5 Best AstrHori Mirrorless Lens with Sony E-Mount, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need to capture macro details in dark spaces AstrHori 28mm f/13 2X Macro Probe Lens Its waterproof design and built-in light allow shooting in narrow, dark environments.
• You want a budget option for APS-C macro work AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Probe Lens This lens provides 2x macro reach and manual control for tight spaces.
• You seek a premium full-frame lens for tight spaces AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe Lens It offers 2X macro capability with a long 18.5-inch length for reach.
• You desire unique circular fisheye creative effects AstrHori 6mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens for Sony E-Mount The 220-degree circular view delivers distinct artistic distortion for full-frame cameras.
• You need a wide-angle lens for night sky shots AstrHori 9mm F2.8 APS-C Manual Lens Its bright f/2.8 aperture and 111.4-degree view suit APS-C night photography.

Our 5 picks

1 Best overall

AstrHori 28mm f/13 2X Macro Probe Lens

Best for: Macro photography in narrow, dark spaces

Lens Mount

Sony E-Mount (what this guide is about)

Focal Length

28mm

Maximum Aperture

F13-F40

Sensor Format

Full Frame

Focus Type

Manual Focus

Lens Type

Macro

View on Amazon: AstrHori 28mm f/13 2X Macro Probe Lens Affiliate link

This AstrHori 28mm F13 lens is a full-frame macro probe lens designed for Sony E-Mount cameras. It features a 2x magnification ratio and a built-in ten-level adjustable ring light. The lens body is slender, measuring 2.36 inches in width, and can detach into two sections for storage. The front 20cm is waterproof with sapphire glass. It suits photographers who need to shoot in narrow spaces like animal caves or miniature models.

Pros

• 2x macro magnification for detailed close-ups
• Built-in ten-level adjustable ring fill light
• Waterproof front section with sapphire glass
• Detachable design for portable storage

Cons

• Fixed F13 aperture limits low-light performance
• Manual focus only with no autofocus motor
• Requires external power via USB-C for the light

Good fit if

• You need to shoot in tight spaces like pipes or caves
• You require macro details with a wide depth of field
• You want a waterproof lens for special environments

Skip if

• You need autofocus for fast-moving subjects
• You prefer a standard lens with variable aperture
• You want a compact lens without a built-in light

Verdict: AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe Lens is ideal for photographers who need to capture macro details in narrow, dark spaces. Its waterproof design and built-in light make it a specialized tool for unique shooting scenarios.

2 Also great

AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Probe Lens

Best for: APS-C macro photography in tight spaces

Lens Mount

Sony E-Mount (what this guide is about)

Focal Length

18mm

Maximum Aperture

f/8

Sensor Format

APS-C

Focus Type

Manual Focus

Minimum Focusing Distance

0.05m

View on Amazon: AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Probe Lens Affiliate link

This AstrHori lens is an 18mm manual focus macro lens for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras. It offers 2x magnification with an F8 base aperture. The slender probe design detaches for narrow spaces. A built-in ten-level ring light and waterproof front section aid in detailed macro work. It suits photographers needing close-up detail in tight or dark environments.

Pros

• 18mm focal length with 2x magnification ratio
• Detachable slender body for narrow spaces
• Built-in ten-level adjustable ring fill light
• Waterproof front section for special environments

Cons

• Fixed F8 base aperture limits low-light capability
• APS-C sensor format only
• Manual focus with no autofocus motor

Good fit if

• You need 2x macro magnification on APS-C bodies
• You shoot in tight or dark spaces
• You require a detachable lens design

Skip if

• You shoot with full-frame cameras
• You need autofocus capability
• You require a variable aperture lens

Verdict: AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C Macro Probe Lens is a specialized tool for APS-C users needing 2x macro reach in tight spaces. It fits those who prioritize manual control and built-in lighting over speed.

3 Best premium

AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe Lens

Best for: Specialized macro work in tight spaces

Lens Mount

Sony E-Mount (what this guide is about)

Focal Length

28mm

Maximum Aperture

f/13

Sensor Format

Full-Frame

Dimensions

18.5 × 1.18 × 1.18 inches

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

This is a 28mm manual focus lens designed for full-frame Sony E-Mount cameras. It features a unique probe design with a 18.5-inch length, allowing you to reach tight spaces. The lens provides 2X macro magnification and includes a built-in corner light. It is ideal for users who need specialized macro capabilities in confined areas.

Pros

• 2X macro magnification for close-up detail
• Built-in corner light for illumination
• 18.5-inch probe length for tight spaces
• Full-frame sensor compatibility

Cons

• Extremely long 18.5-inch length limits portability
• Fixed 28mm focal length reduces versatility
• Manual focus only with no autofocus motor

Good fit if

• You need to photograph subjects in confined spaces
• You require 2X macro magnification on a full-frame camera
• You want a dedicated tool for specialized macro work

Skip if

• You prefer compact lenses for everyday carry
• You need autofocus for fast-moving subjects
• You want a versatile standard zoom lens

Verdict: AstrHori 28mm F13 Probe Lens is a specialized tool for photographers who need to reach into tight spaces with 2X macro capability. It fits users who prioritize reach and illumination over portability and versatility.

4 Best fisheye

AstrHori 6mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens for Sony E-Mount

Best for: circular fisheye creative effects

Lens Mount

Sony E-Mount (what this guide is about)

Focal Length

6mm

Maximum Aperture

F2.8

Sensor Format

Full Frame

Focus Type

Manual Focus

Minimum Focusing Distance

0.08m

View on Amazon: AstrHori 6mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens for Sony E-Mount Affiliate link

This AstrHori lens is a manual focus fisheye designed for Sony E-Mount full-frame cameras. It offers a 220-degree circular diagonal viewing angle and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The metal body weighs 330 grams and measures 2.1 inches in length. You can focus as close as 0.08 meters. This lens suits creators who want exaggerated barrel distortion and creative effects for portraits or night scenes.

Pros

• 220-degree circular diagonal viewing angle
• f/2.8 maximum aperture for low light
• 0.08m closest focusing distance
• Full metal body construction

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Circular image format, not full-frame coverage
• Requires manual camera settings for compatibility

Good fit if

• You want a circular fisheye effect
• You shoot in low light with f/2.8
• You need close focusing for small objects

Skip if

• You need autofocus capability
• You require full-frame coverage without black corners
• You prefer automatic aperture control

Verdict: AstrHori 6mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens for Sony E-Mount delivers a unique 220-degree circular view for creative distortion. It fits photographers who prioritize manual control and specific artistic effects over convenience.

5 Best budget

AstrHori 9mm F2.8 APS-C Manual Lens

Best for: night sky and wide-angle portrait photography

Lens Mount

Sony E-Mount (what this guide is about)

Focal Length

9mm

Maximum Aperture

F2.8

Sensor Format

APS-C

Focus Type

Manual Focus

Minimum Focusing Distance

20cm

View on Amazon: AstrHori 9mm F2.8 APS-C Manual Lens Affiliate link

The AstrHori 9mm F2.8 is an APS-C manual lens for Sony E-Mount cameras. It offers a 111.4° ultra-wide angle of view and a large f/2.8 aperture for low-light starry sky photography. The 20cm minimum focusing distance allows for creative portraits. Its compact body measures 2.46 by 2.46 by 2.41 inches. This lens suits photographers seeking wide-angle creativity and retro styling.

Pros

• 111.4° ultra-wide angle of view
• f/2.8 large aperture for low light
• 20cm minimum focusing distance
• 7-blade aperture creates 14-point starbursts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• APS-C sensor format only
• No image stabilization listed

Good fit if

• You shoot night skies or architecture
• You want creative wide-angle portraits
• You prefer compact manual lenses

Skip if

• You need autofocus
• You shoot full-frame cameras
• You require built-in stabilization

Verdict: AstrHori 9mm F2.8 APS-C Lens delivers a wide 111.4° view and bright f/2.8 aperture for night and portrait work. It fits Sony E-Mount APS-C users who value manual control and compact design.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right one

1. Match sensor format

   Check your camera sensor before buying. The AstrHori 18mm F8 lens is designed specifically for APS-C sensors. Using it on a full-frame body may cause vignetting. Conversely, the 28mm F13 probe lens works with full-frame cameras. This ensures the image circle covers your entire sensor without dark corners. Selecting the correct format preserves image quality and prevents unwanted cropping or blur at the edges of your photos. Always verify your camera type first.

2. Consider probe length

   Probe lenses offer unique reach for tight spaces. The AstrHori 28mm f/13 2X Macro Probe Lens extends to 18 inches. This length helps you reach into narrow, dark areas for macro shots. The 18mm F8 APS-C version shares this 18-inch length. However, the standard 28mm F13 probe is slightly longer at 18.5 inches. Longer lenses provide more reach but are less portable. Choose based on how much space you need to penetrate for your specific subject matter.

3. Evaluate aperture needs

   Aperture controls light intake and depth of field. The AstrHori 9mm F2.8 APS-C lens features a bright f/2.8 aperture. This wide opening allows more light, making it suitable for night sky photography. It also helps isolate subjects in portraits. The probe lenses have much smaller apertures like f/8 and f/13. These restrict light but provide greater depth of field for macro work. Decide if you need low-light performance or detailed macro focus for your primary shooting style.

4. Check field of view

   Field of view determines how much scene you capture. The AstrHori 6mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens offers a 220-degree circular view. This creates extreme distortion for creative effects. The 9mm F2.8 lens provides a 111.4-degree wide angle. This is better for standard wide shots without heavy distortion. The probe lenses have fixed focal lengths of 18mm or 28mm. Choose the fisheye for artistic experimentation or the wide-angle for landscapes and interiors.

5. Verify manual focus

   Most AstrHori lenses require manual focus. The 6mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens and the 9mm F2.8 APS-C lens rely on manual control. This gives you precise focus adjustment but requires practice. The probe lenses also lack autofocus. You must adjust focus manually for macro shots. If you prefer automatic focusing, these lenses may not suit your workflow. Practice manual focusing techniques to ensure sharp images, especially when using the longer probe lenses in challenging conditions.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best AstrHori mirrorless lens with nikon z mount
• best AstrHori mirrorless lens with Canon RF Mount
• best camera lens with sony e
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