AstrHori 18mm f/8 Macro Probe
Announced May 29, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The AstrHori 18mm f/8 Macro Probe is a specialized, fun-to-use tool that offers unique perspectives and 2:1 magnification for APS-C and Micro 4/3 video creators. While it provides a robust, waterproof design at a competitive price, it is a manual, challenging lens that requires stabilization and is not intended for beginners.
Weighted from 9 reviewer scores
Pros
- Robust and waterproof build quality
- Unique macro perspective and 2:1 magnification
- Video-friendly features including geared rings and faster aperture
- Affordable pricing compared to competitors
- Integrated dimmable LED lighting
Cons
- Soft image quality and sharpness limitations
- Difficult to use and requires significant stabilization
- Cumbersome physical design and handling
- Vignetting and optical artifacts
- External power required for LED lighting
- Launch price $719 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 18mm f/8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Canon EF APS-C
- Close focus 47 cm (2x)
- Autofocus motor Manual focus only
- Weight & size 748g (1 lb 10.4 oz) · 38 x 457 mm (1.50 x 17.99 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 9 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
Should you buy it? Yes. If you are gonna shoot the APS-C or Super 35 format, this is the way to go.
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[T]his lens really is for video work where the unique shots it's able to get you, combined with its relatively affordable price, make it highly recommendable to anyone interested in this kind of specialist macro movie making work.
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It’s a great idea that translates into a really neat lens, and at a very competitive price.
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[T]he Laowa Probe 2 is a worthy successor to its legendary predecessor, its fast aperture, improved image quality, added versatility, robust design, and uniqueness make it a joy to shoot with, and it sparked so much creativity in our office.
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[T]he AstrHori 18mm F8 is your only option.
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The build quality is great and provides you with a very interesting perspective and it's really just a fun lens to use.
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All in all, really nice and fun lens to use, pretty sharp, not a lot of vignette when you use it as a regular lens, and it's pretty sharp in the corners as well, not a lot of distortion.
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Again, overall, a very difficult lens to use, not for beginners, but pretty neat.
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I love the Astrhori 18mm f/8 macro probe lens because it does exactly what I want it to do: get in very small spaces that my other macro lenses can’t possibly reach. It’s nearly perfect for my workflow and the kinds of sets I like to shoot.
