7Artisans 6mm F2 Fisheye

The 7Artisans 6mm F2 Fisheye is a manual focus circular style fisheye lens for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. It is offered for Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, Nikon Z and Micro Four Thirds. According to 7Artisans, the lens covers an angle of view of 220 degrees, well beyond the 180 degrees of a conventional fisheye, and it is aimed at creative perspective work, night scenes and star photography.

Optical design

The construction has 10 elements in 8 groups. The maximum aperture is F2.0 and the aperture range runs to F16, with 9 diaphragm blades. 7Artisans compares the 220 degrees with the 160 and 180 degree angles of conventional fisheyes on its product page. The closest focusing distance is 0.1 m, which according to the manufacturer allows exaggerated close-up perspectives.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual, and the aperture ring has click stops. 7Artisans suggests the lens for creative shots in which subjects close to the lens stand out while the background stretches and expands. The F2.0 aperture gives a high light intake, which the manufacturer recommends for night scenes and star photography. The lens has no filter thread and no front filter support.

Build and size

The lens body is made of metal. It is 69 mm in diameter and 76 mm long and weighs about 418 g without front and rear caps.

Where it fits

Other fisheye lenses for small sensors in the database include the 7artisans 7.5mm F2.8 Fisheye, the TTArtisan 7.5mm f/2 Fisheye, the Samyang 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye II and the Panasonic Lumix G Fisheye 8mm F3.5 for Micro Four Thirds. The 7Artisans 6mm stands out through its 220 degree angle of view and its F2.0 aperture.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 220 degree angle of view
• Fast F2.0 aperture with 9 diaphragm blades
• Closest focusing distance of only 0.1 m
• Clicked aperture ring and a metal body
• Offered for five mounts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• No filter thread
• About 418 g and 76 mm long, large for a 6 mm lens
• Designed for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors only

Verdict

The 6mm F2 Fisheye is a specialist lens for creative perspective work on small sensors. Its data stand out through the very wide angle of view, the bright aperture and the short closest focusing distance. It suits photographers who want an extreme look for astrophotography, interiors or close-up work, and who accept manual focus and the lack of front filters.