7Artisans has officially introduced its latest offering, a 60mm f/2.8 macro lens designed for full-frame cameras. This new manual focus lens boasts a standout feature—a 2:1 maximum magnification ratio, allowing photographers to capture extreme close-up images with an impressive level of detail.
Exceptional Magnification and Close-Up Capabilities
Unlike typical macro lenses, which often offer a 1:1 or sometimes even a 0.5:1 magnification ratio, 7Artisans' new 60mm f/2.8 macro lens pushes the boundaries with its 2:1 magnification. This allows for incredibly detailed macro shots where subjects appear double their actual size in the frame. To facilitate such magnification, the lens is equipped with a minimum focusing distance of 0.17 meters (6.7 inches), giving photographers the ability to work at very close distances from their subjects while maintaining sharp focus.
This lens is fully manual, meaning photographers need to manually adjust both the focus and aperture via control rings on the lens barrel. The aperture ranges from f/2.8, which is ideal for low-light conditions and shallow depth-of-field effects, to f/22 for a broader depth of field in brighter scenes. The nine-bladed diaphragm further ensures smooth, creamy bokeh that enhances the separation between the subject and background.
Advanced Optical Construction
The lens features a robust optical design with 14 elements arranged in 12 groups. To ensure high image quality and minimal optical aberrations, the lens incorporates two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two high-refraction elements. These specialized components work together to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions, ensuring the final image is sharp and color-accurate, especially when shooting at close distances.
Compact Design and Build
Despite its advanced optical construction, the 7Artisans 60mm f/2.8 macro lens maintains a relatively compact form factor. Weighing approximately 550 grams (19.4 ounces) and measuring 109 millimeters (4.3 inches) in length, the lens is portable and easy to handle. It has a maximum diameter of 70 millimeters (2.75 inches) and accepts 67mm front filters, which allows for the use of a wide range of filter accessories. This makes it versatile for various shooting conditions, from natural light photography to controlled studio environments.
The all-metal construction of the lens ensures durability and reliability, suitable for both hobbyists and professional photographers who require a sturdy, long-lasting lens. 7Artisans highlights that this macro lens is ideal for photographing flowers, food, insects, products, and even portraits—offering creative flexibility across different photography genres.
Comparisons and Market Landscape
The 60mm f/2.8 macro lens isn't the first macro product from 7Artisans. The company's previous model, the 60mm f/2.8 Macro II, designed for APS-C cameras, was well-received for its performance and value, earning positive reviews. 7Artisans has a reputation for producing high-quality lenses at competitive prices, and this new macro lens is no exception.
It enters a market with other strong contenders, including TTArtisan's recently released 100mm f/2.8 2:1 macro lens for full-frame cameras, which offers a similar magnification ratio. However, 7Artisans’ 60mm focal length provides a slightly wider field of view, making it more versatile for a variety of shooting scenarios, particularly when working in tighter spaces.
Pricing and Availability
The 7Artisans 60mm f/2.8 2x Macro Lens is now available for purchase, with a price tag of $335. It can be bought directly from 7Artisans' official website and through authorized retailers such as Avshutter. The lens is available in three popular mounts—Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon RF—catering to photographers across multiple full-frame camera systems.
Photographers interested in the lens can explore more about its performance and capabilities, as well as view sample images, on 7Artisans' official website. With its impressive magnification capabilities and competitive pricing, the 60mm f/2.8 2x macro lens is poised to be a strong option for macro photography enthusiasts looking to expand their creative possibilities.