7Artisans 50mm f/1.05 review

The 7Artisans 50mm f/1.05 is perfect if you feel the need for speed! We put this ultra-fast standard prime to the test

7Artisans 50mm f/1.05
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The super-fast 7Artisans 50mm f/1.05 combines impressive sharpness with sumptuously smooth bokeh. When it comes to image quality, that’s the perfect combination for a lens of this class. Added bonuses are that both lateral and longitudinal colour fringing are negligible, and barrel distortion is very slight. The lens lacks autofocus and has no built-in electronics, so focus and aperture have to be adjusted via the onboard control rings. Even so, it’s amazingly small and lightweight for such a fast-aperture lens, is strongly built and has refined handling characteristics, making it standout value for money.

Pros

  • +

    Super-fast f/1.05 aperture rating

  • +

    Well-rounded 13-blade diaphragm

  • +

    Stepless aperture control ring

Cons

  • -

    Fully manual, electronics

  • -

    No hood supplied or available

  • -

    Lacks weather-seals

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The 7Artisans 50mm f/1.05 breaks the mold. Think super-fast prime lens and you’re probably thinking of big, hefty glass with a preposterous price tag. A notable example is the manual-focus Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, which weighs in at a whopping 2,000g and sells for £8,299/$7,997. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.