Compact prime lenses are consistently popular on cameras with Sony E-mount. With the 7Artisans AF 40mm f/2.5, the Chinese manufacturer offers a very light option for photography enthusiasts. In this hands-on review, we look at how the lens performs in practice and for whom the purchase is worthwhile.
Technical Specifications of the 7Artisans AF 40mm f/2.5
The lens is designed for use on full-frame sensors but can also be used on APS-C cameras. The 40mm focal length sits exactly between the widely available 35mm and 50mm options. This perspective offers a very natural angle of view, close to that of the human eye.
The maximum aperture is f/2.5, allowing for solid subject separation and good light gathering in low light. The optical system can be stopped down to f/16.
Optically, the lens uses seven lens elements arranged in six groups. Among them are special lenses for correcting aberrations to achieve usable sharpness even on high-resolution sensors.
Nine aperture blades are intended to provide smooth background blur. The minimum focusing distance is 40 centimeters, which is perfectly adequate for everyday subjects and close-ups.
On the front, there is a 46mm filter thread, allowing the use of compact filters. A stepper motor is used for autofocus, which also supports face and eye detection.
A special feature on the mount is the integrated USB-C port, which allows for easy firmware updates. A suitable USB cable is included in the box. The lens also comes with a lens hood.
When I first held the box with the lens, I was a bit unsure whether a mistake had been made and the lens wasn't actually in the box. The lens is very light, especially for a full-frame lens.
The weight is just under 100 grams, making the design extremely portable. The length is only four centimeters, so the lens barely protrudes from the camera. The lens is primarily made of plastic, with a metal mount.
A switch on the barrel allows quick switching between autofocus and manual focus. Additionally, there is an aperture ring for direct aperture setting and a function button.
A big argument for many is certainly the price. Depending on the retailer, it is around 160 euros ($170). This is a very low price for an autofocus lens for full-frame cameras.
In Practice
The transition from pure measurements to practical use quickly reveals the strengths and weaknesses of this prime lens in daily use. In practical use, the low weight proves to be a noticeable advantage during longer walks and outings. If you carry the camera over your shoulder all day, you will quickly appreciate the low burden on your gear.
In terms of feel, the plastic body naturally cannot compete with a metal body. The material feels simpler and lacks the tactile quality. However, it remains pleasantly light and compact, which is often more valuable in everyday use than a high weight.
Regarding handling on the camera, the test yielded mixed impressions. The balance was acceptable on the Sony A7R II, as the body doesn't feel front-heavy. Even better is a more compact camera, such as a model from the Sony A7C series or a modern APS-C body.
I find the 40mm focal length not bad, but of course it depends on the subjects and your own style. For street photography, reportage, and casual snapshots, the angle of view offers a balanced ratio between environment and main subject.
I really like the aperture ring. I realized again how much I miss it on my Sony lenses. Aperture is my preferred setting for image composition before ISO and shutter speed. Having it always in view and being able to change it quickly is very pleasant in everyday photography. The ring clicks noticeably and allows precise selection of the aperture.
A minor flaw, however, is the spacing of the controls. The distance between the focus ring and the aperture ring could be a bit larger. When manually focusing, you occasionally accidentally touch the aperture ring or mix up the two rings.
In my opinion, the autofocus is a weakness. The autofocus sometimes hunts and is a bit noisy. In quiet environments, the sound of the stepper motor can be noticeable. When subjects move quickly or there is little light, the system occasionally takes some time to focus.
For some, the maximum aperture of f/2.5 is certainly a disadvantage. However, I find f/2.5 sufficient at 40mm. The background blur is enough for a clean separation of the subject, and the bokeh is not distracting.
Conclusion on the 7Artisans AF 40mm f/2.5
The lens surprised me. Despite the obvious compromises in build material and autofocus performance, the prime lens offers a convincing overall package. It is fun to use and produces beautiful images with clear definition. Definitely, the lens is worth its money.
Color reproduction is neutral, and sharpness in the center reaches a very usable level even at relatively small apertures. For street photography and everyday photo walks, the lens is a practical solution.
If you are looking for an uncomplicated companion that doesn't weigh down your camera, this is an interesting option. The manual aperture ring significantly enhances the user experience and compensates for some minor weaknesses in the mechanics. It shows once again that practical handling and low weight are often more important in photography than perfect lab values.
Buy the 7Artisans AF 40mm f/2.5
The 7Artisans AF 40mm f/2.5 can be purchased through specialty retailers and common online platforms such as Amazon. On Amazon, the lens is often available at attractive prices with fast delivery. It can also be purchased through the 7Artisans Online Store.
More Sample Images
All sample images in this article were taken with the Sony A7R II. They were edited with Adobe Lightroom.
