Shenzhen-based Chinese lens manufacturer, AstrHori, known for its fully manual prime lenses, has announced the release of its new 25mm f/2.8 2X-5X Macro lens.
This lens, designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, is set to be compatible with Sony E, FUJIFILM X, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Leica L mounts, priced at $249.
Extended Working Distance and Technical Specifications
The AstrHori 25mm f/2.8 2X-5X Macro lens stands out with its extended working distance of 37.5-45mm from the front element to the subject, allowing for ample lighting room without shadow interference. The minimum focusing distances vary from 113mm at 2X magnification to 186.4mm at 5X. With 5X magnification, a 4x4mm subject will cover a larger sensor area, approximately 20x20mm. The lens offers a changing field of view from 20° at 2X magnification to 9° at 5X.
This lens features an aperture range from f/2.8 to f/16, though the number of aperture blades is unspecified. It includes an expected clicked aperture ring and an optical structure comprising 10 elements in 7 groups, including two high refractive glass pieces and two ED glass pieces. The lens weighs around 474g (16.7oz).
Comparison with Venus Optics’ Laowa Lens
In December 2019, Venus Optics, another Chinese lens manufacturer, released a similar lens, the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Macro. Also a fully manual lens for full-frame cameras, it offers an extended working distance of 45mm at 5x magnification and 40mm at 2.5x. The Laowa lens is available for multiple mounts, including Canon RF, Leica L, Nikon Z, Sony FE, Canon EF, Nikon F, and Pentax K.
While both lenses appear nearly identical externally, the Laowa lens consists of 8 elements in 6 groups, contrasting with AstrHori’s 10 elements in 7 groups. This similarity raises questions about potential business cooperation between AstrHori and Venus Optics, as this is not the first instance of AstrHori releasing lenses resembling Laowa’s designs, evident in their previous 28mm f/13 macro probe lens.
News source: https://www.astrhori.cn/
