The competition among budget-friendly, autofocus-enabled mirrorless lenses intensifies with the release of the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.8, a full-frame lens for Nikon Z cameras that comes at an attractive price point of $299 / £229. Already available for order, this new prime lens brings exciting options for Nikon shooters who want high-quality portraits without breaking the bank. Previously launched for the Sony E-mount system, this release follows hot on the heels of other affordable portrait lenses, including the TTArtisans AF 75mm f/2, offering consumers more choices in the Nikon ecosystem.
Perfect Portrait Lens for Budget-Conscious Photographers
While having a capable camera body is important, portrait photographers understand that having the right lens is essential for capturing the best results. The 85mm focal length has long been regarded as a sweet spot for portraiture, offering flattering compression and the ability to isolate subjects from backgrounds. This makes the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.8 an appealing option for photographers seeking an affordable lens with excellent portrait potential.
Priced significantly lower than Nikon's own 85mm offerings, this lens aims to attract a wide range of users, from enthusiasts to professionals who may need a secondary, lightweight lens for travel or casual use. The f/1.8 aperture promises solid performance in low-light environments, as well as the ability to create stunning background blur, adding to its versatility for portraiture and beyond.
Construction and Optical Design
Despite its budget-friendly price, 7Artisans has not compromised on construction quality. The lens is built using metal materials, giving it a robust and durable feel. Weighing in at 452 grams, it’s slightly heavier than its Sony E-mount counterpart (437.5g), but it remains lighter than the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S, which tips the scales at 470 grams. This weight balance should make it comfortable for handheld use, particularly during extended shooting sessions.
In terms of size, the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.8 measures 72mm (2.83in) in diameter and 98mm (3.85in) in length, making it just a hair more compact than Nikon’s 85mm alternative. These dimensions allow for easier storage and transport, while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design that complements Nikon’s Z-mount camera bodies.
The lens comprises 10 elements arranged in seven groups, including a pair of extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two high-refractive (HR) lenses. These advanced optical components are intended to minimize distortions and chromatic aberrations, ensuring high-quality images with sharp details and accurate color reproduction. This attention to optical engineering highlights 7Artisans' commitment to providing affordable lenses that don’t compromise on essential image quality features.
Autofocus and Additional Features
One of the standout features of the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.8 is its autofocus system. Powered by a stepping motor, the lens offers smooth and quiet focusing, which is particularly beneficial for video shooters who require silent operation. The focus performance should satisfy both photographers and videographers alike, as the lens can easily lock onto subjects without generating intrusive noise that could be picked up by an internal microphone.
Adding to its appeal, the lens features a customizable function (Fn) button, a feature usually reserved for more expensive lenses. This button can be programmed for a variety of camera functions, improving ergonomics and enhancing ease of use, particularly in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
At the rear of the lens, there is a USB-C input, allowing users to easily install firmware updates. This ensures that the lens remains up to date with the latest autofocus algorithms and performance enhancements, prolonging its lifespan and keeping it competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Close Focusing and Bokeh
The 7Artisans 85mm f/1.8 has a minimum focusing distance of 0.8 meters, a standard for lenses in this focal length range. While it’s not designed for macro work, this distance is adequate for portraiture, allowing photographers to maintain a comfortable working distance from their subjects.
Bokeh performance is a crucial aspect of portrait lenses, and 7Artisans has paid particular attention to this area. The lens features an 11-bladed diaphragm, which should produce smooth, circular bokeh, especially when shooting wide open at f/1.8. This characteristic makes it well-suited for isolating subjects and creating visually pleasing background blur, further enhancing its capabilities as a portrait lens.
The fast aperture also improves its performance in low-light environments, providing greater control over depth of field and enabling the photographer to maintain creative flexibility in various lighting conditions. The combination of the f/1.8 aperture and well-designed optics means the lens should perform well in dimly lit settings, such as indoor portraits or evening outdoor shoots.
A Strong Contender in the Budget Lens Market
The 7Artisans 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z is another compelling entry in the growing selection of affordable prime lenses. Its mix of solid build quality, optical performance, and features like autofocus, customizable buttons, and firmware updates set it apart in the budget lens market. Whether you're a portrait photographer looking for a cost-effective way to enhance your kit or a videographer seeking a reliable lens with smooth focusing capabilities, this lens offers a versatile and affordable solution.
Given its competitive pricing and feature set, the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.8 should appeal to a wide audience of Nikon Z shooters. It further illustrates the ongoing "arms race" among third-party lens manufacturers, offering consumers increasingly better choices in terms of quality and affordability. As the market for mirrorless lenses continues to evolve, photographers are set to benefit from greater options without needing to spend premium prices.