7Artisans AF 135mm F1.8

The 7Artisans AF 135mm F1.8 is an autofocus telephoto prime for full-frame mirrorless cameras, offered for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L. 7Artisans positions it in its MAX line and targets portrait, event and still-life photographers who want the strong subject separation of a 135mm f/1.8 lens. The full-frame image circle also covers APS-C bodies, where the view narrows.

Optical design

The lens has 16 elements in 13 groups. According to 7Artisans, six of them are ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and five are high-refractive-index elements, intended to control chromatic aberration and fringing, and the design is aimed at sensors of 60 megapixels and more. A nano multi-coating is meant to reduce flare and ghosting. The 12-blade aperture runs from f/1.8 to f/16, the angle of view is 18.4 degrees, and the maximum magnification is 0.25x. The minimum focusing distance is 0.68 m, and the front takes 82 mm filters.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by an STM stepping motor. The lens has a physical AF/MF switch and two FN buttons. On the Nikon Z version the two buttons can be assigned to different functions and a stepless control ring can be set to aperture, ISO or other camera functions. The Sony E and Leica L versions have a click-stop aperture ring with an A position instead, and both buttons share one customizable function. Firmware updates are installed through a Type-C port on the lens. The lens has no stabilizer of its own, so image stabilization depends on the camera body.

Build and size

The barrel is made of aluminum with an anodized finish and a textured grip. 7Artisans lists a dust-sealing gasket at the mount and an anti-smudge coating on the front element. The lens measures 91.2 mm in diameter and 130 mm in length, and 7Artisans gives a weight of about 1014 g for the Sony E version.

Where it fits

Other 135mm lenses in this database include the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM and the Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 Lab for Sony E, the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art and the Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG Art, and the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena for Nikon Z.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.8 aperture with 12 aperture blades at 135mm
• Close focus of 0.68 m and 0.25x maximum magnification
• Two FN buttons, AF/MF switch and control or aperture ring
• Metal barrel with a dust-sealing gasket at the mount

Cons

• About 1014 g and 130 mm long, which is a lot to carry on mirrorless bodies
• No built-in stabilizer
• Large 82 mm filters

Verdict

The 7Artisans AF 135mm F1.8 offers a bright, feature-rich 135mm autofocus option across three full-frame mirrorless systems. It suits portrait and event work where subject separation matters, while its weight and size are the trade-offs to consider.