7Artisans Reveals AF 18mm f/2 Lite
7Artisans has introduced the AF 18mm f/2 Lite, a compact autofocus prime lens designed for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras. With an 18mm focal length, it provides a 27mm full-frame equivalent field of view, placing it between conventional wide-angle and standard lenses.
The lens is particularly compact, measuring 32mm in length and 64mm in diameter while weighing 109 grams. Despite these dimensions, 7Artisans uses an all-metal barrel and includes a clicked aperture ring for direct exposure control. The exterior is also described as dust-sealed, while a USB-C port allows firmware updates.
Optically, the 18mm f/2 consists of nine elements arranged in seven groups, including one extra-low dispersion element and one high-refractive-index element. The aperture ranges from f/2 to f/16 and uses a nine-blade diaphragm, while the front accepts 52mm filters.
Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor intended to provide relatively quiet operation for both still photography and video. Minimum focusing distance is 0.2 meters. However, 7Artisans notes that compatibility with some older Sony bodies, including the a6500 and a6600, is still being optimized, although basic functionality is available.
Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of 7Artisans:
The AF 18mm f/2 Lite joins 7Artisans’ expanding range of autofocus lenses while providing a considerably faster alternative to the company’s existing manual-focus 18mm f/6.3 II. Its combination of a 27mm-equivalent field of view, f/2 aperture and small dimensions makes it primarily suited to compact APS-C setups where size and weight are priorities.
The 7Artisans AF 18mm f/2 Lite is available now for Sony E-mount cameras, priced at $169 through 7Artisans and authorized retailers.
