7artisans Photoelectric 10mm f/2.8 Mark II

Leica L-Mount

Review

The 7artisans Photoelectric 10mm f/2.8 Mark II is a compact and lightweight ultra-wide-angle lens designed specifically for the Leica L mount. This lens presents an exciting option for photographers looking to capture expansive landscapes, architectural features, or simply to embrace the creative perspective that comes with ultra-wide angles. With its manual focus design, it caters mainly to photographers who appreciate hands-on control over their work.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the 7artisans 10mm f/2.8 Mark II is impressive for a lens in this price category. The metal housing feels solid and durable, providing a premium sense that many photographers will appreciate. At just 315 grams and measuring around 6 cm in length, it remains extremely portable, making it an excellent companion for travel and street photography. The lens features a smooth manual focus ring, which is not only satisfying to use but also allows for precise adjustments essential when shooting at such wide angles.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, this lens delivers sharp images, particularly when stopped down to f/5.6 and beyond. The 10mm focal length (equivalent to 15mm on a full-frame sensor) offers stunning perspectives, and the minimal distortion is commendable for such a wide lens. However, wide-open performance at f/2.8 can lead to some vignetting, particularly in the corners of the frame. This is often a characteristic of ultra-wide-angle lenses, and it may require some post-processing for those who wish to eliminate it entirely.

Bokeh and Low Light

Due to its ultra-wide nature, bokeh is not typically a strength of such lenses, and the 7artisans is no exception. While it can produce pleasing blur in certain scenarios, photographers looking for creamy backgrounds may have to rethink their approach and choose subjects that fit the lens's capabilities. In terms of low-light performance, the f/2.8 aperture is decent, allowing for moderate handheld shooting in challenging conditions. However, those accustomed to faster lenses may find it limiting.

Usability

The manual focus design requires a bit of practice, particularly for those transitioning from autofocus systems. The focus ring is smooth and provides a tactile feel, but the absence of autofocus might be a drawback for some users, especially when shooting dynamic scenes or during fast-paced events. The lack of electronic connections means that some automatic features, like aperture control via the camera body, are not available. Instead, the lens features a manual aperture ring, which can be convenient if you're comfortable with manual exposure settings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a solid metal construction.
• Compact and lightweight design, perfect for travel.
• Minimal distortion for an ultra-wide-angle lens.
• Sharpness is impressive when stopped down.

Cons

• Manual focus may be challenging for some users.
• Some vignetting at wider apertures.
• Limited low-light performance compared to faster lenses.
• No electronic connectivity limits features like autofocus and automatic aperture control.

Verdict

The 7artisans Photoelectric 10mm f/2.8 Mark II is an exceptional choice for photographers who value portability, manual focus control, and creative wide-angle perspectives. While it may not suit everyone's needs, its strengths make it a compelling option for landscape and architectural photography. If you can embrace the manual focus and are looking for a well-built lens that delivers sharp images, this could be the perfect addition to your Leica L mount system.