7artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II

Canon EF-M

Review

The 7artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II is a compact and versatile macro lens designed specifically for Canon EF-M mount cameras. With its modest focal length, it's perfect for capturing intricate details in both macro photography and portraiture, making it a valuable addition to your lens collection.

One of the standout features of this lens is its impressive macro capabilities. With a 1:1 reproduction ratio, it allows photographers to get exceptionally close to their subjects, revealing textures and details that often go unnoticed. The lens is also equipped with a nine-blade diaphragm, which contributes to beautifully rendered bokeh, adding a creamy background blur that can enhance your images.

In terms of build quality, the 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II feels solid and well-constructed. Its metal housing gives it a premium feel, and the focus ring operates smoothly, which is essential for precise focusing, especially in macro scenarios where the depth of field is extremely shallow. Additionally, the compact size makes it portable, making it a great lens for on-the-go photography.

However, this lens is not without its drawbacks. The lack of image stabilization may pose a challenge in low-light conditions or for handheld macro shots, where camera shake can easily blur the details. Furthermore, while the aperture range of f/2.8 is decent for most situations, some photographers may find it limiting when trying to achieve a shallower depth of field for specific creative effects.

Another point to consider is the manual focus operation. While many photographers appreciate the control that manual focusing provides, it may not appeal to everyone, especially those used to autofocus systems. The learning curve could be steep for beginners, and it requires practice to achieve consistent sharpness, particularly in complex macro settings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 1:1 macro reproduction ratio for detailed close-ups.
• Excellent build quality with a robust metal housing.
• Smooth manual focus operation for precision.
• Good bokeh thanks to the nine-blade diaphragm.
• Compact and lightweight design for portability.

Cons

• No image stabilization, which can impact handheld shooting.
• Fixed maximum aperture of f/2.8 may limit creative options.
• Manual focus can be challenging for those accustomed to autofocus.

Verdict

The 7artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II is an impressive lens for photographers looking to explore macro photography with their Canon EF-M mount cameras. Its solid build, exceptional macro capabilities, and aesthetic outputs make it a worthy investment. However, potential buyers should weigh the benefits against the lack of image stabilization and the manual focus requirement, especially if they frequently shoot in dynamic or low-light conditions. For those willing to adapt, this lens can be a powerful tool for capturing stunning, detailed images.