7artisans Photoelectric 35mm f/0.95 Reviews
Fun lens!
By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-23
I'm using the E-mount version on a Sony A6000. I was interested in the manual aspects of this lens. It's fun because it forces you to think about your focus and depth of field. It is surprisingly well-made for the money and feels solid. I recommend getting a snap-in lens cap - the provided one is nice but won't stay on once you add a filter.
I looked at some reviews of more expensive options in the f0.95 category, but their quality seems quite comparable to this bargain. There is a bit of fringing, especially compared to a higher-end lens like the Sony/Zeiss 24mm f1.8, but I think this lens is a great value and useful for various creative shots.
Entry into ultra low light/DOF.
By Bruce
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-25
An interesting if specialized lens. Although specified for a Crop sensor it almost covers my A9โs FF (maybe crops to 40-45mm when you cut off the dark corners).ย
At F 0.95 (and why use it at F 1,4, etc?) almost nothing is in focus.. So, as well as careful MF, itโs about managing huge areas of OOF.
As an effects lens itโs a ticket into ultra low light/DOF. Donโt expect tack sharp images-(like a Sigma 35mm F1.2) you donโt mount this lens for that. However, a fair price for images you canโt get otherwise.
A lot of fun ahead!
By Marc
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-21
I am equipped with Canon and very happy with all the (heavy) gear I have. However in some places such BIG cameras are not welcome, or you just do not want to carry them (party, dinner, any formal event where you are supposed to be a guest, not the photographer). For this reason I purchased many years ago a SONY Alpha-6000 (mirrorless of course, E-mount). It helped a bit but not so much as I used it with my CANON L lenses and the Sigma adapter.
Then I recently saw this 7artisans lens in B&H DealZone, and although there was only one review available, I read it, with others for different models (same brand of course). Then bought it, very much attracted by the perspective of having a lot of fun with a f/0.95 prime lens while reaching my goal of a compact camera for specific purposes.
It was delivered here in Qatar for a reasonable shipment price and in perfect shape (thank you DHL Express).
The packaging already is the first good impression you like to receive when welcoming such high-end equipment. Every single detail is taken care of. The lens itself is surprisingly heavy for the (very compact) size, full metal and solid construction, with a perfect aesthetics. Of course it perfectly fits the Sony E-mount (camera does not recognize it obviously but you set everything in manual and select the ability to shoot without lens in the straightforward menu).
Practically speaking, I made only on few shots, still need to practice although I love shooting full manual and with fixed focal lenses. It is clearly a light sink at f/0.95 wide aperture. Optics looks razor-sharp and the electronic viewfinder helps a lot for manual focus. Zooming on the photo clearly highlights the challenge of accurate focus at such wide aperture but this is no surprise.
As stated for several similar large-aperture models, it will certainly be a lot of fun but also a lot of files straight in the trash because of the focus challenge.
The amazing side of it, is that all of this is stated for a high-end product - which this lens certainly appears to be. Looking at the price (250 bucks) this is the best deal ever in my long career of passionated amateur photographer! The camera with this lens perfectly fits the purpose, the fun is (high) added value.
Just one thing that could be improved: the lens cap. It is metallic, perfectly fits the lens but there is no locking system (such as the ones with CANON lenses). Once the mandatory protective UV filter is put on the lens, there is a very slight outer diameter difference that makes the cap a bit loose (the cap does not enter that deep on the outer part of the lens); it may easily move, be dropped in the bag or just with handling. It could be improved (magnets?), especially as I suspect the old-fashioned metallic cap itself is supposed to be the same high-end, nice full-metal quality.
I very warmly recommend this lens - and most probably this brand; for its quality, the care that has been brought at its manufacturing and quality control, and of course unbeatable quality/price ratio. And of course the last word to B&H for their professional services and the quality of their support.
Attached photos (lens removed from its plastic bag, and out of the box and its protective foam).
Impressive for cost
By Carleton
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-02-23
I almost went a different route because of the mixed reviews - but I'm glad I didn't. The common thread for poor reviews seems to be focus. That isn't a problem on the Sony a6300, which has focus-peaking. This is a manual-focus lens that will require learning some technique if you didn't grow up in the days of film. Some may not understand that this is an f-0.95 aperture that has a paper-thin depth of field. You buy a lens like this for low-light or creative control. The clickless aperture ring is a nuisance for some, but I have figured out how to use it seamlessly with my work. Start at f-0.95, manually-focus on your subject, then adjust aperture to get desired depth of focus. Image quality is surprisingly good - especially for an ultra-fast lens.
First review confirmed!
By Marc
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-30
I spontaneously posted a first review on the day I received and tried this surprisingly (for the price) good lens.ย Here is the review automatically triggered by B&H after purchase.
I have seen a few less enthusiastic reviews, but I will definitely stick to my original comment. I love this compact, 100% metallic and solid lens. Of course not perfect and probably not as sharp as the L Canon lenses, this optics remains a light sink for low light conditions. Manual focus... Who cares? With practice you can scan the focus setting with a series of shots and slightly turning the focus ring. On the SONY Alpha 6000, the manual focus assistance does not work with this lens and the camera superbly ignores this lens...
I do not regret my purchase - and even ordered (and just received) the little cousin 60mm f/2.8 macro.
Why not 5 stars? the front cap. While being of the same quality, this metallic cap does not remain on the lens if you add a protective filter (and even without the protective filter, it is not reliably sticking to protect the lens). I then purchased a Sensei clip-on cap for a few bucks.
I do not abandon my Canon pro gear, but love carrying my compact Sony Alpha-6000 with this great jewel.