Chinese lens manufacturer AstrHori recently released a relatively affordable 18mm F/8 2X periprobe lens. This lens covers APS-C image sensors and is available in various lens mounts, including Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, FUJIFILM X, Micro Four Thirds, and L-Mount. Also, it features two swappable magnification tubes: one direct view and a rotatable one with a built-in LED light. So, let’s take a closer look at it!
AstrHori is a lens manufacturer that focuses on producing original, fully manual, and affordable lenses such as their AstrHori 40mm F/5.6 for FUJIFILM GFX cameras or the AstrHori 25mm F/2.8 2X-5X macro for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
When most of us filmmakers think about a probe lens, we probably have in mind the Laowa 24mm F/14 introduced back in 2018. In 2022, Laowa launched a periprobe version of that lens, which can be rotated and has a built-in LED light. Now AstrHori is joining the “periprobe game” with the recent release of the 18mm F/8 2X Periprobe.
AstrHori 18mm F/8 2X Periprobe – features
The AstrHori 18mm F/8 2x Periprobe is a wide-angle macro lens that covers APS-C image sensors. This lens is available in various lens mounts, including Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, FUJIFILM X, Micro Four Thirds, and Leica L-Mount. It is a relatively long lens at around 47cm/18.5in, and it weighs 712g/1.56 lbs.
This lens is entirely manual and consists of two parts: a tube and an optical part that attaches to your camera. At the base of the lens, you’ll find the first optical part that connects to your camera and has both the focus and aperture rings. Also, the aperture and focus ring feature industry-standard 0.8mod gears, compatible with follow focus systems.
Then, there is the second user-interchangeable tube part. Two versions of the tubes are available: a direct/straight tube and a periprobe version that can rotate 360° in four 90° steps.
According to AstrHori, both tubes are waterproof up to 25cm/9.8in. The lens is made entirely of metal, and the front element is made of sapphire glass for extra resistance to scratches and external elements.
Furthermore, the periprobe tube features a built-in LED light with ten brightness adjustment settings. The LED light has a maximum power output of 5W and a fixed color temperature of 5.000K. Please note that you must power the LED light externally via a power bank and the included power cable.
Lens design
The lens design of the AstrHori 18mm F/8 2x Periprobe consists of 23 elements in 17 groups. As its name suggests, this lens has a magnification ratio of 2x and a minimum focus distance of 5mm, which is impressive and allows you to get very close to subjects. The aperture diaphragm features seven aperture blades and doesn’t have any front filter threads.
Pricing and availability
The AstrHori 18mm F/8 2x Periprobe is available now and will start shipping February 15th for $789/€1049 with the 90° periprobe lens. A package with both the direct and 90° tubes is also available for $1169/€1499. As a direct comparison, the Laowa 24mm T14-40 2x PeriProbe cine lens retails for $2299, but it covers full-frame image sensors.
For more information, please visit AstrHori’s website here.
What do you think about this periprobe lens? Do you often use probe or periprobe lenses? Did you already shoot with an AstrHori lens? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
