7artisans Photoelectric 10mm f/2.8 Mark II

Sony E

Review

The 7artisans Photoelectric 10mm f/2.8 Mark II is an ultra-wide-angle lens designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, providing an exciting option for landscape, architectural, and astrophotography enthusiasts. With its compact design and fixed aperture, this lens opens doors to creative shooting opportunities, especially in tight spaces where you need that extra field of view.

In terms of build quality, the Mark II version features a solid metal construction that feels sturdy yet lightweight, making it an excellent companion for those long days of shooting. The lens has a sleek profile and is easy to handle, fitting comfortably in your camera bag. Its compact size is a significant advantage, especially for travel photographers who prioritize portability without sacrificing quality.

When it comes to image quality, the 10mm f/2.8 Mark II delivers impressive results, with excellent sharpness across most of the frame, notably in the center. The lens demonstrates minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, which are common challenges with ultra-wide angles. However, at the edges, some softness is noticeable, particularly at wider apertures. Stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 tends to correct this and results in images that are reliably crisp and clear.

The focal length of 10mm (equivalent to 15mm on a full-frame camera) allows for a dramatic perspective in your images, capturing expansive scenery and intricate architectural details. The f/2.8 maximum aperture is a bonus for low-light conditions and shallow depth of field, though achieving a pronounced bokeh effect can be challenging at such a wide angle. Additionally, the manual focus ring provides a satisfying tactile experience, albeit with a slight learning curve, especially for those accustomed to autofocus systems.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid metal construction ensures durability
• Lightweight and compact design ideal for travel
• Excellent center sharpness, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration
• Versatile focal length suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios

Cons

• Some edge softness at wider apertures
• Manual focus may not suit everyone, requiring practice

Verdict

The 7artisans Photoelectric 10mm f/2.8 Mark II lens delivers exceptional value for photographers looking for a high-quality ultra-wide-angle lens for their Sony E-mount system. It combines solid build quality, impressive image performance, and lightweight portability, making it a worthwhile addition to your lens collection. While it does have minor drawbacks, such as edge softness and the manual focus requirement, the positives significantly outweigh these concerns, making this lens a strong contender for both amateur and professional photographers alike.