In an exciting development for photography enthusiasts, AstrHori has officially released its newest offering: a 120mm f/2.8 macro lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This groundbreaking lens combines high-quality performance with an accessible price tag, retailing at just $369.

Key Features of the AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 Macro Lens

Focal Length and Aperture

The AstrHori 120mm macro lens boasts a focal length of 120mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This combination enables a large aperture, offering a shallow depth of field that enhances subject isolation and background blur. Macro photographers will appreciate how this facilitates capturing intricate details while making subjects pop.

Construction

The lens is constructed with 14 elements in 9 groups, a design essential for achieving its wide f/2.8 aperture. The 13 aperture blades create a rounded diaphragm, which contributes to balanced sharpness and attractive bokeh, enhancing the aesthetic quality of the images.

Magnification

One of the standout features of the AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 macro lens is its 2X magnification. This capability allows photographers to capture subjects on a “microscopic” level, revealing details that are often invisible to the naked eye. Whether capturing the delicate veins of a leaf or the intricate patterns of an insect’s wings, this lens delivers exceptional detail.

Focus Distance

With a minimum focusing distance of just 0.3 meters, this lens allows photographers to get remarkably close to their subjects. This close focus distance provides significant image compression, making it easier to capture fine details with clarity and precision.

De-Click Function

A unique feature of the AstrHori 120mm macro lens is its de-click function. This is particularly advantageous for macro photographers who often deal with delicate subjects that can be disturbed by loud clicking noises. The de-click function provides a smoother and quieter shooting experience, ensuring that you’re less likely to scare away tiny or skittish subjects.

Compatibility

The lens is designed to be versatile in terms of its compatibility, available for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L mounts. This wide range of compatibility means it can be used with many of the most popular full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market today, making it accessible to a broad audience of photographers.

Applications

The AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 macro lens is remarkably versatile, capable of capturing a wide variety of scenes. While its primary attraction is macro photography, it can also shine in portraiture. Thanks to its focal length and aperture, the lens can deliver a dreamy feel with smooth and uniform bokeh, making it well-suited for portrait photography where background blur is desired.

Macro Photography

In macro photography, the lens excels at capturing subjects like insects, plants, and small products. Its ability to render intricate details with high magnification and close focusing distance makes it a fantastic tool for photographers looking to delve into the miniature worlds that often go unnoticed.

Portraiture

On the portrait side, the 120mm focal length is ideal for creating flattering images with a touch of compression that makes subjects appear more photogenic. The f/2.8 aperture ensures a shallow depth of field, which helps in isolating the subject from the background, adding a professional touch to your portraits.

Sample Images

Sample images captured with the AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 macro lens demonstrate its capabilities in producing high-quality macro shots. Whether capturing the tiny hairs on an insect’s leg or the delicate petals of a flower, the lens meticulously renders intricate details, allowing photographers to explore and document a world not easily seen by the naked eye.

Pricing and Availability

The AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 macro lens is now available for purchase at a compelling price of $369, £285, or AU $550. Its affordable price point makes it a highly attractive option for both amateur and professional photographers who are looking for a cost-effective yet high-quality macro lens.

Conclusion

In expanding their lineup with the 120mm f/2.8 macro lens, AstrHori has made a significant contribution to the photography market. This lens offers an excellent balance of high-quality features and affordability, making it an appealing choice for anyone interested in macro photography. With features like the de-click function, 2X magnification, and a broad range of compatibility, this lens stands out as a strong contender in the macro lens category. It is a valuable tool for capturing the intricate details that bring photographs to life, all at a price that won’t break the bank.

Source: Digital Camera World/AstrHori Launches a New 120mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Under $400

What Others Say About the 120mm f/2.8 Macro Lens

Pricing and Value

The AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 macro lens offers exceptional value at a price of $289.99, making it an attractive choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

“The new 120mm f/2.8 macro lens is priced at $289.99 and offers exceptional value.”

– DIY Photography

This price point is significantly lower than many other macro lenses on the market, providing a cost-effective option for photographers.

Features and Performance

The lens features a 2X magnification, enabling users to capture intricate details on a “microscopic” level. The 120mm focal length and minimum focusing distance of 0.3M allow for a closer look at finer details.

“The 2X magnification enables users to capture intricate details on a ‘microscopic’ level.”

– Digital Camera World

The lens’ construction with 14 elements in 9 groups and 13 aperture blades provides balanced sharpness and attractive bokeh.

Compatibility and Versatility

The AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 macro lens is available for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L Mounts, making it versatile for a wide range of cameras.

“The lens is available for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L Mounts.”

– Digital Camera World

This compatibility allows photographers to use the lens with various camera systems, enhancing its utility.

Build Quality and User Experience

The lens has a considered de-click function, which is beneficial for macro photographers who often shoot delicate subjects. The build quality is noted for being heavy, but the aperture ring and focusing ring feel nice.

“The build quality on this one feels really nice as well. I especially love the aperture ring; the clicks are soft but they feel very very nice.”

– YouTube Review

While the lens is heavy, the overall build quality and user experience are praised.

Conclusion

The AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 macro lens is a versatile and cost-effective option for photographers, offering exceptional value and performance. Its compatibility with multiple camera systems and features like 2X magnification and a de-click function make it a compelling choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

For more information, you can visit the official AstrHori website.

120mm f/2.8 Macro Lens Tech Specs

Specification	Value
Product Name	AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Manufacturer	AstrHori
Focal Length	120mm
Aperture	f/2.8
Construction	14 elements in 9 groups
Aperture Blades	13
Magnification	2X
Minimum Focusing Distance	0.3 meters
De-Click Function	Yes
Compatibility	Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L mounts
Price	$369