| Image: 7Artisans |
Early this year, 7Artisans launched a new series of F1.8 autofocusing APS-C lenses: a 25mm, 35mm and 50mm (38mm, 53mm and 75mm equiv., respectively). They were initially available for Sony E and Fujifilm X mount, but the company has just made them available on Nikon’s Z mount as well.
The trio of lenses makes up the company’s “Lite” series, owing to the fact that they all weigh around 180g (6.3oz), and are compact to make it easier to carry them around. You can read the full specs, including optical formulas, in our launch coverage for the lenses, but they’re designed to be as similar to each other as possible so it’s easy to switch between them, especially if you’re using a gimbal for video work. They’re all 67mm by 51mm (2.6 x 2″) and threaded for 58mm filters. They also all use high-refractive-index glass and have nine-bladed apertures.
While the company and other lens makers have provided similar options for the mount before, it’s nice to see it continuing to do so with lenses that use its latest optical and industrial designs. It’s also interesting that third parties like 7Artisans have continued to make autofocus lenses for Nikon’s mount after the company filed a lawsuit against Viltrox and encouraged people to use officially licensed lenses. So far, only Sigma and Tamron have made any claims about their lenses being licensed, and that doesn’t appear to be changing today.
Like their counterparts for E and X mounts, the Z mount versions of the lenses cost $125 each. 7Artisans also sells them as a set for $359, letting you save a bit of money if you were already planning on getting all three. They’re available to order now from the company’s site and other retailers.
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