7Artisans 35mm F/1.8: First Impressions & Review

So, you're curious about the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens? You've come to the right place! This lens has been generating buzz, and for good reason. It promises a fast aperture and autofocus capabilities at a price point that's hard to ignore. In this review, we'll dive deep into the first impressions of this lens, especially when shooting wide open. We'll explore its strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide if it's the right fit for your photography needs.

The 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens is an exciting addition to the world of affordable optics. A 35mm lens is a classic focal length, known for its versatility in various photographic genres, including street photography, portraits, and even landscapes. The fast f/1.8 aperture allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and excellent low-light performance. For photographers who enjoy the look and feel of a prime lens but appreciate the convenience of autofocus, this lens seems like a promising option. It's essential to temper expectations when considering budget-friendly lenses. However, the initial specifications and the manufacturer's reputation for delivering decent optics at competitive prices make the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 a worthy contender in its class.

First Impressions: A Promising Start for the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8

When you first hold the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens, the initial impression is generally positive. The build quality feels surprisingly solid for its price. While it might not rival the premium feel of higher-end lenses, it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy either. The focus ring operates smoothly, and the overall construction inspires confidence. The size and weight are reasonable, although some users might find it a tad bulky, especially when paired with smaller camera bodies. However, this is often the trade-off for a fast aperture lens, and the benefits in terms of image quality and low-light performance are usually worth it. The lens mount feels secure, and the lens attaches to the camera body without any wobbling or looseness.

One of the most crucial aspects of any lens is its image quality, and this is where the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens needs to shine. Right out of the box, the images produced by this lens exhibit a pleasing sharpness in the center of the frame, even when shooting wide open at f/1.8. This is a critical advantage, as many photographers purchase a fast aperture lens specifically to utilize its shallow depth of field and creamy background blur. The colors rendered by the lens are generally accurate and vibrant, although some users may find them slightly on the cooler side. Contrast is also well-controlled, resulting in images with a good dynamic range. Overall, the initial image quality is impressive, considering the lens's price point.

Wide Open Performance: Where the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 Shines (and Shows Its Quirks)

The allure of a fast aperture lens like the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens lies in its ability to create stunning images with shallow depth of field. Shooting wide open at f/1.8 allows you to isolate your subject beautifully, blurring the background and drawing the viewer's attention to the main point of interest. This is particularly useful for portrait photography, where a blurred background can help to create a professional and polished look. The bokeh, or the quality of the background blur, produced by this lens is generally pleasing, with smooth and creamy out-of-focus areas. While it might not be the absolute smoothest bokeh available, it's certainly more than adequate for most shooting situations.

However, like many fast aperture lenses, the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens exhibits some optical imperfections when used wide open. One of the most common is vignetting, which is a darkening of the corners of the image. This is a common characteristic of wide-aperture lenses, and it's often more pronounced at the widest aperture settings. Vignetting can be easily corrected in post-processing software, but it's something to be aware of. Another potential issue is chromatic aberration, also known as color fringing, which appears as colored edges around high-contrast areas in the image. This is another common optical imperfection that can be minimized by stopping down the aperture or corrected in post-processing. Despite these imperfections, the overall wide-open performance of the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 is commendable, especially considering its price.

Autofocus Performance: A Mixed Bag for the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8

Autofocus is a crucial feature for many photographers, and the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens offers this functionality. However, the autofocus performance can be a bit of a mixed bag. In good lighting conditions, the autofocus is generally accurate and reasonably fast. It can quickly lock onto the subject and maintain focus, which is essential for capturing fleeting moments. However, in low-light situations or when shooting subjects with low contrast, the autofocus can become less reliable. It may hunt for focus or struggle to lock on altogether. This is not uncommon for budget-friendly lenses, as they often use less sophisticated autofocus systems.

It's important to note that the autofocus performance can also depend on the camera body being used. Some cameras have more advanced autofocus systems than others, and this can impact the overall performance of the lens. If you're planning on using the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens primarily for photography in good lighting conditions, the autofocus should be adequate. However, if you frequently shoot in low light or require extremely fast and reliable autofocus, you might want to consider other options. Manual focus is always an option, and the smooth focus ring on this lens makes manual focusing a pleasant experience.

Build Quality and Handling: The Feel of the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 in Your Hands

As mentioned earlier, the build quality of the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens is surprisingly good for its price. The lens feels solid and well-constructed, with a metal lens mount that provides a secure connection to the camera body. The focus ring is smooth and easy to operate, allowing for precise manual focusing. The overall design is clean and minimalist, with a sleek black finish. The lens is not weather-sealed, so it's essential to take precautions when shooting in inclement weather. The size and weight of the lens are reasonable, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. However, some users may find it a bit bulky, especially when paired with smaller camera bodies.

The handling of the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens is generally good. The focus ring is well-placed and easy to reach, and the autofocus/manual focus switch is conveniently located. The lens does not have image stabilization, so it's essential to use proper shooting techniques or a tripod when shooting in low light to avoid blurry images. The lens hood is included, which helps to reduce flare and ghosting when shooting in bright sunlight. Overall, the build quality and handling of the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 are impressive, especially considering its affordable price tag. It's a lens that feels good in the hand and inspires confidence in its durability.

Conclusion: Is the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 Right for You?

The 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens is an intriguing option for photographers looking for a fast aperture prime lens at an affordable price. Its strengths lie in its sharp image quality, especially in the center of the frame, even when shooting wide open. The pleasing bokeh and versatile 35mm focal length make it suitable for various photographic genres. The build quality is also surprisingly good for its price, and the lens feels solid and well-constructed.

However, the lens does have some weaknesses. The autofocus performance can be unreliable in low light, and optical imperfections like vignetting and chromatic aberration are present, especially when shooting wide open. These imperfections can be corrected in post-processing, but it's something to be aware of. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens is right for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're on a budget and looking for a fast aperture prime lens for general photography, it's a worthy contender. However, if you require extremely reliable autofocus or are particularly sensitive to optical imperfections, you might want to consider other options.

For further information and reviews, you might find the resources at LensRentals.com helpful in making your decision. They offer a wealth of information on various lenses and photography equipment.