Things change.
Concerns of cost thrown to the wind there was a time when I prioritized provenance (That ZEISS name.)…..
…and specs…
over all else. But a recent lens on the market upset the whole 50mm-ish apple cart. And I am not talking about the also tempting SIGMA 50mm f/1.2. An affordable AF lens from a surprising source.
I like it. So in the end a lens that was not even in my former menagerie of 50mm-ish lenses…
…won out.
Why? I am glad I imagined that you asked. It combines my favorite traits from my favorite lenses.
- The look and build reminds me of a rangefinder lens.
- Oddly better in build and look than the many 7Artisans M mount lenses I have owned.
- In performance, size, weight, and build it reminds me of the Sony ZEISS 55mm f/1.8.
- Preserves a touch of the IQ wonkiness of the 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 in certain conditions when pointing it at a light source while at the same time it…
- Delivers solid buttoned down high level IQ when care is taken to frame away from direct sunlight.
- Has a aperture ring like much more high end lenses.
- Also includes an AF/MF switch like more expensive options.
- Offers value like no other.
- Less expensive than the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 while surpassing it in every measure.
- Costs only a bit more than the least expensive AF option while surpassing it in every measure.
- Even offers value when comparing it to lenses that do not have AF.
With all of that, I find it very easy to look past the single issue I had.
Kind of big.
I do not care.
Your mileage may vary.
For sample photos, I point you to the end of this recent post or this ongoing album.
Thoughts.
A perfect lens?
No. Of course not. No such thing exists.
Am I happy with it?
Yes.
It was exactly what I was looking for.
Side note: This lens does not have a bothersome vignette issue wide open, but I found an easy way to deal with it if you wish. It does not surprise me that a 7Artisans AF lens does not have a Lightroom lens profile I am pleased to report that the Sony 50mm f/1.8 lens profile seems to work well with it.
Well done 7Artisans.
Some product pics after the close.
Happy capturing.
-ELW
Eric L. Woods 
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