Sony Alpha Blog

AstrHori 9mm F2.8

Published by

Marc Alhadeff

on

Sony A6600 camera with an AstrHori 9mm F2.8 lens mounted, showcasing a compact design.

in Blue English / en noir en Français

Table of Contents / Table des matières hide
1 Presentation
1.1 Specification
2 Optical performances / Performances optiques
2.1 Sharpness / Piqué
2.2 Vignetting / chromatic aberrations / distortion / flare
2.2 Vignettage / aberrations chromatiques / distorsion / flare
2.3 Bokeh / Color Rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs
3 Video
4 Comparison with other 9-10mm / Comparaison avec d’autres 9-10mm
5 Samples of Photos / Exemples de Photos.
6 Conclusion (English)
6 Conclusion (Français)
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All photos , taken with Sony A6600 are available in full size in the following Flickr album suivant : AstrHori 9mm F2.8

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Toutes les photos de l’article, prises avec le sony A6600 sont disponibles dans l’album flickr suivant : AstrHori 9mm F2.8

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1 Presentation

1.1 Specification

  • Weight : 307g
  • Price : 169$ / 199 euros
  • Length : 66mm
  • Filter : N/A
  • 7 blades aperture
  • Field of view : 111,4°
  • Minimal focusing distance : 20 cm
  • Max Magnification : 0,05x
  • Removable Lens hood

The AstrHori9mm F2.8 is a compact but heavy lens , all in metal with very good build quality

The focusing ring is large and easy to use but the aperture ring is very thin and close to the mount so not easy to manipulate. It is with click

The lens hood is fixed and can not be removed

Close-up of the AstrHori 9mm F2.8 lens, showcasing its aperture and focus rings.
Close-up of the AstrHori 9mm F2.8 camera lens showing its features, including scale markings and a fixed lens hood.
AstrHori 9mm F2.8 lens, showcasing a compact design with a large front glass element and marked features.
AstrHori 9mm F2.8 lens with a black exterior, featuring a wide front element and a fixed lens hood, showcasing its focusing and aperture rings.
  • Poids : 307g
  • Prix : 169$ / 199 euros
  • Longueur : 56,4mm
  • Filtre : impossible
  • Diaphragme à 7 lamelles
  • Angle de vue 111,4°
  • Distance de mise au point minimale : 20 cm
  • Grossissement max 0,05x

Le AstrHori 9mm F2.8 est compact mais assez lourd. Il a une très bonne qualité de construction tout en métal

La bague de mise au point est large et agréable mais celle d’ouverture (avec clics) et très fine et proche du boitier et donc difficile à manipuler

Le pare soleil est inamovible

A close-up view of a Sony A6600 camera equipped with an AstrHori 9mm F2.8 lens, showcasing the lens design and metal construction.

2 Optical performances / Performances optiques

2.1 Sharpness / Piqué

A comparison table showing the sharpness performance of the Viltrox 9mm F2.8 lens at different aperture settings (F2.8, F4, F5.6, F8, F11, F16) for both center and corner sharpness.
  • The tests were made on a Sony A6000 with its 24 Mpix
  • In the centre , wide open, the results are average and become good at best at F4
  • The corners follow the same pattern
  • A below average performance
  • Les tests on été effectués sur un A6000, avec ses 24Mpix
  • Au centre à pleine ouverture les résultats sont moyens et deviennent au mieux bon à F4
  • Les coins suivent le même schéma
  • Une performance en dessous de la moyenne

Centre / Centre

A cozy living room scene featuring a bookshelf filled with books and decorative items, a table with various personal belongings, and soft lighting from modern lamps.
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F11
  • F16

Corners / Coins

A cozy interior photo showing a wooden table with flowers, a bookshelf filled with books, and a larger furniture piece against the wall. The floor is made of light-colored wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8
  • F11
  • F16

Close up / mise au point rapprochée

Same behavior for close subjects

Même comportement pour la mise au point rapprochée

A shelf filled with various books, including cookbooks and other genres, showcasing their colorful spines.
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6
  • F8

Long distance / Mise au point lointaine

For long distance , same , we will mostly use the lens at f5.6 for optimum performances (reaching sometimes very good)

Pour les longues distance , pareil, on utilisera principalement l’objectif à F5.6 son optimum (parfois très bon)

Close-up view of a modern glass building, showcasing its architectural design with a focus on the reflective windows and structural details.
F2.8 centre
Close-up of bare tree branches against a pale blue sky, showcasing intricate patterns and textures of the branches.
F2.9 corner
Close-up of a modern architectural building featuring a curved glass facade with multiple windows and a metal structure.
F5.6 centre
Close-up view of tree branches against a gray sky, showing intricate details of the branches.
F5.6 corner
View of modern buildings and trees reflected in a peaceful pond, under a cloudy sky.
full size
Édifice moderne avec une grande mural représentant une personne en costume et portant un masque, vue de près.
F2.8 centre
A close-up view of a modern glass building with angled windows reflecting light, showcasing the architectural design.
F2.8 corner
Close-up of a building facade featuring a large mural of a person in a suit and tie, with reflections visible on the glass windows.
F5.6 centre
Close-up of a modern glass building showcasing its angular design and reflective windows.
F5.6 corner
A modern urban landscape featuring a large canopy structure in the foreground and tall glass buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
full size
Close-up view of ornate architecture with multiple statues and two flags, highlighted by intricate details on the building's facade.
F5.6 centre
Close-up view of an ornate architectural structure featuring gold accents against a blue sky.
F5.6 corner
A bustling square in Brussels, featuring a mix of historical buildings and modern activity, with a clear blue sky overhead.
full seize

2.2 Vignetting / chromatic aberrations / distortion / flare

  • Distortion is very low
  • Vignetting is visible at F2.8, very low at F5.6
  • Chromatic aberrations are low
  • Resistance to flare is below average with a big read halo circle when facing the sun
  • You get some nice sunstars at F16

2.2 Vignettage / aberrations chromatiques / distorsion / flare

  • La distorsion est très faible
  • Le vignettage est visible à pleine ouverture, négligeable à F5.6
  • Les aberrations chromatiques sont faibles
  • La résistance au flare est mauvaise avec un énorme halo rouge face au soleil
  • On obtient des effets d’étoiles à F16
A cozy indoor scene featuring a light-colored bookshelf filled with books and decorative items, adjacent to a small round table cluttered with various objects. The wall is adorned with a framed portrait, and there are soft lights illuminating the room.
not corrected
A cozy room interior featuring a tall bookcase filled with books, a small table with various items, decorative objects on shelves, and warm lighting from wall sconces.
corrected
A landscape photo featuring urban architecture, with buildings of varying heights and styles under a partly cloudy sky. Trees are visible in the foreground, and bicycles are parked nearby.
F2.8
A city street view featuring modern buildings, a landscaped area with trees, and bicycles parked along a sidewalk under a partly cloudy sky with sunlight shining through.
F16
A panoramic view of a cityscape featuring tall buildings, tree branches in the foreground, and sunlight shining through the branches, creating a natural frame.
F2.8
A scenic view of a winding path surrounded by trees and buildings, with sunlight shining through the branches, creating a starburst effect.
F16
Sunlight shining through a tree canopy, creating a starburst effect with a rainbow halo, against an urban backdrop of buildings and a blue sky.
F16 flare

2.3 Bokeh  / Color Rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs

  • The Bokeh balls are very small due to the very long min focusing distance
  • The background blur is busy
  • The color rendition is good
  • Les ronds de Bokeh sont très petits vu la longue distance min de mise au point
  • Le flou d’arrière plan est nerveux
  • Le rendu des couleurs est bon

A Playmobil figure stands on a lens cap in front of glass doors with decorative lighting in a cozy interior.
A blurry photo of a shopping arcade with warm lighting and people in the background.
A blurred view of a lively indoor arcade, with people walking and shop windows visible in the background.
A close-up image of a wooden fence with blurred foliage in the background, sunlight creating a lens flare effect.
Close-up of green ivy leaves with intricate textures, showcasing a blend of fresh and dried foliage in a natural setting.
Close-up of a padlock secured with a chain around a wooden gatepost, surrounded by green foliage.
Colorful stainless steel water bottles displayed on a wooden shelf in a store, with a blurred background showing a person outside.
  • F2.8
  • F4
  • F5.6

3 Video

Video results are good with an ultra wide perspective , good enough as of F4 , good color rendering , background blur is nervous, resistance to flare average . The focus breathing is quite visible

Les résultats sont bons en vidéo avec une perspective ultra large avec un piqué suffisant à partir de F4, un bon rendu des couleurs. Le flou d’arrière plan est nerveux et la résistance eau flare moyenne. Le focus breathing est assez visible

A Playmobil figure stands on top of a camera lens, with a blurred interior setting featuring shelves and a table in the background.
A miniature figurine stands on top of a photography lens, with a cozy interior room in the background featuring bookshelves, artwork, and decorative items.

4 Comparison with other 9-10mm / Comparaison avec d’autres 9-10mm

The main competitors are mostly MF

Les principaux concurrent sont principalement en MF

worth to mention the ultra wide zoom / on peut aussi mentioner les zoom

A Sony A6600 camera with an AstrHori 9mm F2.8 lens attached, showcasing its compact design and aperture settings.
AstrHori 9mm F2.8
Image d'un appareil photo Sony A6600 avec un objectif Viltrox 9mm F2.8, vue de l'avant montrant le boîtier et l'objectif.
Viltrox 9mm f2.8
A Sony A6600 mirrorless camera with an ultra-wide lens attached, showcasing a sleek and compact design.
NiSi 9mm F2.8
A close-up view of a Sony A6600 camera with a Viltrox 9mm F2.8 lens attached, showcasing the camera's sleek design and the lens's distinctive features.
Laowa 9mm F2.8
A Sony camera body with a Meike 10mm lens attached, showcasing the lens's design and features in a studio setting.
Meike 10mm F2
A Sony A6600 camera with a 10-18mm F4 lens displayed on a white background.
AsrtHroi 9mm F2.8Viltrox 9mm F2.8NiSi 9mm F2.8Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero D Meike 10mm F2Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN
Price / Prix169$ / 199 euros199$ / 229 euros459 $/ euros620 euros449$700 euros
Weight / Poids307g175g385g215g560g260g
Length / Longueur66mm56,4mm72mm53mm82mm62mm
AFNoYesNoNoNoYes
Aperture ring / bague d’ouvertureClicksNoClicklessClicksClicklessNo
Min focusing distance / Distance min de mise au point20cm13cm20cm12cm30cm11,6cm – 19,1cm
Build Quality / Quality de construction+++++++++++++
Aperture blades / Lames de diaphragme77107107
Filter / FiltreNone58mm67mm49mm77mm67mm

The AstrHori is the heaviest and the only one that do not accept filter , its min focusing distance is quite high

The Viltrox is the king in term of size weight and price and the only Prime with AF. The NiSi & the Meike are much cheaper than the Loawa equivalent, ! The NiSi size and weight is intermediate between Laowa and Meike. Laowa stays the champion for size,, min focusing distance. The Meike is the one with the best build quality

Le AstrHori est le plus lourd et le seul à ne pas accepter des filtres, sa distance min de mise au point est assez longue

Le Viltrox est le meilleur en terme de poids/taille/prix et le seul (hors le zoom sigma) avec AF. Le NiSi et le Meike sont beaucoup moins cher que le Laowa. Le Poids et la taille du NiSi sont entre ceux du Laowa et du Meike. Le Laowa reste le champion en terme de taille, poids, distance min de mise au point. Le Meike est celui avec la meilleure qualité de construction

Sharpness / Piqué

Comparison chart of various camera lenses, showcasing their performance ratings for sharpness at different apertures.

The best lens is the Meike 10mm F2 and the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN, followed closely by the Viltrox which is second only because of the corners sharpness wide open , it is followed by the Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero D , the NiSi is the least good one mainly due its corners sharpness

The AstrHori is the worst

L’objectif le plus piqué est le Meike 10mm F2 et le Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN , suivi de très près par le Viltrox qui se classe second à cause de son piqué dans les coins à pleine ouverture puis vient le Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero D , le NiSi est le moins bon notamment à cause de sa performance dans les coins

L’AstrHori est le moins bon

Bokeh / Background blur / Color rendition / Piqué / flou d’arrière plan et rendu des couleurs

  • In term of background blur, Viltrox and the Sigma are the smoothest and the ones with the shortest min focusing distance
  • In term of Bokeh balls : Sigma is the best
  • In term of color rendition : Viltrox and Sigma are the best
  • AstrHori is the worst
  • En terme de flou d’arrière plan le Viltrox et le Sigma sont les plus doux grâce à leur distance min de mise au point très courte
  • Ronds de Bokeh : Le Sigma est le meilleur
  • Rendu des couleurs : Le Viltrox et le Sigma sont les meilleurs
  • L’AstrHori est le moins bon
A close-up of a Playmobil figurine dressed in formal attire, with a blurred background featuring glass doors and colorful lights.
Viltrox 9mm F2.8
A close-up of a Playmobil figure wearing a suit and tie, smiling, with a blurred background featuring lights.
Sigma 10-18mm @10mm
A Playmobil figure stands atop a camera lens tripod with a kitchen backdrop adorned with festive lights, captured in a warm indoor setting.
NiSi
A Playmobil figure wearing an orange vest and brown hat is positioned on a black surface, with colorful lights blurred in the background.
Laowa
A Playmobil figure standing on a cylindrical object in front of a door with glass panels, with a blurred background showing a living space and decorative lights.
Meike 10mm F2

Distortion / CA / Vignetting / Flare

  • The Distortion is very low on all 4 prime lenses but high on Sigma zoom
  • The Laowa suffers form field curvature for subject below 5m
  • The Laowa and NiSi are quite bad for vignetting , the Meike and the Viltrox are good
  • The NiSi has there best resistance to flare and the best sunstars, the Laowa and AstrHori are the worst one in this respect. The Viltrox is in the middle

Distorsion / AC / Vignettage / Flare

  • La distorsion est faible sur les 4 optiques fixes mais élevé sur le zoom Sigma
  • Le Laowa souffre de courbure de champ en dessous de 5m
  • Le Laowa et le NiSi ont un vignettage très important, le Meike et le Viltrox sont bon sur ce critère
  • Le NiSi est le meilleur en terme de résistance au flare et d’effets d’étoiles, le Laowa et le AstrHori sont les moins bons sur cet aspect. Le Viltrox est intermédiaire
A cozy interior scene featuring a bookshelf filled with books, a round table with various items, and decorative elements like a wall plant and framed art.
Viltrox 9mm F2.8
Interior photo featuring a bookshelf filled with various items, a wooden table with a camera, books, and some decorative elements. A wall with a floral design is visible, along with soft lighting from wall fixtures.
Sigma 10-18mm @10mm
A cozy interior scene featuring two wooden cabinets filled with books, a round wooden table with items on it, and a wall adorned with decorative elements, including a plant design and a mask.
Laowa 9mm F2.8
A cozy and stylish room interior featuring a white bookshelf filled with books, a decorative wall painting, and a brown wooden table with various items on it. A chair with a black cushion and a sculpture on a pedestal are also visible.
Meike 10mm F2
A cozy interior scene featuring a bookshelf packed with books, a table cluttered with various items, a decorative wall design, and soft lighting.
NiSi not corrected
View of a historic square featuring a statue and steps, with buildings in the background and sunlight creating starburst effects.
NiSi F16
Facade of the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie, featuring classical architecture with columns and decorative elements, illuminated by sunlight, with lens flare effects.
Laowa 9mm f2.8
A view of green foliage with a starburst effect from the sun shining through the leaves, alongside a building in the background under a cloudy sky.
Meike 10mm f2
A sunny day in an urban square featuring a statue, with people sitting on steps and buildings in the background.
Viltrox 9mm F2.8 @F16
Sunlight shining through foliage with sunstars effect, featuring vibrant green leaves and autumnal accents, with a building in the background.
Sigma 10-18mm @10mm F16

Samples photos / Exemples de photos

A modern urban scene featuring a circular architectural structure with a triangular roof design, surrounded by tall buildings and a blue sky.
Viltrox 9mm f2.8
A wide-angle view of a modern urban plaza featuring a colorful canopy structure, surrounded by tall buildings and people walking.
Laowa 9mm
A modern architectural structure with a spacious canopy, surrounded by tall buildings and a colorful pedestrian crosswalk in an urban setting.
Sigma 10-18mm @10mm
A modern architectural structure with a large, circular canopy and urban surroundings, featuring a mix of buildings, bicycles, and pedestrians under a cloudy sky.
Meike 10mm F2
Urban view featuring a large, modern pavilion structure with a geometric design, surrounded by buildings and a colorful crosswalk. Traffic signals and pedestrians visible in the scene.
Nisi 9mm
View of an urban plaza featuring modern buildings and glass storefronts, with people walking and enjoying the sunny day.
NiSi
A busy public square with people sitting on steps, enjoying the sunny weather, and a prominent statue in the background, showcasing a blend of architectural styles under a clear blue sky.
Laowa
View of a public square featuring stone steps leading to a statue and decorative lamp post, flanked by historic buildings with detailed architecture under a cloudy sky.
Meike 10mm 2

Conclusion

  • All lenses have pros and cons :
    • Viltrox 9mm F2.8 : overall best for usability (light compact, with AF) / performances and money , excellent in all areas except sunstars precision
    • Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero D : most compact and lightest very good to excellent sharpness on the entire field but expensive, high vignetting
    • Meike 10mm F2 : best sharpness , best colors, best vignetting but much bigger and heavy
    • NiSi 9mm f2.8 : best resistance to flare, best sunstars, but least good corners and high vignetting
    • AstrHori 9mm F2.8 : average performances
    • Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN : best for versatility, AF , sharpness but more expensive
  • Toutes ces optiques ont leurs avantages et leurs inconvénients:
    • Viltrox 9mm F2.8 : le meilleur globalement en terme de prix, compacité poids, excellentes performances et AF. Seuls les effets d’étoiles laissent un peu à désirer
    • Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero D : le plus compact et léger avec un très bon à excellent piqué sur tout le champ mais cher et vignettage très important
    • Meike 10mm F2 : le meilleur piqué, rendu des couleurs , et le plus faible vignettage mais le plus gros et lourd
    • NiSi 9mm f2.8 : la meilleur résistance au flare , meilleurs effets d’étoiles mais les coins les moins bons et fort vignettage
    • AstrHori 9mm F2.8 : performances moyennes
    • Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN : le plus polyvalent , avec AF , excellentes performances mais plus cher

5 Samples of Photos / Exemples de Photos.

nice results for architecture and landscape with no visible distortion, average sharpness performances, nice colors

beaux résultats en architecture et paysage avec aucune distorsion visible , un piqué moyen et de belles couleurs

A display of colorful bath products in a shop, featuring vibrant pink and multicolored items in various shapes and sizes.
Interior view of a store featuring vibrant bath products displayed on wooden shelves and tables, with an inviting atmosphere.
Close-up of a yellow bike with the text 'be .brussels' visible, with a blurred background of a cityscape and other bikes.
A street view featuring a mix of modern and historical buildings, with a cyclist in bright attire riding along the road. The scene is framed by tree branches, showcasing urban architecture and activity.
View of a modern city square featuring a large, circular canopy structure above a pavement with colored stripes, surrounded by contemporary buildings.
An urban street scene featuring a wide walkway with several pedestrians. The foreground shows a person in white clothing walking away from the camera, while various shops and modern buildings line the sides of the street.
A brightly lit toy store interior featuring various shelves filled with colorful merchandise, round ceiling lights, and a customer browsing.
A bustling street scene featuring a historic building with a dome, surrounded by modern architecture and pedestrians walking through a paved square under a partly cloudy sky.
Interior view of a beautifully lit gallery with shops on either side, featuring a chandelier and large windows. People are walking through the corridor.
A busy urban street scene featuring a modern building with large glass windows, showcasing shops and pedestrians walking by.
A bustling street scene featuring shops and pedestrians in a historic area. Brick buildings are visible on either side, with a cloudy sky above.
A busy street scene with people walking near charming old buildings, cafes with outdoor seating, and cloudy blue sky.
View of a beautifully decorated arcade with shops on either side, featuring greenery and festive lighting. People walk along the path, and small tables and chairs are set up for outdoor seating.

6 Conclusion (English)

The AstrHori 9mm F2.8 (169$ / 199 euros) is an average wide angle lens for APSC. compact but heavy, average sharpness , below average resistance to flare, no AF but good color rendering and no distortion,

The Viltrox 9mm F2.8 is at similar price is. Much sharper , lighter and has AF

Not recommended

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Pros

  • Compact
  • Good color rendering
  • Low Distortion
  • Good build quality
  • Low CA

Average

  • Price
  • Heavy
  • MF
  • Long minimum focusing distance
  • Background blur à-is,busy
  • Sunstars could be better defined
  • Moderate focus breathing
  • Some Vignetting
  • Ergonomics, thin aperture ring

Cons

  • Sharpness
  • Below average resistance to flare
A Sony A6600 camera with an AstrHori 9mm F2.8 lens attached, showcasing a compact design and a wide-angle lens with a distinct front element.

6 Conclusion (Français)

Le AstrHori 9mm F2.8 (169$ / 199 euros) est une optique ultra grand angle moyenne pour APSC. Bon marché, compacte et lourde . Le piqué est est au mieux bon, pas d’AF, résistance au flare en dessous de la moyenne , le rendu des couleurs est bon et pas de distorsion

Le Viltrox 9mm F2.8 est à un prix similaire, mais il est nettement plus piqué , plus léger et à l’AF

Pas recommandé

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Pour

  • Compact
  • Bon rendu des couleurs
  • Beau ronds de Bokeh a F2.8
  • Faible distorsion
  • Faible AC
  • Bonne qualité de construction

Moyen

  • Lourd
  • Prix
  • MF
  • Longue distance minimum de mise au point
  • Effets d’étoiles qui pourraient être mieux définis
  • Flou d’arrière plan nerveux
  • Vignettage
  • Focus breathing modéré

Contre

  • Piqué
  • Résistance au flare en dessous de la moyenne

4 responses to “AstrHori 9mm F2.8”

  1. yan Avatar
    yan

    The a7m5 has been launched. When should I review it

    Reply
    1. Marc Alhadeff Avatar
      Marc Alhadeff

      When you want

      Reply
  2. Bruce Wang Avatar
    Bruce Wang

    Will you take a look at Voigtlander’s new 28mm f2 Apo-Lanthar lens for E-mount?

    Reply
    1. Marc Alhadeff Avatar
      Marc Alhadeff

      Yes foreseen for next week to receive it

      Reply

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