AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe Lens vs AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro (2026): Key Differences
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You are comparing the astrhori 28mm f13 probe lens vs 18mm f8 aps c macro. Both lenses offer 2x magnification, built-in ring lights, and waterproof front sections for narrow-space shooting. They share a slender, detachable design with movie focusing gears. The main difference lies in their sensor format and mount compatibility. One targets full-frame L-mount systems, while the other is designed for APS-C Fuji X cameras. Each serves a specific camera ecosystem.
Key differences
| Aspect | AstrHori 28mm 2X Macro Probe Lens | AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Probe Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Format | Full Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Leica/Panasonic/Sigma L | Fuji X |
| Focal Length | 28mm | 18mm |
| Aperture Range | F13-F40 | F8-F28 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | not listed | about 0.05m |
Which one should you choose?
Choose AstrHori 28mm 2X Macro Probe Lens if
- You use a full-frame L-mount camera and need a 28mm perspective.
- You prefer a narrower aperture range starting at F13.
- You need compatibility with Leica, Panasonic, or Sigma L-mount bodies.
Choose AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Probe Lens if
- You shoot with an APS-C Fuji X camera.
- You want a wider 18mm focal length for more field of view.
- You need a specified minimum focusing distance of about 0.05m.
Verdict: Choose the 28mm probe lens if you shoot with full-frame L-mount cameras and prefer a 28mm field of view. Pick the 18mm probe lens if you use APS-C Fuji X bodies and want a wider angle. Both provide identical macro capabilities and lighting features for their respective mounts.
Probe Lens Specs Compared
Sensor Format
The AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe Lens is designed for full-frame cameras. It covers the larger sensor area without cropping the image circle. This makes it suitable for cameras like the Leica SL series or Panasonic S series. The AstrHori 18mm F8 Macro Probe Lens is built specifically for APS-C sensors. It projects an image circle that matches smaller sensors like those in Fujifilm X series cameras. Using the 18mm lens on a full-frame body would result in significant vignetting. You must choose the format that matches your camera body to get the correct coverage.
Focal Length
Focal length determines your field of view and working distance. The 28mm lens offers a wider perspective. This allows you to include more of the surrounding environment while maintaining close focus. It is helpful for miniature models or food photography where context matters. The 18mm lens provides an even wider angle. This is ideal for capturing insect wings or flower petals in tight spaces. The wider view helps integrate the subject with its background more aggressively. You will need to adjust your framing carefully with either lens, but the 18mm gives you more reach in confined areas.
Aperture Range
Aperture controls light intake and depth of field. The 28mm lens has a fixed aperture range from F13 to F40. This high f-number range ensures a deep depth of field, keeping more of the macro subject in focus. The 18mm lens ranges from F8 to F28. While F8 is wider, the maximum depth of field is still significant. The 28mm lens offers finer control at the higher end with F40. The 18mm lens starts wider at F8, allowing slightly more light in darker environments. Both lenses prioritize sharpness across the frame over shallow depth of field effects.
Mount Compatibility
Mount compatibility determines which camera bodies you can use. The 28mm lens is available for Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma L mounts. It works with cameras like the Leica T, TL, SL, Panasonic S1, and Sigma FP. The 18mm lens is listed for Fuji X mount. It fits Fujifilm X series cameras like the X-T4 or X-S10. Each lens is optimized for its specific mount ecosystem. You cannot swap mounts without an adapter, which may affect the probe functionality. Check your camera body mount type before purchasing to ensure direct compatibility.
Minimum Focusing Distance
Minimum focusing distance affects how close you can get to the subject. The 18mm lens specifies a minimum working distance of about 0.05 meters. This allows you to get extremely close to small details like jewelry or insect textures. The 28mm lens data does not list a specific minimum focusing distance value. However, it still achieves 2x magnification. The lack of a stated distance makes direct comparison difficult. You may need to rely on the 18mm lens for the closest possible approach to tiny subjects.
Which AstrHori Probe Lens Fits You
Full-frame L-mount users seeking wide macro
This 28mm lens covers full-frame sensors for Leica, Panasonic, or Sigma L-mount bodies. It offers a wider field of view than the 18mm option. The 2x magnification and 20cm waterproof front allow detailed shots in tight spaces. The built-in ring light provides adjustable illumination for dark environments like pipes or caves.
APS-C Fuji shooters wanting close working distance
Designed for Fuji X-mount APS-C cameras, this 18mm lens provides a closer minimum focusing distance of about 0.05m. The 2x magnification captures fine details on small subjects like insects or jewelry. The detachable design and waterproof front enable shooting in narrow gaps. The ring light offers ten brightness levels for consistent lighting.
Videographers needing follow focus compatibility
Both lenses feature movie focusing gears on the aperture and focus rings for smooth manual control. This 28mm full-frame option provides a wider angle for environmental macro shots. The slender, detachable body fits easily in tight spaces. The Type-C powered ring light ensures steady illumination during video recording in low-light or enclosed settings.
The products compared
AstrHori 28mm 2X Macro Probe Lens
Best for: Specialized macro work in tight or wet spaces
- Lens Mount
- Leica/Panasonic/Sigma L
- Focal Length
- 28mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F13-F40
- Sensor Format
- Full Frame
- Focus Type
- Manual Focus
- Lens Type
- Macro
View on Amazon: AstrHori 28mm 2X Macro Probe Lens Affiliate link
This AstrHori 28mm F13 probe lens is designed for full-frame L-mount cameras. It offers 2x macro magnification with a wide depth of field. The front 20cm section is waterproof with sapphire glass. A built-in ring light provides ten levels of brightness via a Type-C connection. Its slender body detaches for storage and fits into narrow spaces like animal caves or miniature models.
Pros
- 2x macro magnification for detailed close-ups
- Waterproof front with sapphire glass lens
- Built-in ring light with ten brightness levels
- Detachable design for narrow space shooting
Cons
- Fixed F13 to F40 aperture limits light intake
- 18-inch length restricts use in tight areas
- No mention of image stabilization in specs
Good fit if
- You need to shoot in confined spaces like pipes or caves
- You require waterproof macro capabilities for unique angles
- You use Leica, Panasonic, or Sigma L-mount bodies
Skip if
- You prefer standard wide-angle lenses for landscapes
- You need variable aperture for shallow depth of field
- You shoot with Canon RF or Sony E mount cameras
Verdict: AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe Lens L Mount suits photographers who need specialized macro access in tight or wet environments. It is ideal for L-mount users seeking unique angles rather than general-purpose shooting.
AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Probe Lens
Best for: tight space macro photography
- Lens Mount
- Fuji X
- Focal Length
- 18mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F8
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Minimum Focusing Distance
- about 0.05m
- Lens Type
- Macro
View on Amazon: AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Probe Lens Affiliate link
This AstrHori 18mm F8 lens is a dedicated APS-C macro probe lens for Fuji X mounts. It offers 2x magnification and a minimum focusing distance of 0.05m. The design includes a built-in ten-level ring light and waterproofing for the front 20cm. You can detach the lens body into two sections for narrow spaces. It supports movie focusing gears for follow focus operations.
Pros
- 18mm focal length with 2x magnification ratio
- Built-in ten-level adjustable ring fill light
- Front 20cm section is waterproof
- Detachable lens body for narrow spaces
- Movie focusing gear compatible rings
Cons
- Fixed F8 minimum aperture limits low-light performance
- APS-C format limits full-frame compatibility
- 18-inch length requires adequate workspace
Good fit if
- You need extreme close-ups of small subjects
- You shoot in tight or dark spaces
- You use Fuji X mount mirrorless cameras
Skip if
- You require full-frame sensor support
- You need variable aperture control
- You prefer compact travel lenses
Verdict: AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Lens is a specialized tool for Fuji X users who need high magnification in confined areas. It suits macro photographers who value integrated lighting and waterproofing over aperture versatility.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | AstrHori 28mm 2X Macro Probe Lens | AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Probe Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Leica/Panasonic/Sigma L | Fuji X |
| Focal Length | 28mm | 18mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F13-F40 | F8 |
| Sensor Format | Full Frame | APS-C |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus | not stated |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | not stated | about 0.05m |
| Lens Type | Macro | Macro |
| Dimensions | 18 × 2.36 × 2.36 inches | 18 × 2.36 × 2.36 inches |
| Size | for Leica/Panasonic/Sigma L | for Fuji X |
| Color | Direct View | Direct-view |
| Model | 2813-LPSL | WDJT-18F8-FX |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe Lens on a Sony E-mount camera?
No, this lens is not compatible with Sony E-mount bodies. The product data specifies that the AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe Lens is designed for Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma L-mount systems. You must use a camera with an L-mount interface to attach this lens directly.
Is the AstrHori 18mm F8 lens compatible with full-frame cameras?
No, the AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro lens is built for APS-C sensors only. It is specifically designed for Fujifilm X-mount bodies. Using it on a full-frame camera would likely result in significant vignetting or black corners around the image because the image circle is smaller than the sensor.
What is the length of the AstrHori probe lenses?
Both the 28mm and 18mm AstrHori probe lenses have a length of 18 inches. This extended length allows you to reach into tight spaces, such as inside flowers or small crevices, while keeping your camera body and hands safely outside the shooting area.
Do these lenses have autofocus capability?
These lenses do not feature autofocus. Both the AstrHori 28mm F13 and the 18mm F8 models rely on manual focusing. They include movie focusing gears to help you adjust focus smoothly by hand, but there is no motorized autofocus mechanism listed in the specifications.
Which mount should I choose for my Fujifilm X-T5?
You should choose the AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro lens. This model is explicitly designed for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, which includes the X-T5. The 28mm F13 model is for L-mount cameras and will not physically attach to your Fujifilm body.
Are the AstrHori probe lenses waterproof?
Yes, both lenses feature waterproof front sections. This design allows you to shoot in wet environments or submerge the front element slightly in water. The waterproofing applies to the probe section, protecting your lens while you capture macro shots in damp or submerged conditions.