7Artisans AF 25mm F1.8 LITE

The 7Artisans AF 25mm F1.8 LITE is a compact autofocus prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offered for Sony E, Fujifilm X and Nikon Z. It belongs to the LITE series, which 7Artisans designs for lightweight creativity, and at 25 mm it offers an angle of view comparable to about 37.5 mm on full frame. The manufacturer positions it for street photography, documentary work and indoor shooting.

Optical design

The lens has 8 elements in 5 groups and uses high refraction elements. The maximum aperture is F1.8, and the aperture range runs to F16 with 9 diaphragm blades. According to 7Artisans, the angle of view is 58.3 degrees, and the closest focusing distance is 0.25 m. The manufacturer describes the F1.8 aperture as helpful for shallow depth of field and for low light scenes such as dusk and indoor shots.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by an STM stepping motor, which 7Artisans describes as fast, quiet and precise. The lens supports face and eye detection when the camera offers it, and it allows official firmware upgrades. Manual focus is available as well. The metal barrel carries amber orange engravings that are part of the unified design of the LITE series.

Build and size

The lens is 67 mm in diameter and 51 mm long, the filter thread measures 58 mm, and the body is made of metal. On Sony E the weight is about 183 g. The three LITE lenses with 25, 35 and 50 mm share the same outer dimensions.

Where it fits

Within the 7Artisans range, the AF 35mm F1.8 LITE is the next focal length in the same series, and the older manual 7artisans 25mm F1.8 offers the same focal length without autofocus. Other APS-C autofocus options in the database include the Viltrox AF 23mm F/1.4, the Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN, the Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR and the Fujifilm XF 23mm F2.8 R WR, which are close in focal length.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Light and compact: 67 mm by 51 mm and about 183 g on Sony E
• STM autofocus with face and eye detection support
• Closest focusing distance of 0.25 m
• 9 diaphragm blades and a metal body
• Same size as the 35 mm and 50 mm LITE lenses, which suits a lens set

Cons

• F1.8 is slower than F1.4 alternatives in the same focal length range
• Offered only for APS-C systems

Verdict

The AF 25mm F1.8 LITE is a small and light everyday lens for APS-C cameras. The data show a simple eight element design, STM focusing and a metal body at a weight of roughly 180 g. For those who prefer more speed, the F1.4 lenses in the system are the alternative, and for those who want a matching set, the 35 mm and 50 mm LITE lenses share the format.