AstrHori 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye lens review

This wide-angle fisheye lens from AstrHori works wonders in capturing the bigger picture - but we found a strange fault

AstrHori 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye lens review
(Image: © Beth Nicholls)

Digital Camera World Verdict

As far as fisheye lenses go, this one is pretty great and sharp when focused correctly. It captures the scene in all its magnificent detail and has a useful aperture ring to help adjust your f-stop on the go. The maximum f/2.8 aperture allows you to get some nice subtle bokeh should you choose, and the focus to infinity option on the lens barrel will assist in getting the shot perfectly sharp.

Pros

  • +

    Focus to infinity is ideal for streets and landscapes

  • +

    Easy to use with built-in aperture ring

  • +

    Takes sharp shots when in focus

  • +

    Very fun to use and experiment with

Cons

  • -

    Manual focus is tricky if you rely on autofocus

  • -

    It's a little heavy for traveling with

  • -

    Distortion can be a bit overkill and trippy sometimes

  • -

    We found a (possibly) common fault

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Fisheye lenses can be a great way to experiment and find new creative subjects in photography, with an array of new angles to explore, allowing you to capture the full scene in front of you for epic street photography and landscape shots.

Most photographers will use a fisheye lens for the circular aesthetic and extreme barrel distortion that it creates, but not all of the best fisheye lenses on the market are the same, and this budget lens, in particular, didn't always create the perfect circle but more of a fishbowl effect with a bulging center depending on the subject. 

Secret Con 2023, cosplayers are: @spidersica_ (Harley) and @ghostface.o0o (Joker).  (Image credit: Beth Nicholls)

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