Compact prime lenses hold a special place in the hearts of many photographers, especially when gear for on-the-go shouldn't become a burden. Manufacturer 7Artisans is expanding its lineup of autofocus optics and brings the AF 18mm f/2, a handy prime lens for mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors, to the market.
The lens is designed for the Sony E-mount and covers a 77-degree angle of view on Alpha series sensors. This corresponds to a focal length of approximately 27 millimeters in full-frame equivalent. Thus, the lens targets familiar applications such as street photography, landscapes, reportage, and everyday snapshots where a slim and unobtrusive camera is desired.
Inside the housing, an optical construction of nine lenses arranged in seven groups works. To keep aberrations and color fringing in the edge areas low, the manufacturer relies on special low-dispersion glass elements as well as lenses with high refractive index.
The f/2 aperture expands the possibilities in low ambient light and allows for selective subject separation from the background. Nine aperture blades ensure a soft bokeh. The aperture can be stopped down in steps to f/16.
Those who want to get close to their subject benefit from a minimum focusing distance of twenty centimeters, enabling lively perspectives with plenty of surroundings in the background.
Despite its compact dimensions, 7Artisans does not skimp on functional mechanics. The housing is made of metal and, in addition to a focus ring for manual focusing, also features a dedicated aperture ring. This ring clicks noticeably at each aperture value and has an automatic position marked with an A, so aperture selection can be controlled either directly on the barrel or via the camera's control dial.
An integrated focus drive handles automatic focusing, while electronic contacts on the mount transmit EXIF data to the camera body.
An integrated USB port on the barrel also allows updating the lens firmware on a computer if needed.
The compact design is especially noticeable in the dimensions. The wide-angle lens measures 64 millimeters in diameter and is only 32 millimeters short. On the scale, the housing weighs about 109 grams, hardly noticeable. At the front, there is a filter thread with a diameter of 52 millimeters as well as a mount for a suitable lens hood.
The handy lens is aimed at all Sony photographers looking for an everyday wide-angle lens that easily fits in a jacket pocket. Those who want to get this compact prime can find the model directly in the official 7Artisans store as well as at Amazon.
