7Artisans AF 27mm F2.8

The 7Artisans AF 27mm F2.8 is a compact autofocus prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offered for Sony E, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X. At 27 mm the angle of view corresponds to roughly 40 mm on full frame, a focal length for street, travel and everyday photography. 7Artisans builds the lens with an all-metal body.

Optical design

The optical construction has 6 elements in 5 groups. The maximum aperture is F2.8, and the lens stops down to F16 with 6 diaphragm blades. According to 7Artisans, the diagonal angle of view is 55 degrees, with 49.2 degrees horizontal and 33.4 degrees vertical. The closest focusing distance is 0.3 m, which the manufacturer presents as suitable for close-up shots with a soft background.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by an STM stepping motor. 7Artisans states that the lens works with the eye recognition focus of the camera, for portraits and for video recording. A USB Type-C port allows firmware updates. The lens has no aperture ring, so the aperture is set from the camera body. The 39 mm filter size is engraved on the Fujifilm X and Nikon Z versions.

Build and size

The weight depends on the mount: about 172 g for Sony E (64 mm diameter, 48 mm length), about 144 g for Fujifilm X (61 mm by 42 mm) and 163 g for Nikon Z. The Fujifilm X version is therefore the lightest of the three. The body is made of metal alloy.

Where it fits

Other 27 mm autofocus lenses for APS-C in the database include the TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 and the AstrHori AF 27mm f/2.8, as well as the much faster Viltrox AF 27mm F1.2 Pro. For Fujifilm X there are also the Fujifilm XF 27mm F2.8 and the XF 27mm F2.8 R WR. The 7Artisans lens competes on size and weight rather than on speed.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very light for an autofocus lens, 144 g on Fujifilm X
• STM autofocus with eye recognition support
• Closest focusing distance of 0.3 m
• USB Type-C port for firmware updates
• Metal body in a small format

Cons

• Maximum aperture of F2.8 is modest in low light
• No aperture ring, the aperture is set on the camera
• Weight and size differ by mount

Verdict

The AF 27mm F2.8 is a small and light everyday lens for APS-C cameras. Its data show a simple six element design, STM focusing and very low weight. Anyone who needs more speed in the same focal length should look at the F1.2 class, while those who value size above all will find the 7Artisans a straightforward pancake style option.