7Artisans AF 40mm F2.5

The 7Artisans AF 40mm F2.5 is a compact autofocus prime for full-frame mirrorless cameras, offered for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L. It is described by 7Artisans as a member of its LITE series and is aimed at everyday shooting: street scenes, markets, travel and relaxed portraits. A 40mm focal length sits between the classic 35mm and 50mm views, so it works as a general-purpose perspective close to what the eye sees.

Optical design

The optical formula has seven elements in six groups. The manufacturer's diagram marks aspherical and high-refractive-index elements. The nine-blade aperture runs from f/2.5 to f/16, the angle of view is 56.1 degrees, and the minimum focusing distance is 0.4 m. The front has a 46 mm filter thread.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by an STM stepping motor. According to 7Artisans, the lens supports real-time face and eye tracking for stills and video. Besides the focus ring it has an aperture ring with click stops, a physical AF/MF switch and a customizable FN button, which is unusual for a lens this small. A lens hood is included. The lens has no stabilizer of its own, so image stabilization depends on the camera body.

Build and size

7Artisans lists a plastic barrel measuring 63 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length. The weight is given as about 90 g for the Sony E version, which makes it one of the lightest full-frame autofocus lenses in this database.

Where it fits

The same focal length and aperture appear in the Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G for Sony E and the Viltrox AF 40mm F2.5 for Sony E and Nikon Z, both listed in this database. Nikon Z shooters can also look at the Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm F2. Another low-priced autofocus 40mm is the TTArtisan AF 40mm f/2 for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L. For full-frame bodies 7Artisans also offers the AF 35mm F1.8 and the AF 50mm F1.8.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very light at about 90 g on Sony E
• Autofocus with STM motor, face and eye tracking support
• Aperture ring with clicks, AF/MF switch and FN button on a small body
• Small 46 mm filter thread, lens hood included

Cons

• Plastic barrel instead of metal
• Maximum aperture of f/2.5 gives less background separation and light than faster 40mm lenses
• No built-in stabilizer

Verdict

The 7Artisans AF 40mm F2.5 is a lightweight everyday prime with more controls than its size suggests. It suits photographers who want a small full-frame lens for street and travel work, while those who need a brighter aperture will find faster 40mm options in other lines.