SG-image MF 25mm F1.8

The SG-image MF 25mm F1.8 is a manual focus standard prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The Chinese manufacturer SG-image offers it for Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Micro Four Thirds, Canon EF-M, Canon RF and Leica L. On APS-C the 25mm focal length gives a field of view comparable to roughly 37.5mm on full frame, which the maker describes as a natural everyday perspective. It is aimed at street, travel and casual shooting for people who want a small, fast and hands-on lens.

Optical design

According to SG-image the lens has 7 elements in 5 groups and an angle of view of 58 degrees. The diaphragm has 7 blades and runs from F1.8 to F16 on a clicked aperture ring. The minimum focus distance is 0.25 m with a maximum magnification of 1:7.7. The spec sheet shows an optical diagram and an MTF chart, but it does not name special glass types such as ED or aspherical elements.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is fully manual, there is no autofocus. SG-image presents this as a deliberate way of working that slows you down and makes you more intentional about composition. Aperture is set directly on the lens with click stops, which also helps when you want to read the setting by feel.

Build and size

The barrel is all metal according to the manufacturer. The lens measures 60 mm in diameter and 30 mm in length and weighs about 186 g. It takes 43 mm filters. The spec sheet gives one set of values for all seven mounts, so any difference between the mounts is not stated.

Where it fits

SG-image positions the lens as an affordable way to get a fast prime. In the database, a comparable manual APS-C option is the 7artisans 25mm F1.8, offered for Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds and Sony E. Micro Four Thirds users who want autofocus can look at the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8, and SG-image also sells its own autofocus 25mm F1.8 for Sony E, Fujifilm X and Nikon Z.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Fast F1.8 aperture in a small metal body
• Clicked aperture ring
• Short minimum focus distance of 0.25 m
• Low weight of about 186 g and a small 43 mm filter thread
• Available for seven different mounts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• The autofocus SG-image 25mm F1.8 is lighter on paper at 145 g
• No weather sealing or special glass is mentioned
• Little independent data on optical quality is available yet

Verdict

The SG-image MF 25mm F1.8 is a simple, light and bright manual prime with an unusually wide mount choice. It suits photographers who enjoy manual focusing and want a normal-view lens for an APS-C body without spending much. Anyone who relies on autofocus should look at the AF version of the same focal length instead.