7Artisans AF 85mm F1.8

The 7Artisans AF 85mm F1.8 is a full frame autofocus portrait lens for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L mount cameras. It combines a bright F1.8 aperture with an STM focus motor, a metal barrel and an aperture ring that can be switched between automatic and manual operation. The L mount version also fits Panasonic Lumix S and Sigma bodies.

Optical design

The lens has 10 elements in 7 groups, including 2 extra low dispersion (ED) elements and 2 high refractive index elements. The diaphragm has 11 blades and the aperture range runs from F1.8 to F16. According to 7Artisans, the design is meant to deliver high resolution on modern sensors. The angle of view is 28.5 degrees on the diagonal, 24 degrees horizontal and 16.1 degrees vertical.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing is driven by an STM stepping motor, and the manufacturer lists support for face and eye detection AF. The closest focusing distance is 0.8 m. The aperture ring works without click stops when set to manual, which 7Artisans promotes for video work, and it can be switched to automatic. An Fn button can be assigned to functions on the camera, and a USB Type-C port serves for firmware updates. The lens also has an AF/MF switch.

Build and size

The metal body is 72 mm in diameter and 96 mm long on the Sony E and L mount versions and 98 mm long on the Nikon Z version. Without caps the weight is about 437.5 g on Sony E, about 443 g on L mount and about 452 g on Nikon Z. The filter thread measures 62 mm. 7Artisans describes the lens as slightly smaller than other 85 mm F1.8 lenses.

Where it fits

Other 85 mm F1.8 autofocus lenses in the database include the AstrHori AF 85mm f/1.8 II, the Meike AF 85mm f1.8 Pro STM and the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 II, as well as the native Sony FE 85mm F1.8, Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S and Panasonic Lumix S 85mm F1.8. The 7Artisans lens is a third party option that is available across three mount systems.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Bright F1.8 aperture with 11 diaphragm blades
• STM autofocus with face and eye detection support
• 2 ED elements and 2 high refractive elements
• Clickless aperture ring and a customisable Fn button
• Available for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L

Cons

• Closest focusing distance of 0.8 m limits close-up work
• About 440 g to 450 g is not light for an 85 mm F1.8
• Weight and length differ slightly between the three mounts

Verdict

The AF 85mm F1.8 is a conventional portrait lens with a complete feature list for its class: ED glass, STM focusing, eye detection support and a flexible aperture ring. It suits shooters on Sony E, Nikon Z or L mount who want an 85 mm autofocus lens from a third party and can use the data above to compare it with the native options.