1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your AstrHori 25mm F2.8 2X-5X Ultra Macro Lens (E Mount) and AH-MGA170 Macro Focusing Rail Slider. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Keep this manual for future reference.
2. Product Overview
The AstrHori 25mm F2.8 2X-5X Ultra Macro Lens is designed for Sony E-mount cameras, offering extreme magnification for detailed macro photography. Paired with the AH-MGA170 Macro Focusing Rail Slider, this set provides precise control over camera positioning, essential for achieving sharp focus in high-magnification macro shots and for focus stacking techniques.
Figure 2.1: AstrHori 25mm F2.8 2X-5X Ultra Macro Lens mounted on the AH-MGA170 Macro Focusing Rail Slider.
3. Setup
3.1 Attaching the Lens to Your Camera
- Align the white index mark on the lens barrel with the corresponding mark on your Sony E-mount camera body.
- Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks into place, indicating it is securely locked.
3.2 Mounting the Camera and Lens to the Macro Focusing Rail Slider
The AH-MGA170 Macro Focusing Rail Slider features an Arca-Type quick release plate with a 1/4" screw for secure camera attachment.
- Ensure the quick release plate is detached from the slider.
- Attach the quick release plate to the 1/4" tripod socket on the bottom of your camera or lens collar. Tighten securely.
- Slide the camera with the attached quick release plate into the clamp on the macro focusing rail slider.
- Tighten the clamp knob on the slider to firmly secure the camera in position.
Figure 3.1: The Arca-Type quick release plate with a 1/4" screw for attaching the camera to the slider.
3.3 Mounting the Rail Slider to a Tripod
The macro focusing rail slider can be mounted to any tripod head compatible with Arca-Swiss style clamps or via its 1/4" or 3/8" tripod sockets.
- Attach the base of the macro focusing rail slider to your tripod head. Ensure it is stable and level.
- For optimal macro photography, position the camera and slider at the best shooting position to prevent any shaking or shifting during operation.
Figure 3.2: Camera and lens mounted on the macro focusing rail slider, ready for macro focusing.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 AstrHori 25mm F2.8 2X-5X Ultra Macro Lens Operation
This is a manual focus lens. All focus and aperture adjustments are made directly on the lens barrel.
- Focus Ring: Rotate the focus ring to achieve sharp focus on your subject. Due to the high magnification, precise adjustments are crucial.
- Aperture Ring: Adjust the aperture ring to control the depth of field and exposure. The lens features an F2.8 maximum aperture.
- Magnification: The lens offers a magnification range from 2X to 5X. Adjust your distance to the subject and use the focusing rail for fine-tuning to achieve the desired magnification.
4.2 AH-MGA170 Macro Focusing Rail Slider Operation
The macro focusing rail slider provides precise control over the camera's position, which is vital for macro photography.
- Quick and Accurate Positioning: The main adjustment knob allows for rapid movement. Each full turn of this knob moves the camera by 2mm. Finer adjustments within 1mm are also possible. The multi-threaded screw design enables movement at 14 times the speed of ordinary screws for efficient positioning.
Figure 4.1: Demonstrating the quick and accurate positioning mechanism of the macro focusing rail slider.
- Micrometer Fine Adjustment: For extremely precise focusing, the slider includes a micrometer adjustment knob. This knob moves the camera by 0.05mm per revolution, allowing for minute adjustments critical for high-magnification macro work and focus stacking.
Figure 4.2: The micrometer adjustment knob for precise 0.05mm movements.
- Focus Stacking: The precise movement capabilities of the rail slider are ideal for focus stacking. By taking multiple photos at slightly different focus points and combining them with specialized software, you can achieve an extended depth of field, resulting in a completely sharp image from front to back.
Figure 4.3: Example illustrating the improved sharpness achieved through focus stacking.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a lens cleaning solution specifically designed for optical elements. Gently wipe the lens surfaces. Avoid touching the glass with your fingers. Use a blower brush to remove dust particles.
- Cleaning the Rail Slider: Wipe the metal surfaces of the slider with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Keep the screw threads free of dust and debris to ensure smooth operation.
- Storage: When not in use, store the lens and slider in a dry, dust-free environment, preferably in a padded camera bag or case to protect against impacts.
- Avoid Extreme Conditions: Do not expose the equipment to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Images are blurry or out of focus. | Incorrect focus adjustment; camera shake; insufficient depth of field. | Carefully adjust the lens focus ring and use the macro rail for fine-tuning. Ensure the camera and tripod are stable. Consider focus stacking for increased depth of field. |
| Slider movement is stiff or jerky. | Dust or debris in the screw threads; overtightened components. | Clean the slider mechanism with a soft brush. Ensure no components are overtightened. |
| Camera not securely mounted to slider. | Quick release plate not tightened; clamp knob loose. | Ensure the 1/4" screw on the quick release plate is tight on the camera. Securely tighten the clamp knob on the slider. |
7. Specifications
7.1 AstrHori 25mm F2.8 2X-5X Ultra Macro Lens
- Brand: AstrHori
- Focal Length: 25 mm
- Lens Type: Macro
- Compatible Mountings: Sony E
- Minimum Focal Length: 25 Millimeters
- Lens Design: Prime
- Focus Type: Manual Focus
- Zoom Ratio: 1 to 1 (referring to general lens type, actual magnification 2X-5X)
- Compatible Camera Models: Sony E-mount cameras
7.2 AH-MGA170 Macro Focusing Rail Slider
- Brand: AstrHori
- Mounting: Arca-Type quick release plate with 1/4" screw
- Movement per Main Knob Turn: 2mm (fine-tunable within 1mm)
- Micrometer Adjustment: 0.05mm per revolution
- Quick Positioning Speed: 14 times that of ordinary screws
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official AstrHori website or contact your authorized dealer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Online Support: Visit the AstrHori Store on Amazon