7artisans Photoelectric 25mm f/0.95

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The 7artisans Photoelectric 25mm f/0.95 is an exciting addition to the Micro Four Thirds lens lineup. As a fast prime lens, it offers impressive low-light capabilities and a beautiful depth of field, making it a desirable choice for photographers who love street photography, portraiture, or any scenario where bokeh is essential. With its wide aperture of f/0.95, this lens stands out for those looking to capture stunning images with a creamy background blur.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the 7artisans 25mm f/0.95 is solid, with a metal construction giving it a robust and premium feel. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments, which is especially crucial given the shallow depth of field at f/0.95. The compact form factor makes it quite portable, perfectly complementing the small size of Micro Four Thirds cameras.

However, one downside is that the lens lacks weather sealing. This may limit its usability in inclement weather, so for those who frequently shoot outdoors in various conditions, it's something to consider. Additionally, the lens has a manual focus mechanism exclusively, which may deter beginners who are used to auto-focus systems.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the 25mm f/0.95 produces stunningly sharp images when stopped down to around f/2.8 to f/4, and retains good color fidelity and contrast. The bokeh rendered at wide apertures is soft and appealing, making it an excellent choice for portrait sessions. However, wide open, sharpness can fall off towards the corners, and some vignetting is noticeable, which might not be to everyone's taste.

Usability

Using this lens is a delight for those who relish manual focusing. The focus throw is long enough to allow for nuanced adjustments, which can be beneficial for achieving that perfect focus when shooting wide open. However, for fast-paced shooting scenarios, the manual focus can slow you down and may not be suitable for subjects that move quickly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely fast aperture (f/0.95) allows for excellent low-light performance.
• Beautiful bokeh and depth of field for portrait and artistic photography.
• Solid and premium build quality with a metal body.
• Compact and lightweight design suitable for travel and street photography.

Cons

• Limited sharpness wide open, especially in the corners.
• Noticeable vignetting at maximum aperture.
• No auto-focus capability, which may be challenging for beginners or fast-moving subjects.
• Lack of weather sealing limits usability in harsh conditions.

Verdict

In summary, the 7artisans Photoelectric 25mm f/0.95 is a fantastic lens for photographers who appreciate the artistry of manual focusing and the benefits of a fast aperture. While it does have some drawbacks, particularly concerning image quality at wide open apertures and the absence of auto-focus, it still presents a unique opportunity for creative expression. For those who can appreciate its strengths and work within its limitations, this lens can be a truly rewarding addition to any Micro Four Thirds camera bag.