7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8: Affordable Portrait Powerhouse for Sony

The world of Sony E-mount lenses just got a new exciting addition with the recent announcement of the 7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8. This lens marks a significant step for 7Artisans, being their second foray into the autofocus realm for Sony cameras. Known for their manual focus offerings that prioritize affordability and quality, 7Artisans is poised to shake things up in the popular 85mm portrait prime category.

A Familiar Focal Length for Flattering Portraits

The 85mm focal length is a beloved choice among portrait photographers for a reason. It offers a sweet spot between providing a natural perspective close to the human eye and flattering compression that creates a pleasing bokeh effect. This bokeh, the background blur, is what truly makes portraits pop and helps isolate the subject from the surroundings. With a wide-open aperture of f/1.8, the 7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8 promises to excel in creating this beautiful background blur, allowing photographers to achieve professional-looking results.

Autofocus Convenience for Streamlined Workflow

As 7Artisans' second autofocus lens, the 85mm f/1.8 signifies a clear shift towards catering to the needs of photographers who value speed and efficiency. Autofocus functionality ensures quick and precise focusing, especially beneficial for capturing fleeting moments and fast-paced portrait sessions. This focus system is likely to be particularly appealing to photographers who primarily use autofocus cameras and lenses.

Potential Advantages: Affordability and Compact Design

7Artisans has built a reputation for offering high-quality manual focus lenses at competitive prices. While the exact pricing for the AF 85mm f/1.8 is yet to be revealed, it's safe to assume it will follow the brand's tradition of affordability. This could make it a very attractive option for budget-conscious photographers seeking a capable 85mm prime lens for their Sony E-mount camera.

Furthermore, 7Artisans lenses are known for their relatively compact size and lightweight design. This makes them ideal for photographers who value portability and a streamlined shooting experience, especially when paired with Sony's mirrorless cameras.

A New Option to Consider: Filling the Niche?

The Sony E-mount system boasts a vast selection of excellent 85mm prime lenses from Sony itself and various third-party manufacturers. The 7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8 enters this competitive market with the potential to carve out a niche for itself. If it delivers on the promise of affordability, compact design, and good image quality, it could be a compelling choice for photographers seeking a balance between performance and value.

Availability and Future Prospects

The 7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8 was just announced on July 5th, 2024, and is expected to be initially released for Sony E-mount cameras. Photographers should keep an eye out for updates regarding availability and pricing from authorized retailers. With this new autofocus lens, 7Artisans seems to be solidifying its position as a player to watch in the Sony E-mount lens market. Whether the 85mm f/1.8 lives up to the hype remains to be seen through independent reviews and real-world testing. However, its arrival signifies a growing focus on autofocus offerings from 7Artisans, giving Sony E-mount users an exciting new option to consider for their portrait photography needs.