7Artisans has launched four fast prime lenses for different mirrorless and Micro Four Thirds cameras. They are available for Fuji, Leica, MFT, and Sony cameras, and the prices start at only $70. The fastest among them is f/1.1, and still, it costs only $369. The selection of lenses includes 50mm f/1.1, 35mm f/2, 25mm f/1.8 and fisheye 7.5mm f/2.8. Three of them were made for full-frame cameras, but they can be used on crop bodies as well. The fisheye is intended for APS-C cameras only. So, if you need a fast, yet really affordable lens, you should check them out.
50mm f/1.1 for Leica M
This fast 50mm lens fits onto most Leica M bodies. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t lock in place with the Leica M4. Ron Greer discovered this issue in one of his videos, but they got the response from the company that the lenses will get an improvement, and a new batch (shipping in September) will fit the M4 as well.
Still, this lens is compatible with Leica M4P M6 M7 M8 M9 M9p M10 M240 M240P ME M262 M-M. If you have one of those and looking for a cheap third-party 50mm, give it a go. The price is $369, and you can use it on both full-frame and crop bodies. Specs:
7 Elements in 6 Groups. Aperture with 12 Diaphragm BladesAluminum Body and Copper Core, Sonnar Structure.Compact and Lightweight 0.88 pounds/400gCompability: Leica M4P M6 M7 M8 M9 M9p M10 M240 M240P ME M262 M-MFocus Type manual-focus; with Leica M Lens to Sony E-Mount adapter, this lens can be Auto-Focus when used with Sony A7II/ A7RIISuper Optical Quality: Optimized for Working on Full Aperture with the Great Sharpness and Contrast.High Refractive Optical Glasses (More than 1.9). Fast Aperture and Lowest Chromatic AberrationItem Weight 88 poundsLens Type fixed-non-zoomMaximum Focal Length 50 mmMinimum Focal Length 50 mmPackage Height 72 x 5.91 x 5.91 inchesZoom Type Fixed
35mm f/2 for Canon EOS M/Fuji X/Sony E
This is another of the prime lenses from the series, and it’s also made for full-frame cameras, but you can use it on crop bodies as well. It’s compatible with various Sony E, Fuji X and Canon EOS M cameras. The price is $156. Specs:
7 Elements in 5 GroupsAperture Range: F/2-F/1610 Diaphragm BladesAluminum Body and Copper Core7oz/320g
25mm f/1.8 for MFT/Fuji X/Sony E
This is another affordable and fast lens of the series, designed for full-frame cameras. It’s compatible with Micro Four Thirds, as well Sony and Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, and it costs only $70. Specs:
7 Elements in 5 GroupsAperture Range: F/1.8-F/1612 Diaphragm BladesAluminum Body and Copper Core31oz/143g
Fisheye 7.5mm f/2.8 for MFT/Fuji X/Sony E
The fisheye lens from the series is the only one designed for APS-C bodies. It’s compatible with Micro Four Thirds, Sony and Fuji X mount, and the price is $139. Specs:
11 Elements in 8 GroupsAperture Range: F/2.8-F/2212 Diaphragm BladesMulti Layer CoatingAluminum Body and Copper Core8-22.Closest Focus Distance: 0.12mWidely Focus within 180 Degree6oz/275g
What do you think? Would you give these affordable third-party lenses a chance? Or you rather invest in more expensive gear? [via SLR Lounge]
