AstrHori has just launched its first autofocus lens for the Nikon Z mount, and it’s being touted as a fantastic deal for photographers.
AstrHori, a well-known third-party lens manufacturer, has rolled out its inaugural full-frame autofocus lens for the Nikon Z mount. Priced at just $250, the new 85mm f/1.8 lens could be the best value-for-money portrait lens released this year.
Previously known for producing affordable tilt-shift, macro, and fisheye lenses, AstrHori has recently started to venture into the autofocus lens market. After releasing its first full-frame AF lens for Sony E mount, the company has now made a similar offering for Nikon Z cameras.
The 85mm f/1.8 full-frame AF lens covers one of the most preferred focal lengths for portrait photography. This allows photographers to isolate their subject while creating a beautifully compressed background. When mounted on APS-C cameras, this lens effectively becomes a 127.5mm equivalent, approaching the focal length of the Nikon Plena.
Constructed with nine elements in eight groups, this lens boasts a wide f/1.8 aperture, making low-light photography a breeze and enabling creative shots with shallow depth of field. The result is extremely soft bokeh, which AstrHori claims is “well-suited for a rich detail of a portrait.”
The standout feature of this lens is its autofocus capability. The fast and accurate AF system is compatible with eye and face tracking, enhancing the ease of capturing perfect shots. A stepping motor drives a quiet continuous autofocus, making the lens ideal for both photo and video applications.
Additional features include electronic contacts for seamless communication and transfer of EXIF data, a USB-C port for future firmware updates, and multi-layer coatings to reduce flare and ghosting.
As per Kalum Carter’s early impressions: “Although we have yet to get our hands on this lens and put it through DCW testing, for the price and the specs alone it strikes me as a great deal – and perhaps even the best bargain of the year.”
The AstrHori 85mm f/1.8 full-frame AF lens is available now for $250 / £222 on Amazon or directly from AstrHori. Given its price and specifications, this release could very well be the breakout lens for budget-conscious Nikon Z shooters.
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly, high-performing portrait lens for your Nikon Z camera, AstrHori’s latest offering should be on your radar.
