AstrHori has announced the 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe lens. The optics look like an analog of the famous Laowa 24mm F14 Probe lens.
The new AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe lens consists of 21 elements arranged in 16 groups. In this case, the lens itself can be decomposed into two parts for more convenient transportation. The optics have a maximum magnification ratio of 2:1, focus and aperture adjustment rings with gears of 0.8 MOD, and an aperture range of F/13 – F/40.
The minimum focusing distance is 48 cm. It is the distance from the subject to the focal plane. The working focusing distance from the frontmost lens element is only 8mm.
On the front of the lens is a built-in LED array to illuminate subjects with ten levels of intensity depending on how much light the scene requires. However, the LEDs do not draw power from the connected camera. Instead, there is a USB-C port that can be used in conjunction with a USB power bank or battery to power 5W LED bulbs.
AstrHori reports that the frontmost element of the lens has a special sapphire coating, while the probe part of the lens is protected from dust and water. AstrHori claims that the entire front of the lens can be submerged in water up to 25cm deep for underwater macro photography.
Price and availability
The AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe lens is available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk for Canon EF, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, L, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Sony E, and Cine PL mounts. The new lens is sold for $739.
AstrHori 28mm F13 2X specifications
- Focal Length: 28mm
- Lens Format Coverage: Full Frame
- Maximum Aperture: f/13
- Minimum Aperture: f/40
- Diagonal Angle of View: 75°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.48m
- Optical Design: 21 Elements in 16 Groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 7
- Filter Thread: None
- Focus Scales: None
- Electronic Communication: No
- Image Stabilization: No
- Dimensions (W x H): 60 x 60 mm
- Length: 457mm
- Weight: 698 g
