Chinese manufacturer 7Artisans unveils its third autofocus lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras: the 7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8. This wide-angle prime lens is designed for Sony E, Leica L, and Nikon Z mounts, and adopts the same design as the brand’s 50mm and 85mm models.
7Artisans expands its autofocus lens lineup with a new bright wide-angle lens: the AF 24mm f/1.8. This is the third autofocus model for full-frame mirrorless cameras that the Chinese manufacturer has released in three years.
In addition to this 24mm, 7Artisans already offers a 50mm and an 85mm f/1.8. Together, they make up the brand’s complete full-frame autofocus lens lineup so far, with a compact design and consistent finish. The 24mm is already available in Sony E mount and will soon be released for Leica L and Nikon Z mounts.
Besides this 24mm, 7Artisans already offers a 50mm and an 85mm f/1.8. These are currently the only three full-frame autofocus lenses from the brand, featuring a compact design and very similar finishes. The 24mm is already available for Sony E mount and will soon be released in Leica L and Nikon Z versions.
Here are the technical specifications of the 7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8:
- Focal length: 24mm (127mm on APS-C)
- Sensor coverage: full-frame
- Field of view: 83°
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum aperture: f/16
- Optical design: 14 elements in 11 groups (including 2 aspherical elements, 3 ED low-dispersion elements, and 2 HR glass elements)
- Aperture: circular, 11 blades
- Minimum focusing distance: 32 cm
- Image stabilization: no
- Weather sealing: N/A
- Max magnification: N/A
- Focusing: autofocus (STM)
- Filter thread: ø 62mm
- Dimensions: ø 92 x 72mm
- Weight: 424g (without hood)
- Compatible mounts: Sony E, Nikon Z, Leica L
- Launch price: €329
Premium build quality
With its 24mm, 7Artisans retains the same design as its 50mm and 85mm lenses: an almost identical size with a barrel length of 9.2 cm, 7.2 cm diameter, and a weight of 424g. Placed side by side with the other AF lenses, telling them apart will be a challenge.
This consistent sizing will appeal to videographers, who won’t need to rebalance their gimbal with every lens change. In terms of controls, just like the 50mm and 85mm, it features an AF/MF switch, a customizable button, a de-clicked aperture ring, and a USB-C port near the mount for firmware updates.
Like the 50mm and 85mm, 7Artisans does not mention any weather sealing. Users should therefore take precautions when shooting in the rain. The lens is also not stabilized, although for a fast wide-angle like this, it’s less of an issue—especially when paired with in-body image stabilization.
An interesting optical formula
For its 24mm, 7Artisans uses an optical design with 14 elements in 11 groups, including several special glass elements. It includes 2 aspherical lenses, 3 ED elements, and 2 HR lenses. 7Artisans promises faithful image rendering with well-controlled distortion.
The f/1.8 aperture is formed by an 11-blade diaphragm, which should deliver particularly smooth background blur (bokeh), with very harmonious transitions between subject and background. However, this wide-angle focal length isn’t ideal for portraits with strong subject-background separation. Instead, this 24mm is better suited for architecture, landscape, astrophotography, or for videographers.
The autofocus uses a stepping motor (STM). According to the manufacturer, it offers fast, precise, and silent focusing. It is also optimized to work seamlessly with the subject detection and tracking technologies found in modern mirrorless cameras.
Here is a selection of sample images taken with the 7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8 (provided by the brand):
Price and availability of the 7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8
The 7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8 is available in E mount for $293. Availability dates for the Z and L mount versions are currently unknown.
Our first impressions of the 7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8
7Artisans adds an interesting new lens to its full-frame autofocus lineup. This 24mm f/1.8 appears to offer everything one would expect from a modern wide-angle lens, all at a very competitive price. A 35mm or even a 20mm f/1.8 may be next in line — unless the brand surprises us with even faster optics. Stay tuned.
