So far the only native 28mm prime lens is the Sony FE 28mm 2.0. Now 7artisans is offering a version of its 28mm 1.4 M-mount lens with an optical design adjusted to the thick filter stack of the Sony cameras. This is the first 7artisans lens reviewed here, so let us find out what this new manufacturer has to offer.
Update June 2023: Alternatives section updated
We summarize our experience with all the native E-mount and a few legacy lenses in the 85-135mm bracket for the Sony A7 series to give you a compact and independent resource for choosing the best portrait lens for your needs.
We also have a general guide to FE-lenses, 9-18mm ultra wide angle lenses, guide to 20-28mm wide angle lenses, 35mm lenses, 50mm lenses and macro lenses.
Unlike most other review sites we have no association with any lens manufacturer apart from occasionally loaning a lens for a review. No fancy trips and meals.
Before any short introduction we tell you how long we have used a lens and if we have borrowed it from a manufacturer. But in most cases we have bought the lenses new from retail stores or on the used market.
If we have left any question unanswered please leave a comment or contact us on social media and we will do our best to answer it.
If you purchase the lens through one of the affiliate-links in this article we get a small compensation with no additional cost to you.
Last update: January 2023
Continue reading Guide to the best Portrait Lenses – Sony A7/A9/A1 series
The Leica 75 Summilux (75 Lux) is legendary. It’s a compact, fast, short telephoto rangefinder lens designed for portrait and shallow depth-of-field photography. Prices and praise for the 75 Lux haven’t lessened over the years, and it’s said to be one of Walter Mandler’s favorites works. You’ll be hard pressed to find a clean copy for under 3.5k. Let’s dig deeper.
Click here to see all 75 Lux review photos and others at larger resolution on my flickr album.
Note 1: Throughout the review, FE or Sony 85 means the 85 f1.8, GM 85 refers to the GM 85 f1.4, and the Samyang is the manual focus version unless specified.
Note 2: For a more extensive look at the finer distinctions between the 75 and 80 Summilux, read this.
| Focal Length: | 75mm |
| F-stop: | 1.4-16 |
| Weight: | 600g |
| Aperture Blades: | 10 (unrounded) |
| Hood: | Permanent (retractable) |
| Mount: | Leica M |
| Internal focus: | No |
| Filter Size: | 60mm |
| MFD: | 0.8 (will focus closer) |
| Environmental Sealing: | None |
| Years Produced: | 1980-2007 |
The 7Artisans 28mm 1.4 FE+ is a surprisingly well rounded prime for a very reasonable price. Now 7Artisans released an even faster 75mm f/1.25 lens. But is it as good as the 28mm lens? Read on to find out.
The 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 is a very cheap super fast 50 mm lens that hit the market in 2017. The price of only $370 makes it very attractive for those who want a super fast lens but have a limited budget, but how well does it perform?
Continue reading Review: 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 – Fast, cheap but also good?