7Artisans AF 24mm F1.8 Review | Tested!
7Artisans AF 24mm F1.8 Prime Lens Review
In today’s review, we’re checking out the 7Artisans AF 24mm F1.8 Full Frame Prime lens for the Leica L mount but it’s also available for Sony E and Nikon Z Mount. This video will cover the photographic and video performance of this lens paired with my Lumix S9 and we’ll also compare it with the much more expensive Lumix S 24mm F1.8 prime lens.
Watch my video review of the 7Artisans 24mm F1.8 Prime Lens Here.
About & Price
In this detailed review, we dive into the 7Artisans AF 24mm F1.8 Full Frame Prime lens, designed for Leica L mount but also available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts. Paired with the Panasonic Lumix S9, this lens was tested extensively for both photography and video performance, with comparisons to the pricier Panasonic Lumix S 24mm F1.8 prime lens. All footage and images were captured handheld with the Lumix S9’s electronic stabilization set to standard and recorded in V-Log for consistent color grading.
Best Price on B&H Photo and 7Artisans Website (Code: GNTartisans for Discount) – Affiliate Links
Priced at $329 in the US and $579 in Australia, the 7Artisans AF lens offers remarkable value, competing with lenses that cost significantly more, such as the Lumix 24mm F1.8, which retails for $897 in the US and nearly $1,500 in Australia. This review explores the lens’s build quality, autofocus performance, video capabilities, and optical characteristics to determine whether it’s a worthy addition to your kit.
7Artisans 24mm F1.8 Prime Lens Photos Samples
Shot using Lumix S9 | Leica Monochrome Color Profile.
Build Quality and Design
The 7Artisans AF 24mm F1.8 immediately impresses with its robust build quality, a significant improvement over earlier 7Artisans lenses, such as their initial Sony E-mount offerings, which had loose switches and dials. Weighing 424 grams, it’s slightly heavier than the Lumix 24mm F1.8 (approximately 310 grams), but it feels premium with a solid metal construction.
The lens features a smooth, clickless aperture ring (except for the “A” setting for camera-controlled aperture), which is firm yet easy to adjust, adding tactile satisfaction for videographers and photographers alike. A custom function button, set by default as an autofocus hold, enhances usability, and the autofocus/manual focus switch operates with a satisfying click.
The focus ring is well-damped, striking a balance between smoothness and resistance, and integrates seamlessly with the Lumix S9’s Linear Focus Mode for precise, repeatable autofocus pulls. Included in the box are a lens hood, front and rear lens caps, and a USB-C cable for firmware updates. The lens features a USB-C port on the rear, allowing for simple drag-and-drop firmware updates when connected to a computer—a user-friendly touch. However, unlike the Lumix 24mm F1.8, this lens lacks weather sealing, which may be a consideration for outdoor shooters in harsh conditions.
Technical Specifications
Blow is a list of 7Artisans 24mm F1.8 Prime Lens Specifications
- Focal Length: 24mm
- Maximum Aperture: F1.8
- Weight: 424 grams
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.32m (32cm)
- Filter Thread: 55mm
- Lens Elements: 11 elements in 9 groups (including 2 ED and 2 aspherical elements for improved sharpness and aberration control)
- Aperture Blades: 9 (for smooth bokeh)
- Mounts: Leica L, Sony E, Nikon Z
- Weather Sealing: None
- Firmware Update: Via USB-C port
Video Autofocus Performance
The 7Artisans 24mm F1.8 delivers reliable continuous autofocus for video, though it’s slightly slower than the Lumix 24mm F1.8. In testing, the lens performed well for static shots, such as talking-head setups or product showcases, locking focus quickly and accurately. However, when tracking moving subjects, such as a person walking toward the camera, the autofocus occasionally lagged slightly before locking on once the subject stopped.
This slower focus pull can sometimes produce a more cinematic effect, which some videographers may prefer. For comparison, the Lumix 24mm F1.8 achieves faster focus transitions, making it better suited for dynamic scenes requiring rapid autofocus adjustments.The lens excels in scenarios like vlogging, where the autofocus reliably tracks subjects without hunting.
When paired with the Lumix S9’s standard electronic stabilization, footage appeared smooth and professional, even handheld. Switching to high stabilization mode introduced a noticeable crop but remained usable with a small tripod, making this lens a versatile choice for run-and-gun videography.
Focus Breathing and Minimum Focus Distance
Focus breathing, a common concern for video shooters, is minimal on this lens. When shifting focus from the minimum distance to infinity, the frame’s edges remain stable, with no distracting zooming effect. This makes the lens a strong contender for video work. However, the minimum focus distance of 0.32m (32cm) is slightly longer than the Lumix 24mm F1.8’s 0.24m (24cm), limiting how close you can get to subjects for tight shots. While not a dealbreaker given the price, it’s worth noting for macro-style video or photography.
As you can see the minimum focus distance is quite limited.
Photographic Autofocus
For still photography, the 7Artisans 24mm F1.8 performs admirably in single-shot autofocus mode. With human detection enabled on the Lumix S9, the lens consistently locked onto subjects like portraits with speed and accuracy. However, when photographing moving subjects approaching the camera, the autofocus hit rate was less reliable, achieving a moderate success rate compared to the Lumix 24mm F1.8.
Using one-area autofocus with human detection improved results, but the Lumix lens maintains an edge for fast-moving subjects. For most real-world scenarios, such as portraits, landscapes, or street photography, the 7Artisans lens delivers sharp, detailed images with dependable autofocus.
Image Quality: 7Artisans AF vs. Lumix S Series Prime
In a side-by-side comparison with the Lumix 24mm F1.8, the 7Artisans lens holds its own remarkably well. Both lenses produce nearly identical colors, contrast, and sharpness in real-world conditions. Some test chart analyses on the web suggest the 7Artisans may exhibit minimal barrel distortion, but in practical use, any distortion is negligible and unlikely to affect most shooters.
Left: 7Artisans AF 24mm F1.8 Right: Lumix S 24mm F1.8 Prime
The 7Artisans lens’s 11-element, 9-group optical design, including two extra-low dispersion (ED) and two aspherical elements, contributes to its impressive sharpness and clarity, rivaling the more expensive Lumix lens.
Sunstars, Flaring, and Chromatic Aberration
Stopping down the aperture beyond F10 produces attractive sunstars, a pleasant surprise for a budget lens. Flare is present when shooting directly into bright light sources but is well-controlled, performing comparably to higher-end lenses. Chromatic aberration is virtually nonexistent, even in high-contrast scenes, such as when shooting a black-and-white electric guitar for B-roll. This level of optical performance is exceptional for a lens in this price range.
Bokeh Quality
The 7Artisans 24mm F1.8’s fast F1.8 aperture and nine aperture blades create a smooth, creamy bokeh that enhances subject-background separation. Unlike some lenses that produce harsh or busy bokeh, this lens delivers a natural, pleasing background blur, ideal for portraits or isolating subjects in busy environments. The bokeh quality rivals that of more expensive lenses, adding to the lens’s versatility.
The Background Blur or Bokeh, is very smooth! I like it.
Comparison to Other Budget Lenses
Compared to older Viltrox standard primes that I reviewed, the 7Artisans 24mm F1.8 stands out for its superior build quality, particularly the smooth yet firm focus and aperture rings. While Viltrox has made strides in recent years, the 7Artisans lens feels more refined and offers features like the aperture ring and custom function button, which are absent in some competing budget options.
Conclusion
The 7Artisans 24mm F1.8 Full Frame Prime lens is a standout choice for photographers and videographers seeking an affordable yet capable lens for Leica L, Sony E, or Nikon Z mounts. Its solid build quality, reliable autofocus, minimal focus breathing, and excellent image quality make it a compelling alternative to pricier options like the Panasonic Lumix 24mm F1.8. While it lacks weather sealing and has a slightly longer minimum focus distance, these are minor trade-offs given the price point.
The lens’s smooth bokeh, well-controlled aberrations, and user-friendly features like the aperture ring and firmware update port make it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications, from vlogging to portraiture. For budget-conscious creators, the 7Artisans 24mm F1.8 delivers performance that punches well above its weight, earning it a permanent spot in my kit for future projects.For more details or to purchase, visit the 7Artisans website or authorized retailers.
Best Price on B&H Photo and 7Artisans Website (Code: GNTartisans for Discount) – Affiliate Links
