7Artisans Launches Budget-Friendly AF 35mm F/1.8 Lens for Nikon Z and Leica L Mounts

Darryl Lara Administrator

Darryl Lara is a portrait and concert photographer based in the Philippines. Since 2010, he has captured performances of some of the biggest local and international artists and built a strong presence in the concert scene. In 2022, he shifted to full-time writing and editing, where he now covers photography, technology, and gaming with the same passion for storytelling that defines his photography.

View all article

By Darryl Lara

• 

Last updated 10/15/2025

Chinese lens manufacturer 7Artisans has expanded its lineup of affordable autofocus primes with the release of the AF 35mm F/1.8 for Nikon Z and Leica L mounts. The lens, which debuted for Sony E-mount a month ago, continues the company’s mission of offering strong optical performance at a competitive price point — retailing for just $299.

Compact, Bright, and Versatile

The 35mm focal length remains a favorite among photographers thanks to its natural field of view. It’s a reliable choice for street, travel, portrait, and documentary photography, as well as weddings and events. With a bright F/1.8 aperture, this lens is also capable of handling low-light scenes and indoor shoots with ease.

Built for full-frame cameras, the AF 35mm F/1.8 features an optical construction of 11 elements in 8 groups, including two aspherical, two high-refractive, and one ED glass element. This combination helps control chromatic aberration and enhances sharpness and contrast.

Autofocus is powered by an STM stepping motor, which 7Artisans claims delivers fast, accurate, and near-silent focusing. The lens supports eye, face, and animal detection, making it ideal for both stills and video work.

Despite its modest price, the AF 35mm F/1.8 boasts a metal construction and includes a customizable FN button. It also offers a stepless linear aperture ring, allowing smooth exposure adjustments during video recording. Focus breathing is minimized, ensuring stable framing while shifting focus.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m and an aperture range from F/1.8 to F/16. It features a USB-C port for firmware updates, comes with a petal-shaped lens hood, and weighs around 426 grams. The lens measures 94mm in length and uses a 62mm filter size.

Pricing and Availability

The 7Artisans AF 35mm F/1.8 is now available for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Leica L mounts at a retail price of $299. It can be purchased directly from the 7Artisans official website, as well as through Amazon and B&H Photo.