1.8 is a telephoto prime lens for Sony E-mount cameras, designed for portrait and low-light photography. It features a much wider F1.8 aperture compared to the AstrHori’s F13, allowing for significantly more light intake and shallower depth of field. This lens has autofocus, whereas the AstrHori probe is manual focus only. It is more compact, measuring 5.7 inches in length and weighing less than the long probe. Choose this if you need fast focusing and bright aperture for portraits or low-light scenes. It gives up the specialized macro probe design entirely but offers excellent telephoto performance and sharpness for Sony users who prioritize speed and aperture brightness over close-up macro capabilities.

Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 FE Lens

The Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 FE is another telephoto prime lens for Sony E-mount, similar to the previous entry but with slight dimensional differences. It offers an F1.8 aperture and autofocus, contrasting sharply with the AstrHori’s F13 aperture and manual focus. This lens is designed for portrait photography with shallow depth of field and fast focusing. It measures 5.73 inches in length and is significantly shorter and lighter than the 18.5-inch AstrHori probe. Select this if you want sharp images with minimal aberration for portraits on a Sony camera. It sacrifices the unique macro probe form factor for standard telephoto versatility, making it better for general photography rather than specialized tight-space macro work.

Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB Lens

The Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE is a prime lens for Sony E-mount cameras, emphasizing fast autofocus and sharp detail. It features an F1.8 aperture, which is much wider than the AstrHori’s F13, providing better low-light performance and subject isolation. This lens is manual or autofocus capable (listed as autofocus in specs) and is more portable, measuring 5.75 inches in length. It is ideal for photographers who prioritize speed and aperture over the compact size of the probe. Choose this if you need a reliable telephoto lens for portraits or low-light scenes on Sony E-mount. It gives up the specialized macro probe design but delivers excellent optical performance and faster operation for general photography needs.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens

Best for: specialized macro photography in tight spaces

Lens Mount

Fuji X Mount

Focal Length

28mm

Maximum Aperture

F13

Sensor Format

Full Frame

Dimensions

18.5 × 1.18 × 1.18 inches

View on Amazon: AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens Affiliate link

The AstrHori 28mm F13 Micro Probe Lens is a specialty macro tool designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. It features a fixed 28mm focal length and a narrow F13 maximum aperture. The lens includes a built-in corner light for illumination. It is available for Fuji X, Nikon Z, and Sony E mounts. Its long 18.5-inch length allows for close-up shots in confined spaces.

Pros

• 2X macro magnification for detailed close-ups
• Built-in corner light for better illumination
• Compatible with Fuji X, Nikon Z, and Sony E mounts
• Full-frame sensor format support

Cons

• Fixed F13 aperture limits low-light performance
• 18.5-inch length reduces portability
• 28mm focal length is fixed and not versatile

Good fit if

• You need extreme close-up macro shots
• You work in confined spaces
• You require built-in lighting for macro work

Skip if

• You need a versatile zoom lens
• You shoot in low-light environments
• You prefer portable gear

Verdict: The AstrHori 28mm F13 Micro Probe Lens is ideal for photographers who need specialized macro capabilities in tight spaces. Its fixed focal length and narrow aperture make it unsuitable for general use.

2 Also great

ZEISS Touit 2.8/12 Wide-Angle Lens

Best for: Fujifilm X-Mount wide-angle photography

Lens Mount

Fujifilm X-Mount

Focus Type

Autofocus

Color

Black

Dimensions

3.39 × 3.46 × 3.46 inches

Weight

9.52 ounces

View on Amazon: ZEISS Touit 2.8/12 Wide-Angle Lens Affiliate link

The ZEISS Touit 2.8/12 is a wide-angle lens for Fujifilm X-Mount mirrorless cameras. It features a fixed focal length of 12mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The lens uses T anti-reflective coating to reduce stray light and improve contrast. Aspherical and floating element designs help minimize optical aberrations. It weighs 9.52 ounces and measures 3.39 inches in length. This lens suits photographers who need sharp, high-contrast wide-angle shots.

Pros

• T anti-reflective coating on all optical surfaces
• Aspherical lens design reduces spherical aberration
• Floating elements minimize optical aberrations
• Robust and smooth-running autofocus mechanism

Cons

• Limited to Fujifilm X-Mount cameras only
• Fixed 12mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility
• Heavier than some compact prime lenses at 9.52 ounces

Good fit if

• You use a Fujifilm X-Mount mirrorless camera
• You need a sharp, wide-angle perspective for landscapes
• You prioritize high contrast and color saturation in your images

Skip if

• You shoot with Sony E-Mount or other systems
• You require a zoom lens for variable framing
• You need a lightweight lens for travel

Verdict: ZEISS Touit 12mm F2.8 Wide-Angle Lens delivers consistent imaging performance for Fujifilm users. It fits photographers who value optical quality and wide-angle coverage over versatility.

3 Best premium

Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS

Best for: High-quality macro photography on Sony E-mount

Lens Mount

E-mount

Focal Length

90 mm

Maximum Aperture

F2.8

Sensor Format

35mm full-frame

Focus Type

Manual/auto focus, DDSSM

Image Stabilization

Optical Steady Shot

View on Amazon: Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS Affiliate link

This is a 90mm macro lens for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras. It offers 1.0x magnification and a bright F2.8 maximum aperture. Optical Steady Shot helps with handheld shooting. The lens uses Direct Drive SSM for quiet focusing. It is built with dust and moisture resistance. This lens suits photographers who need high detail and sharpness in close-up work.

Pros

• 1.0x maximum magnification ratio for true life-size macro shots
• Optical Steady Shot image stabilization for handheld use
• Direct Drive SSM motor for quiet and precise focusing
• 9-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh
• Dust and moisture resistant design

Cons

• Heavier at 1.33 pounds compared to standard primes
• Longer 5.16-inch length makes it less pocketable
• Fixed focal length limits versatility for general shooting

Good fit if

• You need 1.0x magnification for detailed macro photography
• You shoot handheld and require optical stabilization
• You use Sony E-mount full-frame cameras

Skip if

• You prefer lightweight gear for travel
• You need a zoom lens for varied framing
• You shoot in bright light where stabilization is unnecessary

Verdict: Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS Lens delivers sharp macro performance with stabilization. It fits photographers who prioritize image quality and close-up detail over compact size.

4 Best budget

AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens

Best for: narrow 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

The AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens is a full-frame macro lens for Canon RF mounts. It offers 2x magnification with a fixed F13 aperture. The design includes a detachable body for portability and a waterproof front section. A built-in ten-level ring fill light aids in dark spaces. It suits photographers needing access to narrow areas like model sets or animal caves.

Pros

• 2x macro magnification for detailed close-ups
• Waterproof front section made of sapphire glass
• Built-in ten-level adjustable ring fill light
• Detachable body for compact storage
• Movie focusing gear on aperture and focus rings

Cons

• Fixed F13 minimum aperture limits low-light use
• 18-inch length requires careful handling in tight spaces
• No autofocus capability for quick adjustments

Good fit if

• You need to shoot inside narrow gaps or animal caves
• You want to capture macro details in miniature models
• You require a waterproof lens for specific environment shots

Skip if

• You need autofocus for fast-moving subjects
• You prefer a compact lens without a long probe
• You require a wider aperture for low-light scenes

Verdict: AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens for Canon RF fits photographers who need to reach into tight spaces for macro shots. It is ideal for static subjects in narrow environments where standard lenses cannot go.

5 Also great

Viltrox 135mm F1.8 Telephoto Prime Lens

Best for: Sony E-mount portrait and low-light photography

Lens Mount

Sony E

Focal Length

135mm

Maximum Aperture

f/1.8

Sensor Format

Full-Frame

Focus Type

Autofocus HyperVCM

Minimum Focusing Distance

0.72m

View on Amazon: Viltrox 135mm F1.8 Telephoto Prime Lens Affiliate link

This is a full-frame telephoto lens for Sony E-mount cameras. It features a 135mm focal length and a bright F1.8 maximum aperture. The optical design includes 14 elements in 9 groups with 4 ED elements to reduce chromatic aberration. It uses a Quad Hyper VCM motor for fast autofocus. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.72m. It includes an LCD display and weather sealing. It suits portrait and low-light shooters who need reach.

Pros

• F1.8 maximum aperture for low light and bokeh
• Quad Hyper VCM motor for precise autofocus
• LCD display shows aperture and distance
• Weather-sealed metal body construction
• 14 elements in 9 groups with 4 ED lenses

Cons

• Heavier build with 5.7 inches length
• No image stabilization listed in specs
• Sony E-mount only

Good fit if

• You shoot portraits needing background separation
• You use Sony E-mount full-frame bodies
• You need fast autofocus for moving subjects

Skip if

• You require native Canon RF or Nikon Z mounts
• You need a lightweight travel lens under 1kg
• You prefer manual focus only lenses

Verdict: Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE Lens delivers sharp telephoto performance for Sony users. It fits photographers who prioritize autofocus speed and aperture brightness over compact size.

6 Also great

Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 FE Lens

Best for: Portrait photography on Sony E-mount

Lens Mount

Sony E

Focal Length

135mm

Maximum Aperture

F1.8

Sensor Format

Full-Frame

Focus Type

Autofocus (VCM)

Dimensions

5.73 × 3.66 × 3.66 inches

View on Amazon: Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 FE Lens Affiliate link

The Viltrox 135mm F1.8 is a full-frame prime lens for Sony E-mount cameras. It features a fixed 135mm focal length and a wide F1.8 maximum aperture. The lens uses a Voice Coil Motor for fast autofocus. It includes Extra-Low Dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberration. The internal focusing design keeps the lens length stable. This lens suits portrait photographers who need subject isolation.

Pros

• F1.8 maximum aperture for strong background blur
• 135mm focal length ideal for portraits
• Voice Coil Motor autofocus system
• Internal focusing design improves durability

Cons

• Fixed 135mm focal length limits versatility
• Only available for Sony E-mount cameras
• Lacks image stabilization in the provided data

Good fit if

• You shoot portraits and need background separation
• You use Sony E-mount full-frame cameras
• You prefer fast autofocus for video

Skip if

• You need a zoom lens for varied framing
• You shoot with Nikon or Canon cameras
• You require built-in image stabilization

Verdict: The Viltrox 135mm F1.8 FE Lens fits portrait photographers using Sony E-mount systems who prioritize shallow depth of field and fast focusing. It delivers sharp images with minimal aberration.

7 Best prime

Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB Lens

Best for: Sony E-mount portrait and low-light photography

Lens Mount

Sony E-Mount

Focal Length

135mm

Maximum Aperture

f/1.8

Sensor Format

Full Frame

Focus Type

Autofocus HyperVCM

Minimum Focusing Distance

0.72m

View on Amazon: Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB Lens Affiliate link

This Viltrox lens is a full-frame telephoto prime designed for Sony E-mount cameras. It features a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture and an autofocus system using HyperVCM technology. The optical design includes a dual floating focus mechanism, allowing a minimum focusing distance of 0.72m with 0.25x magnification. It offers precise focusing speed and high resolution for detailed images. This lens suits photographers seeking a fast mid-telephoto option for portraits or low-light work.

Pros

• f/1.8 maximum aperture for shallow depth of field
• HyperVCM motor for 150% faster focusing speed
• Dual floating focus design for close-up resolution
• Professional control system with Fn buttons and ring

Cons

• Limited to Sony E-mount cameras only
• Heavier and bulkier build than standard kit lenses
• No image stabilization listed in specifications

Good fit if

• You shoot portraits or subjects at a distance
• You need fast autofocus for moving subjects
• You use Sony E-mount full-frame cameras

Skip if

• You use Canon or Nikon cameras
• You require built-in image stabilization
• You need a compact travel lens

Verdict: Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 FE Lens delivers fast autofocus and sharp detail for Sony E-mount users. It fits photographers who prioritize speed and aperture over portability.

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