Did I just spot the unreleased 7Artisans f/2 pancake lens for sale? I think so… but I wouldn’t trust it

7Artisans AF 18mm f/2 lens on a blue surface — (Image credit: 7Artisans)

A few days ago, all the rumor sites were buzzing about a new pancake lens from 7Artisans following a series of teaser images shared on Chinese social media platform Weibo by the manufacturer.

The APS-C lens is touted to feature a fast f/2 aperture, a wide-angle fixed 18mm focal length, autofocus and all-metal construction – which, in theory, would rival models like the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 and the Viltrox AF 26mm f/2.8 Evo.

After first appearing in silhouette with a question mark, the brand later identified the mystery lens as the 7Artisans AF 18mm f/2.

It also confirmed its release for Sony's E-mount, its amazingly low 109g weight and its APS-C design – which would give it an equivalent 27mm field of view on crop sensor cameras, making it ideal for street, travel, reportage and documentary photography.

Pancake lens. — The images of the AF f/2.0 a8mm pancake shared on Weibo recently by 7Artisans (Image credit: 7Artisans)

Rumor sites have been suggesting that, following its release for Sony cameras, it would follow in Nikon Z and Fujifilm X mounts – though this has yet to be confirmed by 7Artisans itself.

Interestingly, amid all these rumors, I’ve come across a company called Etoren, based in Singapore, that seems to be selling the lens already.

Now, considering 7Artisans is yet to actually release the lens, I’m not sure I'd feel safe placing an order. Despite a few red flags in the form of Trustpilot scores, I did try reaching out to Etoren – the contact form gave me error after error and never actually sent.

I'd certainly recommend waiting for the official announcement from the manufacturer and stocking from more well-known retailers.

Pancake lens ecommerce listing. — The questionable listing on Etoren (Image credit: Etoren)

The 7Artisans AF 18mm f/2 is the latest in a series of pancake lenses lately, following the likes of the Kase AF 24mm f/3.8 and the Viltrox AF 26mm f/2.8 Evo, along with the Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 and Lensbaby Twist 28 in new mounts.

If you're wondering why pancake lenses are back in fashion, my colleagues James and Mike covered the subject on the latest episode of DCW's Bokeh Face podcast (which I've teed up at the start of the conversation below).

It seems like we could be seeing even more delicious pancakes throughout 2026!

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I’m a writer, journalist and photographer who joined Digital Camera World in 2026. I started out in editorial in 2021 and my words have spanned sustainability, careers advice, travel and tourism, and photography – the latter two being my passions.

I first picked up a camera in my early twenties having had an interest in photography from a young age. Since then, I’ve worked on a freelance basis, mostly internationally in the travel and tourism sector. You’ll usually find me out on a hike shooting landscapes and adventure shots in my free time.