Introduction
Thank you for choosing the AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 APS-C 192° Ultra Wide Circular Fisheye Lens. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your new lens. This manual focus lens is designed to deliver a unique 192° circular diagonal viewing angle, creating distinctive visual effects for your photography and videography.
Image: The AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 APS-C Manual Ultra-Wide Circular Fisheye Lens, highlighting its compact design and compatibility with E/X/M43/RF/Z mounts.
Setup
1. Attaching the Lens to Your Camera
- Ensure your camera is powered off before attaching or detaching the lens.
- Align the mounting index on the lens with the corresponding index on your camera body.
- Rotate the lens clockwise (for most Micro 4/3 mounts) until it clicks securely into place. Do not force the lens.
Image: The AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 Fisheye Lens securely mounted on a compatible mirrorless camera body.
2. Camera Settings for Manual Lens
As this is a manual focus lens without electronic contacts, your camera requires a specific setting to operate correctly:
- Enable "Release without lens" or "Shoot without lens" setting: Navigate to your camera's menu and locate the option to enable shutter release without a lens attached. This setting is crucial; otherwise, the camera shutter will not activate. Refer to your camera's instruction manual for the exact location of this setting.
- Set Exposure Mode: Use Manual (M) or Aperture Priority (A/Av) mode for full control over exposure.
- Focus Peaking/Magnification: Utilize your camera's focus peaking or focus magnification features to assist with precise manual focusing.
Operating the Lens
1. Manual Focus
The lens features a smooth focus ring for precise manual focusing. Rotate the focus ring to adjust the focus distance. The distance scale (in meters and feet) and depth of field indicator on the lens barrel assist in achieving desired focus.
Image: A close-up photograph of flowers, showcasing the lens's ability to focus as close as 0.2 meters, creating an expressive and impactful foreground.
2. Aperture Control
Adjust the aperture using the aperture ring on the lens barrel. The lens offers a maximum aperture of F2.0, allowing for excellent low-light performance and creative depth of field control. The aperture range is F2.0 to F22.
Image: Two sample photographs demonstrating the F2.0 large aperture. One shows a portrait with a wide-angle perspective, and the other captures a starry night sky, highlighting the lens's light-gathering capabilities.
3. Understanding the 192° Circular Fisheye Effect
This lens produces a distinctive 192° circular diagonal viewing angle, resulting in exaggerated barrel distortion and a spherical field of view. This effect can be used creatively to transform ordinary scenes into surreal or artistic compositions.
Image: A photograph taken with the lens, illustrating the 192° circular diagonal viewing angle and the exaggerated barrel distortion effect, creating a unique, spherical perspective of an architectural interior.
4. Drone Compatibility
The M43 version of this lens is suitable for drones utilizing the Micro 4/3 system, such as the DJI X5 series gimbal camera, offering new visual possibilities for aerial photography and videography.
Image: The AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 Fisheye Lens held in a hand, emphasizing its compact form factor and its compatibility with DJI Goku series drones for unique aerial perspectives.
5. Sample Photography
Explore the creative potential of the lens through various sample images:
Image: A collage of six distinct circular fisheye photographs, demonstrating the lens's versatility in capturing landscapes, portraits, and architectural scenes with its characteristic wide-angle distortion.
6. Official Product Video
Video: An official product video showcasing the features and capabilities of the AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 Fisheye Lens, including sample footage and demonstrations of its unique visual effects.
Maintenance
1. Cleaning the Lens
- Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces to clean the lens elements.
- For stubborn smudges, apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to the cloth (not directly to the lens) and gently wipe in a circular motion.
- Use a blower brush to remove dust particles before wiping to prevent scratching.
2. Storage
- Always attach the front lens cap and rear lens cap when the lens is not in use to protect the optical elements and mount.
- Store the lens in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Consider using a dehumidifying cabinet or silica gel packets in your camera bag to prevent mold growth, especially in humid environments.
3. Handling Precautions
- Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts.
- Do not attempt to disassemble the lens, as this will void any warranty and may cause irreparable damage.
- Filter Compatibility: This lens does not support the attachment of filters due to its unique optical design.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Shutter does not release / Camera won't take a picture. | Camera not set to release shutter without a lens. | Go to your camera's menu and enable the "Release without lens" or "Shoot without lens" option. |
| Difficulty achieving sharp focus. | Manual focus technique needs refinement; shallow depth of field at wide apertures. | Utilize your camera's focus peaking or magnification assist. Try stopping down the aperture (e.g., F5.6 or F8) to increase depth of field. |
| Images appear dark or overexposed. | Incorrect exposure settings for manual lens. | Ensure your camera is in Manual (M) or Aperture Priority (A/Av) mode. Adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to achieve correct exposure. Use the camera's light meter or histogram. |
| Dark edges or vignetting in images. | Inherent characteristic of a circular fisheye lens, especially on certain sensor sizes or when cropped. | This is a normal effect for a circular fisheye lens. Embrace it creatively or crop the image in post-processing if a rectangular frame is desired. |
Specifications
Image: A detailed diagram of the AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 Fisheye Lens, labeling its focus ring, aperture ring, and other components, alongside a table of key specifications.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | AstrHori |
| Model Name | AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 Fisheye |
| Lens Type | Fisheye |
| Compatible Mountings | Four Thirds (M43) |
| Focal Length | 6.5 Millimeters (Fixed) |
| Maximum Aperture | F2.0 |
| Aperture Range | F2.0 - F22 |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 0.2 meters |
| Real Angle Of View | 192 Degrees |
| Optical Structure | 6 Elements in 5 Groups |
| Aperture Blades | 9 pieces |
| Image Stabilization | No image stabilization |
| Filter Size | Filter not supported |
| Net Weight (E mount) | Approx. 268g |
Warranty Information
AstrHori products typically come with a limited manufacturer's warranty. For specific details regarding the warranty period and coverage for your 6.5mm F2.0 Fisheye Lens, please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official AstrHori website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Customer Support
Should you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 Fisheye Lens, please contact AstrHori customer support through their official website or the retailer from whom you purchased the product. Provide your product model and purchase date for efficient assistance.
Official AstrHori Store: Visit AstrHori Store on Amazon
