AstrHori’s New Compact AF 27mm f/2.8 APS-C Lens Costs Just $126

Nov 15, 2024

Chris Monlux

A person holding a Nikon Z fc camera with a 35mm lens. The camera has a vintage design with a silver and black finish. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the focus on the camera.

AstrHori’s AF 27mm f/2.8 lens enters the autofocus market with quiet confidence, promising an affordable and portable option for creators on-the-go.

AstrHori, known for its affordable optics, unveils the 27mm f/2.8 — a compact and lightweight lens built for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Weighing just 167 grams (5.89 ounces) and featuring autofocus, it suits everything from spontaneous street photography to professional video production.

Image of a blue advertisement for an AstrHori 27mm f/2.8 APS-C prime lens. Features listed include auto focus, eye perception, EXIF data, Type-C, weather sealing, metal body, closest focusing distance of 0.3m, and USB firmware upgrade.

AstrHori has built its reputation on creating lenses that prioritize usability. Known for manual prime lenses, the brand has found favor with enthusiasts looking for a no-frills design. With the AF 27mm f/2.8, AstrHori ventures further into autofocus technology while retaining its emphasis on delivering exceptional value.

Diagram of a camera lens with specifications. Highlights include a 27mm focal length, F2.8-F16 aperture, 6 aperture blades, and APS-C format. MTF chart and lens dimensions (⌀62.3mm×42mm) are shown. Focus mode options: Auto/Manual.

At its core, the lens features a six-element, five-group optical design. However, its six-blade aperture won’t produce perfectly round bokeh. The aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/16, offering flexibility for shallow depth of field or sharp focus across the frame. It also boasts a minimum focusing distance of 12 inches (30 centimeters).

A Nikon Z fc camera with a vintage design is shown from the front. It features a black and silver body with manual dials on top and an AstrHori lens attached. The camera has a classic, retro appearance.

A Nikon Zfc camera with a retro design, featuring manual control dials on top and a silver and black color scheme, viewed from a high angle against a plain white background.

Top view of a vintage-style Nikon camera with a lens attached. The camera features various control dials and a textured black grip, with a metallic finish on the body. The lens is marked "27mm F2.8.

Side view of a silver and black compact digital camera with a lens attached. The camera features visible HDMI, USB, and microphone ports on the side, against a white background.

Autofocus performance often defines how well a lens integrates into modern workflows, and AstrHori’s use of an STM (stepping motor) combined with a leading screw mechanism promises to offer a smooth, silent operation. This makes the lens more appealing for video creators, as silent focusing prevents mechanical noise from disrupting audio, and the internal focus mechanism enhances durability by protecting against dust and debris. Its internal focus should maintain consistent lens length, a feature appreciated by filmmakers using stabilizers or gimbals.

A vintage-style lantern hangs from a wooden beam, casting a warm glow in a dimly lit space. The background is blurred, emphasizing the lantern. Below, text reads: "Nikon Z 5, 27mm f/2.8 1/80s ISO2000.

The autofocus system includes support for eye recognition and face tracking, key tools for maintaining sharp focus on subjects in motion. This is a boon for portrait shooters, event photographers looking for precision where it matters most.

A small coffee shop with a rustic wooden sign displaying "COFFEE." Two folding chairs and a tall umbrella are set up outside. The shop has a charming, quaint appearance with various small decorations and items around the entrance.

Close-up of vibrant yellow leaves bathed in warm sunlight, creating a golden glow. The leaves' serrated edges and rich texture are highlighted against a softly blurred background, enhancing the depth and autumnal mood.

A dimly lit, empty classroom with several wooden desks and chairs, viewed through metal bars. Sunlight filters through large, barred windows, casting shadows on the floor. The room has a somber and abandoned atmosphere.

The 27mm focal length, equivalent to approximately 40mm on a full-frame sensor, strikes a balance between wide-angle and standard perspectives. This field of view closely matches the natural human perspective, making it an intuitive choice for a variety of genres. Street photographers will appreciate its ability to capture candid scenes with context, while portrait photographers will enjoy the subtle compression and natural framing it offers. Landscape shooters will find the focal length wide enough to encompass sweeping vistas without falling into distortion.

Pricing and Availability

The AstrHori AF 27mm f/2.8 is available to preorder now in Nikon Z mount for $126. The lens is also available to order from Pergear. E and X-mount versions of the lens are also expected to arrive soon, but are not yet available for purchase.

Image credits: AstrHori