Review of the new 7Artisans 50mm f1.2
Introduction
I started my manual lens on digital cameras journey with the 7Artisans 35mm f1.2 MK I lens. For 6 years I am addicted to manual focusing lenses and I have been testing many of them from different brands. The first lenses, like the 7Artisans 35mm f1.2 MK I, have been mechanical and optically limited. Still they got character and its fun to shot creative photos using their character.
Specification
Some weeks ago, I received the new 50mm f1.2 manual lens for the Fujifilm X-mount from 7Artisans. This lens is combining state of the art mechanical build quality with innovative optical design. The 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 is composed with 7 elements in 5 groups including 1 ED and 3 aspherical lenses.
3D test chart
To be able to define the overall performance of the lens I have shot images of my 3D test chart with aperture f1.2 – f2.8 – f5.6 – f8 and f16. The images are developed from uncorrected RAW files. The lens is well corrected for geometrical distortions and color fringes. What you can notice is that the sharpness and details are dropping at f1.2 to the corners of the image. The unequal expose at the corner might be due to a mistake in the lightning of my 3D Test Chart. I will verify this very soon as I can´t see this effect in the test images I took in the last weeks.
As expected, the image quality is rising to aperture f5.6 and is offering a plateau even up to f16. What do I try to express with the plateau, typically for most lenses the peak IQ is located at f8 and then the IQ is dropping again towards the smallest aperture opening. The 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 is different. The IQ is improving from f1.2 to f5.6 and then the IQ is stabilized till F16. Amazing optical lens architecture by 7Artisans.
My strong impression is, that the 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 is the ultimate lens even compared with the competition e.g. the TTArtisan 50mm f1.2. A comparison will follow soon.
Low Light
To verify the results, seen on the test chart, I have tested the lens mounted on the new Fujifilm X-T30III in low light condition. Of course, f1.2 is the perfect setting for low light the lens is wide open and ISO can be kept low. But be aware, at f1.2 the focal depth is also very limited. This is mainly an issue if you are close to the subjects to shoot. On a distance that is less a problem. I am impressed of the sharpness the 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 is producing in the center of the image at aperture f1.2. Follow the link beneath the example picture to see more samples in the dedicated blog entry.
Low Light test of the 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 on Fujifilm X-T30III
Into the Light
The other challenge for lenses is shooting into the light. In those situations, you see difference in coatings and the choice of lenses and type of glass. As you can see, the 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 has a high-quality coating which can been seen on my sample images. There are details in the shadows even, the light is shining behind the lantern. I mentioned before that 7Artisans has done a great optical design for this new lens. It´s fun using this lens in all situations. To me the perfect combination in my camera bag, the 24mm f1.4, 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.2 of 7Artisans. Those 3 lenses are the perfect fit for travel, street, portrait photography. The highlight on the 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 is the metal extensional lens hood. Such a great design. You have the hood always with you and can´t loose it.
Street photography with the new 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 on the Fujifilm X-PRO3
Street Photography
Many photographers choose the 25 or 35mm focal length for street photography to have a bigger image angle to show small stories with their surroundings. I am a fan of street portraits and to keep a certain distance to people as I am with my 1-meter 92cm length too much for some people, to get to close. 50mm (75mm FF) is offering a great portrait image circle with some surrounding. That´s my preferred style of street photography. Keeping distance but still get the character and story of the people. That´s what I am looking for. The strength of the 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 lens is the magnificent bokeh produced by the 11 diaphragm blades. Have a close look to my sample images presented in several blog entries.
Christmas Market in Düsseldorf seen through the 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 lens
First SOOC pictures made with the NEW 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 made on the NEW Fujifilm X-T30III
Verdict
You might guess what my verdict to the 7Artisans 50mm f1.2 lens will be.
In my eyes has 7Artisans designed and build one of their best lenses for that budget friendly price segment in their history. The combination of high-quality materials, great haptic, weight and advanced optical design in combination with the Fujifilm APS-C cameras is a perfect fit. As I follow 7Artisans since their beginning of producing lenses for Fujifilm X-Mounts, I noticed a substantial rise in their mechanical build quality, the choice of materials and of course optical design. My POV, 7Artisans lenses are today at the same level of traditional 3rd party lens supplier as Sigma, Tamron and even Voigtländer but at a extreme competitive price tag.
Future
The next big thing from 7Artisans will come soon.
7Artisans will launch 3 new lite auto focus f1.8 lenses with the focal length of 25 – 35 – 50mm. Those will be a perfect fit for any travel and street photography and low weight in every photo bag. Can´t wait to get my hands on them to test them.
