Pergear 25mm F1.7

The Pergear 25mm F1.7 is a compact manual focus prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Pergear sells it for Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Canon RF and Micro Four Thirds bodies. On APS-C it frames like a 37.5 mm lens on full frame, according to Pergear, which puts it in the standard lens range for everyday shooting, street photography and portraits. On Micro Four Thirds the field of view is narrower, roughly like a 50 mm lens on full frame.

Optical design

Pergear specifies 7 elements in 5 groups and a diaphragm with 10 blades. The aperture runs from f/1.7 to f/22. The maker says the multi-layer coating on the individual elements is meant to reduce flare and ghosting and to improve contrast and colour accuracy. The angle of view is given as 57.4 degrees. The lens is designed for the APS-C format and is not meant for full frame bodies.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is fully manual, and the lens has no image stabilizer. Pergear describes a click aperture design with perceptible steps. The closest focus distance is 20 cm, which allows fairly close subjects for a standard focal length. Without autofocus, the focus aids of the camera body, such as peaking and magnified live view, are the practical way to focus accurately at f/1.7. Pergear includes a lens hood with the lens.

Build and size

The lens measures 46 mm in diameter and 37 mm in length, weighs 165 g and takes 37 mm filters. Pergear describes a retro look and positions it as a walk-around lens. The figures are the maker's general specification for all mounts, so the exact length can differ slightly between versions.

Where it fits

The lens targets users who want a small and light fast prime for little money. A similar manual APS-C option is the 7artisans 25mm F1.8, which is also available for Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds and Sony E. On Micro Four Thirds the Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH offers autofocus with the same nominal focal length and maximum aperture. Within the Pergear range, the 12mm F2 II is wider and the 50mm F1.2 is a longer portrait option.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Small and light at 165 g
• f/1.7 maximum aperture with a 10-blade diaphragm
• Close focusing at 20 cm
• Offered for five mounts
• Lens hood included

Cons

• Manual focus only
• No image stabilization
• Designed for APS-C, not for full frame
• Slower than f/1.4 or f/1.2 primes for very low light

Verdict

The Pergear 25mm F1.7 is a light and compact standard prime for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras. It suits photographers who are comfortable with manual focus and want a bright aperture in a very small body. Those who need autofocus should look at the native or third-party autofocus lenses in their system.