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7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£110
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Lens mount: Canon EF-M, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds
Maximum focal length: 35 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 1.2
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 43.9 °

7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.9

Good

6.6

Good

8.1

Excellent

7.3
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
10
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
5.8
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
9.5
Lens length
25.0%
10
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#677 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The 7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 is an ultra-compact, fully manual prime lens designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, featuring a fast f/1.2 maximum aperture and a classic Sonnar-based optical formula of 6 elements in 5 groups. Its main characteristics include a robust all-metal build, a lightweight 150g footprint, and a 9-blade rounded diaphragm that produces a distinct, dreamy bokeh. Key pros are its exceptional low-light capability, portability, and extremely affordable price point, making it ideal for street photography and creative portraits. However, cons include significant softness and chromatic aberration when shot wide open at f/1.2, noticeable field curvature, and a lack of electronic contacts for EXIF data or autofocus.

Technical Specifications of 7Artisans 35mm F 1 2

Overall score

6.9

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

prime

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF-M, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

43 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

8.2

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

35 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

35 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

43.9 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

43.9 °

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Focus & Controls

4.3

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?

Build & Handling

6.6

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 vs the average camera lens

Why is 7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 better than the average camera lens?

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1.6 lower f-number at telephoto end
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.1.2 vs 2.8
Has aperture ring
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Clicked aperture ring.
What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.
Importance: MEDIUM
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
De-clickable aperture ring.
What it is: An aperture ring that can switch from stepped clicks to smooth rotation for video work.
When it matters: When you shoot video and need smooth aperture changes without audible or visible click steps.
Importance: MEDIUM
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
56 mm shorter lens
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 is shorter than the average camera lens (36 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 is shorter than the average camera lens (36 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.36 mm vs 92 mm
31.4 mm narrower lens barrel
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 is slimmer than the average camera lens (45.6 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 is slimmer than the average camera lens (45.6 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.45.6 mm vs 77 mm
4.82x cheaper
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 is cheaper than the average camera lens (£110 vs £530).
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 is cheaper than the average camera lens (£110 vs £530).£110 vs £530
6.3% better value for money
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.81 vs 7.346).
What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.81 vs 7.346).7.81 vs 7.35
1.6 lower f-number at telephoto end
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.2 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
Has aperture ring
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
56 mm shorter lens
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 is shorter than the average camera lens (36 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
31.4 mm narrower lens barrel
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 is slimmer than the average camera lens (45.6 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is 7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 worse than the average camera lens?

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2 fewer aspherical elements
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
No full-time manual focus
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
No internal focusing
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends during focusing.
0.06 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
0.05 m longer minimum focus distance
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
Not weather-sealed
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No lens hood
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
Not weather-sealed
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No full-time manual focus
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.
Importance: HIGH
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
No internal focusing
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends during focusing.
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.
Importance: HIGH
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
No lens hood
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
What it is: Whether a matching lens hood is supplied in the box.
When it matters: When you want flare protection straight out of the box without buying extra accessories.
Importance: MEDIUM
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
2 fewer aspherical elements
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.0 vs 2
0.06 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.
Importance: MEDIUM
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.13 x vs 0.192 x
0.05 m longer minimum focus distance
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.35 m vs 0.3 m

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of 7Artisans 35mm F 1 2 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about 7Artisans 35mm F 1 2?

Extremely affordable price point for an f/1.2 aperture lens
Compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for everyday use
Solid all-metal build quality that feels premium and durable
Fast f/1.2 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field
Creates a 'classic' or 'dreamy' look with pleasant, creamy bokeh and good color rendering
Smooth and well-damped manual focus ring with a usable focus throw
Sharpness improves significantly in the center when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4

What customers dislike about 7Artisans 35mm F 1 2?

Soft image quality and 'glow' (aberrations) when shot wide open at f/1.2
Noticeable barrel distortion and strong vignetting (light fall-off) at wide apertures
Softness in the corners and edges of the frame across most aperture settings
Significant chromatic aberration (purple fringing) in high-contrast areas
Friction-based lens cap is prone to sliding off and being lost easily
Mark I version features a de-clicked aperture ring, which some photographers find easy to bump accidentally
Fully manual with no electronic communication to the camera for EXIF data

Expert reviews

jonasraskphotography.com

24/11/2019

Summary of the review

The 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 review - jonasrask | photography

The 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 is an incredibly compact, budget-friendly manual focus lens costing around $130, which the reviewer couples with a Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera. Its standout pros include a very impressive all-metal build quality, an exceptionally tiny form factor, and a smoothly dampened focus ring with a 150-degree throw that allows for fast operation. Creatively, the lens shines by offering a unique "vintage" look, well-balanced colorcast, flat contrast that retains shadow detail for black-and-white shooting, and a distinctive, semi-creamy bokeh that skews at the edges to create a compelling "zoom-in" effect. Conversely, the lens comes with several significant technical cons, as it exhibits pronounced barrel distortion and a notable loss of sharpness and microcontrast when shot wide open, producing a soft "glow" caused by optical aberrations. Edge-to-edge sharpness only improves once stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8. Ergonomically, the reviewer notes a few frustrations: the clickless aperture ring makes it impossible to know the exact aperture value used for a shot, the recessed design of the focusing ring is annoying to grip, and excess grease initially seeped out from the...

keithwee.com

11/08/2019

Summary of the review

Bokeh in a pocket | Review of the 7Artisans 35mm f1.2 lens for Fujifilm X-mount

The 7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 is a remarkably compact, budget-friendly manual focus APS-C lens designed for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, retailing for around USD $145. Weighing just 150 grams and measuring 36mm in length, its lightweight, all-metal housing provides excellent durability and a premium, hefty feel. The lens features a 9-blade rounded aperture design that delivers creamy, circular bokeh across all settings, making it highly artistic and ideal for portraits. Additionally, its scalloped focus ring offers a highly functional grip that simplifies manual focusing, while the bright f/1.2 aperture excels at keeping ISO low during indoor or low-light shooting. However, the lens requires some creative compromises and user adaptation due to its mechanical and optical limitations. Notably, it lacks electronic contacts, meaning it transmits no EXIF data and requires enabling the camera's "shoot without lens" setting. Optically, softness is an issue at f/1.2 when shooting at close distances, though sharpness improves significantly when backing away from the subject or stepping down to f/4 and beyond. The lens is also prone to severe flaring when shooting directly into strong light, features mild distortion,...

medium.com

13/02/2019

Summary of the review

7artisans 35mm f1.2Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Review: Sonnar on a budget

The 7artisans 35mm f1.2 lens is a budget-friendly, manual-focus option offering a compact, solid build and a classic Sonnar-style rendering characterized by creamy, distinct bokeh, making it an affordable choice for portraits. While praised for its portability and low cost, it offers less sharpness compared to modern, faster alternatives and features a unique, sometimes distracting one-sided bokeh effect. Optically, the lens suffers from noticeable aberrations wide open and exhibits a slight focus shift, which, according to the review, necessitates stopping down to at least f2.8 to fully correct. It is designed for photographers looking to achieve a specific vintage, character-filled aesthetic rather than clinical perfection at a very low price point.

alenmakota.wordpress.com

04/02/2019

Summary of the review

7Artisans 35mm f1.2 Lens Review - Alen Makota

Alen Makota’s review of the 7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 lens highlights it as an affordable, compact, and sturdy all-metal tool suitable for creative, street, and portrait photography, noted for its smooth bokeh and center sharpness. However, the lens features a non-clicked aperture ring prone to accidental changes and suffers from significant wide-open issues, including soft corners, low contrast, and color fringing, which only partially resolve when stopped down.

35mmc.com

February 20 2026 (Published 2018)

Summary of the review

7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 Review - my new mini super-sonnar

The 7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 is an incredibly compact, budget-friendly manual focus lens designed specifically for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering a unique full-frame equivalent field of view of roughly 50mm with a depth of field similar to an f/1.8 lens. Built using a vintage-inspired Sonnar optical formula, the lens is highly praised for its small form factor, making it an ideal choice for a daily, carry-everywhere setup. Users will find that it delivers a distinct, charming rendering style characterized by a gentle sharpness that falls off smoothly into the out-of-focus areas, alongside a pleasing "glow" when shot wide open due to spherical aberrations. However, its low price point comes with notable compromises in both build quality and optical perfection. The construction can feel unpolished and somewhat "rubbery" during focusing, and the unusual placement of the unclicked aperture ring next to the camera body makes it easy to accidentally misadjust. Optically, the lens suffers from low resolution and contrast when shot wide open, noticeable barrel distortion, and a heavy smearing of details in the far corners of the frame. Furthermore, it is...

m.7artisans.com

20/03/2018

Summary of the review

7artisans 35mm F1.2 lens review---January 21, 2018

The 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 is an incredibly compact, lightweight (157g), and affordable manual lens that accentuates a vintage aesthetic on Fuji X-mount cameras. Built with a 6-element in 5-groups optical formula reminiscent of a classic Sonnar design, the lens features smooth-rotating focus and aperture rings, a 9-curved-blade aperture system, and an accessible method to calibrate infinity focus using Allen screws. It is highly recommended for everyday carry, isolating center subjects, manipulating depth of field, and capturing portraits with soft, pleasing skin tones. However, the lens has several distinct mechanical and optical drawbacks. Mechanically, the exceptionally deep Torx screws on the mount can catch the camera's lock pin unless the lens-lock button is held down continuously during unmounting, and the rough edges on the screw holes and red dot marker require smoothing. Optically, the lens is moderately soft at f/1.2 even in the center of the frame, exhibits noticeable axial chromatic aberrations when focusing on close objects, and experiences comatic aberrations that appear quickly in the border areas of the image.

yukosteel.com

21/01/2018

Summary of the review

Review - 7Artisans 35mm F1.2 lens in Fuji X mount - yukosteel

The yukosteel review of the 7Artisans 35mm F1.2 lens highlights its impressive physical design and ergonomic appeal. Pros include its exceptionally light and compact all-metal build—weighing only 157g—making it highly portable and well-balanced on Fujifilm X-mount bodies. The focus and aperture rings operate smoothly, and the focus ring includes Allen screws that allow for user-adjusted infinity focus calibration. Optically, the 9 curved aperture blades create attractive, round bokeh in the center of the frame, and its affordable price point makes it an appealing choice for portraiture and everyday use where a vintage look and smooth skin rendering are desired over technical perfection. However, the reviewer points out several notable cons regarding handling and optical performance. Mechanically, the deeply recessed Torx screws on the lens mount can catch the camera's lock pin, requiring the user to hold down the lens-release button during the entire unmounting process. Additionally, the thin aperture ring sits extremely close to the camera mount, making it prone to accidental rotation while mounting the lens. Optically, the image is moderately soft at f/1.2 even in the center, with...

travelwithalens.com

26/03/2020

Summary of the review

7artisans 35mm f1.2 Too Good To Be TrueGo to product viewer dialog for this item.? - best budget lens?

The 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 is an ultra-affordable, sub-$100 manual-focus prime lens designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering a 50mm-equivalent focal length. It features an all-metal construction and a retro aesthetic that perfectly complements compact cameras like the Fujifilm X-T30. The lens excels in street, travel, and portrait photography due to its incredibly lightweight, discreet, and pocketable form factor. Reviewer Sherrah highlights its solid build quality, smooth de-clicked aperture ring, nice color retention, and creamy, pleasing bokeh as major performance advantages for the price. However, the lens has notable optical drawbacks, particularly when shooting wide open at f/1.2 to f/2.0, where it suffers from image softness, heavy corner vignetting, and distortion. While stopping down to f/2.8 vastly improves sharpness, its low-light usability is hindered by these wide-open flaws and the lack of weather sealing. Furthermore, because it is fully manual, fast-moving street scenes can be challenging to capture—a problem compounded on cameras like the X-T30, whose EVF lacks the sharpness needed for precise manual focusing. Despite these compromises, the reviewer highly recommends it as a budget-friendly steal for everyday shooting. Want...

allesnurlicht.de

06. Dezember 2020

Summary of the review

Out and about in Hamburg with the 7artisans 35mm f/1.2

This review covers the Chinese-made 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 manual lens used on a Fujifilm X-E3 camera for street photography around the Hamburg harbor. The author notes that while they enjoy vintage M42 lenses, adapting them makes the setup bulky. The major advantages of this 7artisans lens include its ultra-compact "pancake" size, which fits native Fujifilm mounts seamlessly, and its highly affordable price tag of around €130. Performance-wise, the exceptionally wide f/1.2 aperture serves as a massive benefit for low-light shooting and creating a beautiful, soft bokeh with a distinct vintage charm. On the downside, the lens does not deliver technically perfect sharpness, meaning users seeking pristine image clarity might find this a drawback. Instead, its appeal relies on giving images a soft, imperfect character reminiscent of old analogue lenses. Furthermore, because it is an entirely manual lens, photographers must be willing to slow down to adjust the aperture ring and focus manually, which might not suit those who prefer fast, automated shooting. Ultimately, the reviewer considers it a highly fun, budget-friendly option for casual city walks.

christianmitschke.de

11. Januar 2024

Summary of the review

Nifty Fifty for the Nikon Zfc – 7artisans 35mm 1.2

The 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 II is a highly compact, budget-friendly manual lens that pairs exceptionally well with the retro design of the Nikon Zfc camera. On the positive side, its all-metal build feels solid and fits easily under a jacket without needing a camera bag. It delivers impressive central sharpness, particularly in close-up portrait photography, and produces a smooth, pleasing bokeh. Furthermore, its manual operation provides an enjoyable, slow-paced "retro" shooting experience that complements the physical dials of the Zfc body. However, the lens comes with several notable drawbacks due to its low price point. It lacks electronic contacts, meaning no lens data is written into the image EXIF files, and it offers no weather or dust sealing. Optically, it suffers from heavy magenta chromatic aberrations in backlit conditions and noticeable corner softness when shot wide open at f/1.2. Additionally, the focus throw between 3 meters and infinity is very narrow, making manual focusing at longer distances quite difficult without prior practice.

bluespaces.de

26/01/2024

Summary of the review

7artisans 35mm f/1.2 II - Bluespaces Photography

The 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 II is a compact, fully manual lens designed for APS-C Nikon Z cameras, providing a classic 50mm full-frame equivalent field of view that pairs perfectly with retro bodies like the Nikon Zfc. On the positive side, this budget-friendly "China-cracker" features a solid all-metal body and a smooth, precise focusing ring that excels at close-up shots down to its 28cm minimum focus distance. Optically, it surprises with impressive sharpness when stopped down, a distinct and pleasing character, and a very smooth bokeh ideal for portraiture. Furthermore, its lightweight profile of just over 200 grams makes it an unobtrusive, highly portable option for everyday street photography. However, the lens has several distinct mechanical and optical drawbacks. It completely lacks electronic communication contacts, meaning no EXIF data is transmitted to the camera. The aperture ring barely clicks, forcing the user to visually check the markings, and the lens has no weather sealing against dust or moisture. Manual focusing becomes difficult at distances between 5 and 15 meters because the throw from 3 meters to infinity is highly compressed. Optically,...

phototrend.fr

05/03/2026

Summary of the review

7artisans 35mm f/1.2 Review: Ultra-Bright and Unique Lens for APS-C and Micro 4/3 Mirrorless Cameras

The 7artisans 35 mm f/1.2 is an ultra-bright, entirely manual lens designed for APS-C and Micro 4/3 mirrorless cameras, functioning as a standard 50mm equivalent on APS-C bodies. Priced at an affordable €159, this "character lens" skips modern features like autofocus, optical stabilization, weather sealing, and electronic communication with the camera. Built firmly out of aluminum, the lens features a smooth, de-clicked aperture ring and a long-throw focus ring that pairs well with camera focus-peaking tools. However, the reviewer encountered a manufacturing flaw in the lens mount that made it very difficult to twist onto the camera initially, alongside tightly cramped spacing between the control rings. In terms of optical performance, the lens delivers a highly creative, vintage aesthetic rather than technical perfection. Key strengths include its exceptionally bright f/1.2 aperture, an incredibly soft and creamy circular bokeh, strong center sharpness, and vibrant contrast in low-light environments. Conversely, its primary drawbacks are a severe lack of edge-to-edge uniformity, pronounced barrel distortion, heavy vignetting at wide apertures, and a high susceptibility to orange or pink lens flare due to its minimalist...

blablahightech.fr

15/06/2022

Summary of the review

Quick review of the 7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 lens for Fuji mount

The 7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 for Fujifilm X-mount is a budget-friendly, manual-focus prime lens that offers a versatile focal length similar to the human eye's field of view. Tested on a Fujifilm X-Pro 2, the lens features a robust, all-metal construction that feels solid and fits seamlessly with the camera's vintage aesthetic. It is equipped with a smooth focus ring and a stepless, clickless aperture ring, though the latter is noted for being slightly too loose, risking accidental adjustments. The reviewer emphasizes a steep learning curve but highlights that it serves as an excellent, affordable tool (priced under €170–€200) for photographers looking to experiment with manual shooting. In terms of image quality, the lens delivers impressive central sharpness, producing highly detailed 300% close-up crop results, though the sharpness noticeably degrades toward the frame edges. Shoot performance at its maximum f/1.2 aperture produces a creamy, attractive bokeh with strong subject separation, making it great for portraiture, street photography, and golden hour shots. However, this ultra-wide aperture creates a very shallow depth of field that makes manual focusing difficult—especially in low light or...

fujistas.com

23/04/2018

Summary of the review

7artisans 35mm F1.2 Review for Fujifilm X - Fujistas

This Fujistas review explores the 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 manual lens for Fujifilm X-mount, highlighting it as an incredibly budget-friendly, ultra-bright option costing under €100. The reviewer praises its compact size and Leica-inspired aesthetic, which complements the Fujifilm X-Pro2 body perfectly. Built entirely of metal, the lens boasts high-quality engraving and a very smooth, wobble-free manual focus ring. Optically, the reviewer notes that the color rendering is realistic, the contrast is high, and the lens produces a creamy, pleasant bokeh. While its overall resolution cannot match native Fujifilm glass, it is deemed completely sufficient for street photography, outperforming standard kit zooms for a fraction of the cost. However, the lens comes with notable drawbacks, particularly its high sensitivity to light flares and halos from indirect lighting and night lamps, which requires stopping down the aperture to manage. It also displays pronounced barrel distortion, making it a poor choice for architectural photography unless corrected in software like Lightroom. Mechanically, the continuous (de-clicked) aperture ring can easily slide out of position accidentally, and the crowded spacing of its numbers—where f/16 to f/4 takes...

radojuva.com

Mayo de 2022

Summary of the review

7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 Mark II Review

The Radojuva review highlights the second-generation, manual-focus 7Artisans II 35mm 1:1.2 lens as a significant mechanical upgrade for APS-C and Micro 4/3 cameras, featuring a compact, all-metal design, a clicked aperture ring, and a budget-friendly price. While the bright f/1.2 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm offer decent center sharpness and pleasant bokeh, users can expect notable spherical, chromatic, and barrel distortion issues at wider apertures. Key pros include the robust build, affordable price, and portability, whereas major cons consist of significant vignetting, peripheral softness, high vulnerability to flaring, and the lack of EXIF data transmission. The lens is described as a creative tool suited for artistic, rather than clinical, photography.

fujistas.com

15/04/2018

Summary of the review

7artisans 35mm f1.2, first days of use and impressions (Forum)(ojodigital.com) | 16/04/2018 | 7artisans 35mm f1.2 - First impressions and photos

The 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 is a budget-friendly, manual-focus lens that offers a mixed performance, highly dependent on the photographer's expectations. On the positive side, reviewers love its compact size, beautiful vintage aesthetic that pairs exceptionally well with Fujifilm's X-Pro rangefinder bodies, and durable all-metal build quality. The manual focus ring is highly praised for being smooth, accurate, and precise, reminiscent of classic analog lenses. In terms of optical performance, the lens delivers a smooth and creamy bokeh effect, good overall contrast, and accurate, saturated colours when shooting in daylight conditions. However, the lens suffers from several prominent drawbacks. Its main optical flaw is a high susceptibility to lens flare and strong halos when shooting near indirect or direct night lighting, requiring a lens hood to control. There is noticeable barrel distortion, rendering it poor for architectural photography, and sharpness visibly falls off in the corners. Furthermore, users strongly dislike the clickless aperture ring, which moves too easily by accident and features awkward, non-linear spacing between f/4 and f/16. Ultimately, while it is considered an excellent value-for-money option for street photography,...

sergioquezada.com

[Undated]

Summary of the review

Testing the 7artisans Lenses - Sergio Quezada

📸 Sergio Quezada tests a lineup of six APS-C Sony E-mount manual lenses from 7artisans using full-frame Sony a9 and a7RII cameras set to cropped mode. The photographer praises the lineup's excellent value for money, lightweight design, and highly luminous performance, singling out the ultra-bright 35mm f1.2 and the incredibly fun 12mm f2.8 ultra-wide option. Optically, the lenses deliver surprising sharpness in the center and produce beautiful bokeh, alongside a highly distinct, unique circular flare on the 7.5mm fisheye and 12mm variants that serves as a great creative tool for composition. ⚠️ On the downside, these are completely manual lenses, which requires users to pay extra attention to achieving perfect focus, though this can be mitigated by utilizing Sony's "focus peaking" and screen magnification assist features. Since they are natively engineered for APS-C sensors, full-frame camera users must actively toggle on their camera's cropped sensor mode to avoid heavy vignetting. Furthermore, while the lenses retain excellent center clarity, the reviewer notes a slight, expected loss of sharpness along the extreme corners and edges of the frame. If you'd like, I...

nikonland.it

08/07/2020

Summary of the review

7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 (DX) for Nikon Z: unboxing

The 7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 (DX) is an incredibly compact, budget-friendly manual lens designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras like the Nikon Z50, mimicking the premium unboxing experience and aesthetics of classic German gear. Priced at just €114, this all-metal and glass lens offers a smooth, manual focus ring, a 43mm filter thread, and an ultra-bright f/1.2 maximum aperture that makes it an attractive, stylish accessory for casual photography. Its main advantages are its center sharpness, high portability, beautifully artistic bokeh, and exceptional value for money. However, the reviewer and community comments highlight significant optical flaws and usability issues that come with its low cost. When shot wide open at f/1.2, the lens suffers from terrible edge performance, heavy vignetting, and highly noticeable chromatic aberration. Focusing accurately is a major challenge; the lens exhibits a distinct "vintage" character, and camera aids like focus peaking can easily mislead the user by indicating the entire scene is in focus when it is actually focused toward infinity rather than the subject. Ultimately, it is described as a fun, cheap toy for bokeh lovers, but its...

juzaphoto.com

10/10/2018

Summary of the review

7artisans 35mm f/1.2 : Caratteristiche e Opinioni | JuzaPhoto

ℹ️ Overview & Highlights The 7artisans 35mm f/1.2 is an ultra-budget, vintage-style manual prime lens designed for APS-C mirrorless systems. It is highly praised by users on JuzaPhoto for its incredibly compact size, robust all-metal build, and very affordable price tag. Photographers enjoy its bright f/1.2 aperture for low-light shooting and its unique, vintage bokeh. This creates a dreamy, "creative" look that works well for artistic portraits and street photography. ⚠️ Flaws & Limitations However, it has significant optical flaws that make it challenging for beginners. Reviewers report that it is very soft at wide-open apertures, lacks contrast, and is prone to heavy flare and chromatic aberrations under bright sunlight. It requires stopping down to f/4 or f/8 to achieve good sharpness. Additionally, it lacks electronic contacts to transmit data to the camera, and users heavily dislike its clickless, easily bumped aperture ring.

tweakers.net

20/07/2026

Summary of the review

7Artisans Camera Lenses: Comparison and User Reviews

Based on the community product reviews featured on the website, the 7Artisans A604B is a highly recommended wide-angle prime lens (24mm full-frame equivalent) tailored for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera systems. A major pro highlighted by users is its excellent distortion control, meaning it handles straight lines exceptionally well without bending them. Optically, the center of the frame is impressively sharp starting from f/2.8, and the corners catch up beautifully when stopped down to f/5.6. Additionally, reviewers praise its performance under challenging or unusual lighting environments. The primary con noted for this lens is that the edge and corner sharpness are visibly weaker when shooting wide open at f/2.8, requiring users to stop down for uniform clarity across the frame. In contrast, the 7Artisans 25mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X-mount is highly regarded as a fun, ultra-affordable, fully manual lens that offers incredible value for its price. Users count its robust, solid all-metal construction as a significant pro, along with a smooth manual focus and aperture ring experience that makes it a delight to learn on. However, it comes with a...

radojuva.com

22/02/2022

Summary of the review

Review of the 7Artisans 35mm f/1.4 | Happy

The 7Artisans 35mm f/1.4 APS-C Mark II is an ultra-budget manual prime lens offering a fast f/1.4 aperture and a 50mm-equivalent focal length for mirrorless cameras. Key advantages include an all-metal build, smooth clickless aperture ring suitable for video, and good center sharpness from maximum aperture. Optical drawbacks include noticeable chromatic aberration and low resistance to backlight, while mechanical compromises include a poorly marked aperture ring and lack of electronic contacts for EXIF data. The lens also features a 90-degree focus throw, a easily lost push-on front cap, and no bayonet hood support.

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