Affordable 35mm AutoFocus lens unveiled at impressive speed - could be top-tier budget option for Sony and Nikon photographers using full-frame cameras.
Affordable 35mm f/1.8 Lenses from 7Artisans and Brightin Star Challenge High-End Competition
The photography world has been shaken up by the introduction of budget-friendly 35mm f/1.8 AF lenses from 7Artisans and Brightin Star, designed for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. Priced around $250, these lenses offer a compelling alternative to high-end options from Sony and Nikon.
Optical Performance
Both 7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses provide sharp images with good contrast and are optimized for high-resolution sensors (up to 62 megapixels). They employ advanced optical formulas including aspherical elements, high refractive index glass, and low-dispersion elements to suppress aberrations and maintain good image quality across the frame.
While these budget lenses surprisingly deliver sharpness and contrast that can closely approach more expensive native lenses, some minor weaknesses such as slight barrel distortion may be present but are manageable in post-processing.
By comparison, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S lenses perform exceptionally well optically with near-flawless sharpness, low distortion, and excellent control of chromatic aberrations. The Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary sits slightly below the native top-tier optics in image quality but outperforms many budget primes and offers solid sharpness and good contrast at a mid-range price.
Build Quality
7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses are reported to have solid and compact metal constructions, feeling robust especially for their low price points. They weigh about 420-430g and have modest dimensions, making them travel-friendly.
Native Sony and Nikon options feature high-quality materials, weather sealing (especially Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S), and advanced focus motors, reflecting their premium pricing and professional use design. The Sigma Contemporary lens has a well-built polycarbonate composite body that is lightweight but sturdy with weather resistance suitable for enthusiast use.
Real-World Usability
7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses offer autofocus suitable for photo and video, though likely less refined and possibly slower or noisier than native lenses. However, reviews mention they are surprisingly performant for their price, catering well to budget-conscious creators and casual enthusiasts.
The native Sony and Nikon lenses have fast, silent, and reliable autofocus, excellent for fast-paced shooting and professional video use. The Sigma lens balances good autofocus speed and accuracy with good optics and moderate price, appealing to enthusiasts needing an all-around performer.
| Lens | Price (USD) | Optical Quality | Build Quality | Autofocus/Usability | |--------------------------------|-------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|---------------------------------| | 7Artisans 35mm f/1.8 AF | ~$250 | Very good (minor distortion) | Solid metal, compact | Decent AF, good for photo/video | | Brightin Star 35mm f/1.8 AF | ~$250 | Very good, sharp | Solid metal | Pro photo/video performance claim| | Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 | ~$700 | Excellent | Premium, weather-sealed| Fast, silent, professional AF | | Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S | ~$900 | Excellent | Premium, weather-sealed| Fast, silent, professional AF | | Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary| ~$800 | Very good | Lightweight, good build| Fast AF, versatile usability |
In summary, 7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses are outstanding budget alternatives delivering quality images and solid construction at a fraction of the cost of official Sony and Nikon lenses. However, they do not quite match the superior optical refinement, autofocus speed, and weather-sealed durability of the native 35mm f/1.8 lenses or the higher-tier Sigma, making them better suited for hobbyists and budget-minded users rather than demanding professionals.
The 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens measures φ72x92mm and weighs 426g. The Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8 lens for E-mount measures φ75x88mm and weighs 420g, while the Z-mount version measures φ75x90mm and weighs 430g.
These new lenses are bringing fresh competition to the full-frame mirrorless lens market, challenging photographers to reconsider their lens choices and offering an affordable way to expand their kit.
- The photography landscape is transforming with the emergence of 35mm f/1.8 AF lenses from 7Artisans and Brightin Star, offering an economical alternative for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount full-frame mirrorless camera owners.
- These budget lenses boast sharp images with good contrast and are tuned for high-resolution sensors, utilizing advanced optical formulas to minimize aberrations.
- Despite some minor weaknesses in areas like barrel distortion, these lenses exhibit optical performance that can come surprisingly close to pricier native alternatives.
- Sony's FE 35mm f/1.8 and Nikon's Z 35mm f/1.8 S lenses excel optically, with near-flawless sharpness, low distortion, and exceptional control of chromatic aberrations.
- The Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary lens outperforms many budget primes while maintaining solid sharpness and good contrast, all for a mid-range price.
- 7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses are equipped with solid and compact metal constructions, feeling robust and travel-friendly, despite their low price points.
- In comparison, native Sony and Nikon options offer premium materials, weather sealing, and advanced focus motors, reflecting their higher price tags and professional use designs.
- Reviews suggest that while the 7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses' autofocus may be less refined and possibly slower or noisier than native lenses, they provide decent performance suitable for photo and video as cost-conscious creators' concerns.
- The new 7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses introduce competition into the full-frame mirrorless lens market, inviting photographers to reassess their lens preferences and offering an affordable route to augment their equipment roster.
