VILTROX vs AstrHori: Mirrorless Lens Compared by Specs
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
In this VILTROX vs AstrHori mirrorless camera lense comparison, you see two very different tools for full-frame systems. Both lenses support autofocus on their respective mounts. The VILTROX is a standard 85mm portrait lens with a bright f/1.8 aperture. The AstrHori is a 28mm specialty probe lens designed for macro work in tight spaces. It features a unique extendable design, waterproof front, and built-in lighting. You choose based on whether you need traditional portrait capabilities or specialized close-up access.
Key differences
| Aspect | Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens | AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Type | Standard portrait lens | Specialty probe macro lens |
| Focal Length | 85mm | 28mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/13 |
| Mount Compatibility | Sony E Mount | Canon RF Mount |
| Special Features | Metal body, lotus hood | Waterproof front, built-in fill light, 2x macro |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens if
- You want a traditional 85mm portrait lens with a wide aperture for shallow depth of field.
- You shoot with Sony E-mount full-frame cameras and need reliable autofocus.
- You prefer a compact, lightweight lens with a standard metal build and lens hood.
Choose AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens if
- You need to shoot macro details in narrow spaces like animal caves or product setups.
- You use Canon RF-mount cameras and require a lens with a waterproof front element.
- You want built-in adjustable lighting and a detachable design for portability.
Verdict: The VILTROX suits photographers seeking a versatile portrait lens with a fast aperture for Sony users. The AstrHori is a niche tool for Canon shooters who need specialized macro access in confined or dark environments. Your choice depends entirely on your camera mount and whether you prioritize standard optics or unique probing capabilities.
Viltrox vs AstrHori Spec Showdown
Intended Use
The VILTROX 85mm F1.8 II is designed for standard portrait photography. Its focal length allows you to switch between half-length and full-length portraits while maintaining a comfortable distance from your subject. It supports eye focus for efficient subject recognition. The AstrHori 28mm Probe Lens serves a specialty macro role. It features a slender, detachable body for shooting in narrow spaces like animal caves or miniature models. It includes a built-in ring fill light and waterproof front element for unique environmental shots. One lens captures people, while the other explores confined or difficult-to-reach subjects.
Aperture and Light
Aperture controls light intake and depth of field. The VILTROX lens offers a maximum aperture of f/1.8. This wide opening provides beautiful background defocusing and allows massive amounts of light for low-light scenarios. The AstrHori lens has a maximum aperture of f/13. While narrow, this setting works with its macro capabilities to provide a larger depth of field, keeping more of the subject in focus. The VILTROX is clearly better for isolating subjects with blurred backgrounds, while the AstrHori prioritizes detail coverage in macro work.
Build and Durability
Build quality affects longevity and handling. The VILTROX lens features an all-metal body structure, ensuring assembly accuracy and durability. It weighs 484g, making it relatively lightweight for its class. It also includes a metal electronic contact for EXIF transmission and a micro USB port for firmware updates. The AstrHori lens is constructed with sapphire glass for its waterproof protective front element, offering high hardness and wear resistance. Its body is slender and detachable for storage. The VILTROX offers a more traditional robust metal build, while the AstrHori uses specialized materials for its unique probe design.
Mount Compatibility
Mount compatibility determines which camera bodies you can use. The VILTROX lens is built for the Sony E-Mount. It supports autofocus and eye focus on compatible Sony full-frame and APS-C cameras. The AstrHori lens is available for multiple mounts, including Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and others. For this comparison, we look at the Canon RF version provided in the data. If you own a Sony camera, only the VILTROX works natively. If you use Canon, only the AstrHori fits. Your camera brand dictates your lens choice here.
Focal Length
Focal length defines the field of view and magnification. The VILTROX lens has an 85mm focal length. This is a classic portrait telephoto that compresses perspective and isolates subjects. The AstrHori lens has a 28mm focal length. This is a wide-angle view, which is unusual for a macro lens. It allows you to include more of the environment while maintaining a working distance from small subjects. The 85mm is tight and focused, while the 28mm is broad and contextual. Choose based on whether you want close isolation or wider environmental context.
Which lens fits your shooting style
Portrait photographers using Sony cameras
The VILTROX 85mm F1.8 II offers a classic portrait focal length. Its f/1.8 aperture creates beautiful background blur. You get reliable eye autofocus for sharp portraits. The lens is lightweight at 484g. It works with full-frame Sony bodies. This is a standard tool for character-driven images.
Macro shooters needing unique angles
The AstrHori 28mm Probe Lens provides 2x magnification. Its slender design fits into narrow spaces like animal caves. You can detach the lens for storage. The front section is waterproof to 20cm. It includes a built-in ring light. This specialty tool reveals details standard lenses cannot reach.
Canon RF users wanting macro versatility
This lens mounts directly to Canon RF bodies. You get 28mm wide-angle macro capabilities. The f/13 to f/40 aperture range offers depth control. The sapphire glass front resists scratches. You can adjust the fill light brightness. It is ideal for product photography or tight spaces.
The products compared
Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens
Best for: Portrait photography with Sony E-mount cameras
- Lens Mount
- Sony E Mount
- Focal Length
- 85mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F1.8
- Sensor Format
- Full Frame
- Focus Type
- Auto Focus, STM
- Minimum Focusing Distance
- 80cm
View on Amazon: Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens Affiliate link
The VILTROX 85mm F1.8 II is a full-frame portrait lens for Sony E-mount cameras. It features an STM autofocus system with eye focus support. The F1.8 aperture allows for strong background blur and low-light performance. You get 10 elements in 7 groups for image quality. The lens weighs 484g and includes a micro USB port for firmware updates.
Pros
- STM autofocus with eye focus detection
- F1.8 maximum aperture for shallow depth of field
- 10 elements in 7 groups optical design
- Micro USB port for firmware updates
- All-metal body construction
Cons
- Minimum focusing distance is 80cm
- Maximum magnification is only 1:8
- No weather sealing mentioned in specs
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated portrait focal length
- You shoot in low-light environments
- You want eye autofocus on Sony bodies
Skip if
- You require close-up macro capabilities
- You need a wider angle of view
- You shoot exclusively in bright daylight
Verdict: VILTROX 85mm F1.8 II Full Frame Sony E is a solid portrait lens for Sony shooters who prioritize autofocus speed and background separation over close-focusing ability.
AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens
Best for: Macro photography in tight or wet spaces
- 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 is a 28mm full-frame macro lens for Canon RF mounts. It offers 2x magnification and a unique detachable design for narrow spaces. The front section is waterproof to 20cm and includes a ten-level adjustable ring light. You get a wide depth of field for detailed shots. It fits photographers needing close-up access in tight or wet environments.
Pros
- 2x magnification for detailed macro photography
- Detachable body allows shooting in narrow spaces
- Front 20cm is waterproof with sapphire glass
- Built-in ten-level adjustable ring fill light
Cons
- Minimum aperture is F13, limiting low-light capability
- Long 18-inch length requires careful handling
- No mention of weather sealing beyond the front element
Good fit if
- You need to shoot inside animal caves or pipes
- You require waterproof macro capabilities for wet subjects
- You need a detachable lens for tight spaces
Skip if
- You need a fast aperture for low light
- You prefer a compact, non-detachable lens
- You shoot with Sony E or Nikon Z mounts
Verdict: AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens is a specialized tool for macro work in confined or wet areas. It suits creators who need unique access angles and integrated lighting.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens | AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Sony E Mount | Canon RF |
| Focal Length | 85mm | 28mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F1.8 | F13 |
| Sensor Format | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Focus Type | Auto Focus, STM | not stated |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 80cm | not stated |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | not stated |
| Lens Type | Prime | Macro |
| Dimensions | not stated | 18 × 2.36 × 2.36 inches |
| Size | 85mm F1.8 (Full Frame) | for Canon RF |
| Color | not stated | Direct View |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Viltrox 85mm lens on Canon cameras?
No, this specific VILTROX lens is built for Sony E-mount cameras. It features a Sony E-Mount lens mount, which means it will not physically attach to Canon RF or EF bodies without an adapter. You should check your camera brand before purchasing to ensure compatibility with the mount type.
Is the AstrHori lens good for general photography?
It is designed primarily for macro photography in tight or wet spaces. The AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens is a specialized tool for creators who need unique access angles and integrated lighting. Its long 18-inch length makes it unsuitable for standard shooting scenarios where you need to be close to your subject.
Does the Viltrox lens have autofocus?
Yes, the VILTROX 85mm F1.8 II Sony E Lens uses an autofocus focus type. This allows for quick and reliable subject tracking, which is particularly useful for portrait photography. You can rely on eye focus to keep your subject sharp while you concentrate on composition and lighting.
What is the focal length of the AstrHori probe lens?
The AstrHori lens has a 28mm focal length. This wide angle is paired with its macro capabilities to help you capture detailed images from a distance. The 28mm specification helps you frame your subject effectively even when the probe extends 18 inches away from the camera body.
Is the Viltrox lens suitable for full-frame sensors?
Yes, the VILTROX 85mm F1.8 II is designed for full-frame sensor formats. It supports full-frame cameras, ensuring the image circle covers the sensor completely without vignetting. This makes it an ideal choice for photographers using modern full-frame Sony E-mount bodies who want professional portrait results.
Can I use the AstrHori lens on Sony cameras?
No, the AstrHori 28mm F1.3 Probe Lens is listed with a Canon RF Mount. It is not natively compatible with Sony E-mount or other systems. You must have a Canon RF camera to use this lens directly. Check the lens mount specification carefully to avoid purchasing an incompatible tool.
How wide is the aperture on the Viltrox lens?
The VILTROX 85mm lens features an f/1.8 aperture. This wide opening allows more light to enter, which is beneficial for low-light portrait shooting. It also enables you to create a shallow depth of field, resulting in a blurred background that isolates your subject effectively.
Is the AstrHori lens a standard prime lens?
No, it is classified as a macro lens type. The AstrHori 28mm F1.3 is a specialized probe lens intended for macro photography. Its design includes a direct view color option and a unique physical structure, distinguishing it from standard prime lenses used for general photography or portraits.