7Artisans Broadens Its Max Lens Series
7Artisans has released the AF 10mm f/2.5 Max, a full-frame fisheye lens combining a 185-degree field of view with autofocus. Available for Sony E, Nikon Z and L-mount cameras, the lens occupies a relatively uncommon position in the mirrorless market, where most fisheye primes remain manual-focus designs.
The 10mm f/2.5 Max produces a diagonal fisheye image rather than a circular one, using the entire full-frame sensor while retaining the characteristic distortion of this type of optic. Its f/2.5 maximum aperture also makes it somewhat faster than the company’s existing 10mm f/2.8 manual-focus fisheye, potentially extending its use to low-light photography and video.
Internally, the optical design consists of 11 elements arranged in eight groups, including one aspherical and two extra-low-dispersion elements. The aperture ranges from f/2.5 to f/16 and uses a nine-blade diaphragm, while minimum focusing distance is 0.15 meters.
Autofocus represents the main departure from most fisheye lenses in this price range: although 7Artisans has not specified the type of motor used, the system is intended to accommodate moving subjects as well as video recording. The lens also supports A-B Focus, which allows users to save two focus positions and perform automated transitions between them.
The metal barrel incorporates a manual focus ring, a clicked aperture ring, an AF/MF switch and two customizable function buttons. Weather sealing is included, along with a gasket around the mount, while a USB-C connection provides access to firmware updates and customization. The lens measures approximately 94mm in length and weighs around 500 grams, with minor differences depending on the mount.
As expected from a 185-degree fisheye, the lens produces substantial geometric distortion. However, 7Artisans also provides a correction profile that can be applied during post-production to reduce the fisheye effect and produce an image closer to that of a conventional rectilinear ultra-wide lens.
The AF 10mm f/2.5 is the second lens released under 7Artisans’ Max designation, following the AF 135mm f/1.8 Max. The Chinese company has not formally defined the series, although both lenses combine full-frame coverage, autofocus, metal construction and more extensive physical controls than many of its lower-priced optics.
Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of 7Artisans:
The 7Artisans AF 10mm f/2.5 Max is available for Sony E, Nikon Z and L-mount cameras at $449.
