Budget lens maker 7Artisans just released two new lens mount options for its AF 135mm F/1.8 Max portrait lens. Joining the Initial Nikon Z mount, we get a new Sony E and Leica L option. With this update, most lenses in 7Artisans’ lineup of fast-aperture autofocus primes for full-frame mirrorless cameras now offer all three mount options; the only exception is the 35mm F1.8, though this is expected to be upgraded soon.
7Artisans AF 135mm F/1.8 Max at a glance:
- Price: $689/£615
- 130mm, 1,014g
- Filter thread: 82mm
- Min. focus distance: 0.68m
- Lens mount: Sony E, Leica L, Nikon Z
- 7Artisans.co.uk
The 135mm focal length is one of the most popular for portrait photography because it creates a flattering look thanks to the strong background compression. With 12 aperture blades, you can create appealing sun stars, while the bright f/1.8 maximum aperture is ideal not just for creamy out-of-focus backgrounds in portrait photography, but also for low-light and night photography.
There are two customisable function buttons on the body alongside an AF/MF mode switch. The all-metal aluminium construction is weather-sealed and houses 16 lens elements in 13 groups, including six extra-low-dispersion (ED) elements and five high-refractive-index elements to reduce chromatic aberrations, with a Nano Multi-Coating on the front lens element to minimise flare and ghosting.
At $689/£615, the 7Artisans AF 135mm F/1.8 Max is an affordable alternative to native lenses such as the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM, which costs around £1,599 or the Nikon Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena, selling for $2,599. Its closest competitors within the budget realm is the Samyang 135mm F1.8 AF, which sits in the same price bracket, while the Viltrox 135mm F1.8 also offers a similar feature set, albeit for £200 more.
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