Hey there, fellow photography enthusiasts! It’s Katherine here, and today I’m diving into the world of 7Artisans lenses—affordable, manual-focus gems that have been making waves in the photography community. If you’re looking for budget-friendly lenses that don’t skimp on character or quality, stick with me as I share my thoughts on a few standout products from the 7Artisans store. Spoiler alert: these lenses are worth checking out!
Why 7Artisans?
7Artisans, a Shenzhen-based company founded in 2015 by a group of passionate photographers, has carved out a niche for creating manual-focus prime lenses that deliver impressive performance at a fraction of the cost of big-name brands. Whether you’re shooting on Sony, Nikon, Canon, Leica, or Micro Four Thirds, their lineup caters to a wide range of mirrorless systems, offering fast apertures and solid build quality that rival pricier options. But how do they hold up in real-world use? Let’s break it down.
The Lenses I Tested
I got my hands on three lenses from the 7Artisans store: the 35mm f/1.4 III Full-frame, the 50mm f/1.05, and the 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye. Each has its own personality, so let’s explore what makes them special.
1. 7Artisans 35mm f/1.4 III Full-frame: The Versatile All-Rounder
This lens is a fantastic choice for street photography, portraits, and even low-light shooting. Its f/1.4 aperture is a dream for creating that creamy, dreamy bokeh that makes your subject pop against a soft background. I took it out for a golden-hour shoot in the city, and the results were stunning—sharp in the center with a pleasing, vintage-like softness toward the edges when shot wide open.
Pros:
Build Quality: The all-metal body feels premium and sturdy, with smooth focus and aperture rings. It’s heavier than expected (around 369g), but it balances well on my Sony A7III.
Image Quality: At f/2 and beyond, sharpness improves significantly, making it great for landscapes or group shots. The bokeh is smooth and non-distracting, perfect for portraits.
Price: At under $200, it’s a steal compared to similar fast primes from bigger brands.
Cons:
Manual Focus: If you’re not used to manual focusing, it takes practice. Thankfully, focus peaking on modern mirrorless cameras makes it easier.
Some Chromatic Aberration: Wide open, you’ll notice slight color fringing in high-contrast scenes, but it’s minimal and easily corrected in post.
Verdict: This lens is a no-brainer for anyone wanting a fast, versatile prime without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for creative shooters who love the hands-on feel of manual focus and want a lens with character.
2. 7Artisans 50mm f/1.05: The Low-Light King
If you’re chasing that ultra-shallow depth of field or shooting in dimly lit environments, the 50mm f/1.05 is a beast. I tested it during a night shoot at a local jazz club, and wow—this lens loves low light. The f/1.05 aperture pulls in so much light that I could shoot at ISO 400 and still get clean, vibrant images. The bokeh? Absolutely sumptuous, with a smooth, almost painterly quality.
Pros:
Incredible Low-Light Performance: The f/1.05 aperture is a game-changer for night photography or indoor shoots without a flash.
Sharpness and Bokeh: It’s impressively sharp in the center even at f/1.05, and the bokeh is buttery smooth with minimal distortion.
Compact for Its Speed: At 606g, it’s lighter than many other ultra-fast lenses, making it practical for extended shoots.
Cons:
Corner Sharpness: The corners can be soft wide open, but for portraiture, this isn’t a dealbreaker since the focus is usually on the subject.
No Autofocus: Like all 7Artisans lenses, it’s manual-only, so it’s not ideal for fast-moving subjects.
Verdict: This lens is a must-have for portrait photographers or anyone who loves shooting in challenging light. It’s a fantastic value at around $450, delivering performance that rivals lenses costing three times as much.
3. 7Artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye: The Fun, Creative Choice
For something completely different, the 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye is a blast to use. I took it to a skate park and a starry night shoot, and it delivered some seriously unique images. The 225° angle of view creates that classic fisheye distortion, perfect for creative landscapes, architecture, or even astrophotography.
Pros:
Fun Factor: The fisheye effect is niche but so much fun for creative shots. It’s great for adding a playful vibe to your portfolio.
Compact and Affordable: At under $150, it’s a lightweight, budget-friendly way to experiment with ultra-wide angles.
Astrophotography Potential: The f/2.8 aperture and wide field of view make it surprisingly capable for capturing starry skies.
Cons:
Niche Use: The fisheye effect isn’t for every shoot, so it’s more of a specialty lens.
Edge Sharpness: Like most fisheye lenses, the edges aren’t razor-sharp, but that’s part of the charm.
Verdict: If you’re looking to spice up your photography with something quirky and creative, this fisheye lens is a fantastic pick. It’s not an everyday lens, but it’s perfect for those moments when you want to see the world differently.
Why I Recommend 7Artisans Lenses
After spending weeks with these lenses, I’m genuinely impressed by what 7Artisans offers. Here’s why I think you should give them a try:
Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality: These lenses deliver professional-grade build and image quality at prices that won’t make your wallet cry. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, they’re a low-risk way to expand your kit.
Character and Charm: Unlike some modern lenses that prioritize clinical sharpness, 7Artisans lenses have a vintage-inspired feel, with slight imperfections that add personality to your images.
Versatility: From full-frame to APS-C to Micro Four Thirds, 7Artisans has options for nearly every mirrorless system. Plus, their fast apertures make them ideal for low-light shooting and creative depth-of-field effects.
Fun to Use: The manual focus and aperture rings encourage you to slow down and engage with your craft, which I found refreshing in our fast-paced, autofocus-driven world.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While I’m a big fan of 7Artisans, they’re not perfect. The lack of autofocus can be a learning curve, especially for action or event photography. Some lenses may have minor issues like chromatic aberration or soft corners wide open, but these are often negligible for the price point. Also, a few users have reported focus calibration issues, though I didn’t encounter this with my copies. If you do, 7Artisans offers a 12-month warranty, and their customer service is responsive (you can reach them at info@7artisans.com).
My Recommendation: Go For It!
If you’re curious about 7Artisans lenses, I wholeheartedly encourage you to pick one up and give it a spin. Start with the 35mm f/1.4 III if you want a versatile all-rounder, the 50mm f/1.05 for stunning portraits and low-light work, or the 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye for creative fun. You can browse their full lineup at 7artisans.store, where they offer free shipping on orders over $88 and a 12-month warranty.
These lenses won’t replace your high-end Zeiss or Sony G Master glass, but they’re not trying to. They’re about delivering quality, character, and affordability in a package that inspires creativity. I’ve had a blast shooting with them, and I think you will too. So, grab a 7Artisans lens, hit the streets, and start capturing the world through a new perspective. Let me know in the comments which lens you’re eyeing or if you’ve already tried one—what’s your experience been like?
Happy shooting,
Katherine
