AstrHori has released a new macro lens for full-frame cameras: AstriHori 120mm F2.8 Macro 2x with a two-fold increase (2:1). The manufacturer promises high build quality and excellent optical performance for the new macro lens, which will be available for Sony E, Canon EF/RF, L-mount, and Nikon Z bayonet mounts. The lens also has a stylish minimalist design. The optics are also suitable for portrait photography.
The promotional materials for the new AstrHori 120mm F2.8 Macro 2x lens indicate that it is suitable for photographing jewelry, insects, portraits, and more.
The lens has a focus ring on the outside that rotates 120 degrees. The optics also have a 72mm front filter thread, depth of field markers, a special aperture ring, and unique holes for additional screws built into the body itself.
The 120mm F2.8 2x has a 13-bladed aperture, which AsrtHori says should provide “balanced sharpness and attractive bokeh.”
The optical design of the lens consists of 14 elements in nine groups. Thanks to this feature, the lens can provide 2x macro magnification, which is impressive given its low cost.
The new macro lens measures 165 millimeters in length and weighs 930 grams. Additionally, it features a manual focusing system, which is a standard for professional macro optics.
The AstrHori 120mm F2.8 Macro 2x is designed for studio photographers or nature shooting, where you can take your time setting up the perfect shot. However, capturing a moving subject, like an ant (as shown in the manufacturer’s promotional materials), can be quite challenging.
The new AstrHori 120mm F2.8 Macro 2x lens is compatible with nearly all full-frame mirrorless systems. Specifically, it is available in Sony E, Canon EF, and RF mounts, as well as L-Mount (for Panasonic, Leica, Sigma, and DJI) and Nikon Z mounts.
Price and release date
The new budget macro lens AstrHori 120mm F2.8 2x is sold on the Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk websites at $369 and £399, respectively.
Earlier this year, AstrHori launched the 25mm F2.8 Macro 2.0-5.0X full-frame lens. It’s compatible with Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, and L-mount cameras. Specifically designed for macro photography, this lens offers a magnification range of 2:1 to 5:1, making it perfect for capturing both larger scenes and intricate close-up details.
AstrHori 120mm F2.8 Macro 2x specifications
- Focal length: 120mm
- Mounts: Sony E, Canon EF, Canon RF, L-Mount, Nikon Z
- Sensor format: full frame
- Aperture range: F/2.8–F22
- Focus: Manual
- Aperture: 13-blade
- Focus ring rotation angle: 120°
- Optical construction: 14 elements in 9 groups
- Special elements: 4 low dispersion, 3 high refractive index
- Viewing angle: 20.6°
- Minimum focusing distance: 0.3 meters
- Filter thread diameter: 72 mm
- Dimensions: 77 x 165 mm
- Weight: 930 grams
It needs a lot more analysis to determine whether this lens is any good. This article simply provides specs and some descriptions and not much about how good (or bad) it is.
The only photograph posted here is not a good one. At least a number of photographs at various focus points should have been taken and then stack them.
Cameras like Canon R5 provide Focus Bracketing for their lenses. This lens is unlikely to do that.