7artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.05

Sony E

Review

The 7artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.05 is a compact lens that stands out for those looking for a fast aperture in a manual focus design. Specifically designed for the Sony E mount, this lens is particularly attractive to portrait photographers and users who appreciate the fine control of depth of field this remarkable f/1.05 aperture provides.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the 7artisans 50mm f/1.05 is impressive for its price point. The lens is entirely metal, giving it a solid and substantial feel. The focus ring is smooth and provides good resistance, allowing for precise adjustments when manually focusing. This feature is crucial for achieving optimal sharpness, especially at such wide apertures where focus can be quite shallow. Additionally, the lens is relatively compact, which makes it a great companion for street photography or for those who prefer a lightweight setup.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the 7artisans 50mm f/1.05 delivers pleasing results. At its widest aperture, images exhibit a unique quality with attractive bokeh, rendering backgrounds softly and beautifully. This can be especially useful for isolating subjects in portrait photography. As you stop down a bit, the sharpness improves, with very good results from f/2 onwards, making it versatile for various shooting conditions. That said, chromatic aberrations can be noticeable in high-contrast scenes, particularly when shot wide open, but they are manageable in post-processing.

Usability

Being a manual focus lens, usability may not appeal to everyone. While experienced photographers may appreciate the tactile control, those accustomed to autofocus systems might find it challenging, particularly in fast-paced environments. Additionally, the lack of electronics means no EXIF data is recorded in-camera, which can be a drawback for some users.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a solid metal construction
• Fast f/1.05 aperture for beautiful bokeh and low-light capabilities
• Compact and lightweight design
• Smooth manual focus control for precision

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit all photographers, particularly beginners
• Chromatic aberration can occur at wide apertures
• No autofocus and missing electronic integration for EXIF data

Verdict

Overall, the 7artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.05 is a fantastic choice for photographers who appreciate the art of manual focusing and require a fast lens for low-light situations and stunning portrait work. While it has its limitations regarding chromatic aberration and the learning curve that comes with manual focus, the lens' build quality and optical performance make it a worthwhile addition to any Sony E mount enthusiast's collection. If you're willing to embrace manual focus, this lens can provide a truly satisfying photographic experience.