7Artisans AF 10mm F2.5

The 7Artisans AF 10mm F2.5 is an autofocus fisheye lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, offered for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L. 7Artisans places it in its MAX line and presents it as a fisheye that no longer has to be focused by hand. With a 185 degree angle of view it targets action and video work, vlogging, astrophotography and creative wide-angle photography.

Optical design

The optical formula has 11 elements in eight groups, including two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and one aspherical element. The nine-blade aperture runs from f/2.5 to f/16, and 7Artisans says it produces 18-point starbursts. According to 7Artisans, the combination of the wide view and f/2.5 was tuned for coma control at the edges, which matters for star fields. The minimum focusing distance is only 0.15 m. The bulging front element does not accept filters. The manufacturer offers lens correction profiles for download, which can be used to turn the fisheye projection into a rectilinear wide-angle look.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus is driven by an STM stepping motor, and the lens carries a physical AF/MF switch, a focus ring and a click-stop aperture ring. Two function buttons are fitted: Fn1 can be customized, and Fn2 controls lens functions such as A-B focus and focus switching. A Type-C port on the lens is used for firmware updates. 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 has an anti-smudge coating and a dust-sealing gasket at the mount. The lens measures 76 mm in diameter and 94 mm in length, and 7Artisans gives a weight of about 504 g for the Sony E version.

Where it fits

Fisheyes for full-frame mirrorless in this database include the AstrHori 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye, the 7artisans Photoelectric 10mm f/2.8 Fisheye and the Samyang / Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye for Sony E.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Autofocus on a 185 degree fisheye
• Close focusing at 0.15 m
• Click-stop aperture ring, AF/MF switch and two function buttons
• Metal body with a dust-sealing gasket at the mount

Cons

• No filter support at the front
• About 504 g and 94 mm long, so not a small lens
• No built-in stabilizer

Verdict

The 7Artisans AF 10mm F2.5 brings autofocus, close focusing and f/2.5 light to the fisheye category. It suits video creators, action shooters and astrophotographers who value a quick focus system, while the weight and the lack of front filters are the trade-offs.