We tested the 7artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II lens and we're excited to share our review with you. With its ultra-thin design and compatibility with various Sony cameras, this lens is a promising choice for photographers. In this article, we'll discuss its specifications, image quality, and performance in different shooting conditions.
Whether you're into travel, urban, or casual photography, we'll also provide recommendations on its ideal use cases. Stay tuned to find out if this lens is the perfect fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- The 7artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II lens is a manual focus lens with a focal range of 18mm.
- The lens is compatible with Sony A7, A7II, A7III, A7R, A7RIII, A7S, A7SIII, A6000, A6300, A6400, A6500, NEX-3, NEX-3R, and NEX-5T cameras.
- Users have mentioned that the lens feels a bit cheap but is reasonably priced, and images may come out softer.
- The lens is compact and all-metal construction, making it suitable for travel and capturing urban scenes.
7artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Review: Key Features
In terms of its key features, the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens offers a range of capabilities that make it a versatile option for photographers. This lens allows for manual focus, giving users complete control over their images. With a focal range of 18mm and a maximum aperture of f6.3, it provides the ability to capture wide-angle shots with precision and clarity.
The lens is compatible with a variety of Sony mirrorless cameras, allowing photographers to use it with their preferred equipment. It is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel and as a walk-around lens. Additionally, its all-metal construction ensures durability and longevity.
Overall, the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens is a reliable choice for photographers seeking control and the ability to capture stunning wide-angle shots.
Pros:
- Easy to carry around and travel with.
- Offers good value for the money.
- Captures urban scenes effectively.
- Ensures sharp images within a specific range.
- Works with a wide range of Sony compact mirrorless cameras.
Cons:
- Some users find the lens feels inexpensive.
- Images may come out softer compared to other lenses.
- No focus ring, making precise manual focusing challenging.
- Some users dislike the design of the lens cap.
- Tends to blur at lower shutter speeds, limiting usability in certain situations
Specs
We will now delve into the specifications and features of the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens, a manual focus ultra-thin APS-C prime lens compatible with various Sony mirrorless cameras.
| Specifications | Features | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Brand: 7artisans | Ultra-thin design | Sony A7, A7II, A7III, A7R, A7RIII, A7S, A7SIII, A6000, A6300, A6400, A6500, NEX-3, NEX-3R, NEX-5T |
| Model: 18mm F6.3 Mark Ⅱ | Manual focus mode | |
| Focal range: 18mm | 6 elements in 4 groups | |
| Maximum Aperture: f6.3 | Minimum focal distance: 0.35m | |
| Equivalent focal length: 27mm |
This lens is designed for photographers who desire control over their shots. With its manual focus mode and ultra-thin design, it allows for precise focusing and easy portability. The lens is compatible with a wide range of Sony mirrorless cameras, making it versatile for various shooting situations.
Its 18mm focal range and maximum aperture of f6.3 provide a wide field of view and good low light performance. The lens also features 6 elements in 4 groups, ensuring sharp and clear images.
Overall, the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens is a reliable choice for photographers who value control and quality.
Advantages and Disadvantages
What we like about the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens is its compact and all-metal construction, making it durable and lightweight.
We also appreciate its affordability, making it a suitable option for casual photography. However, improvement suggestions include the lens feeling cheap and the images coming out softer, which may not meet the expectations of some users.
What We Like
Let's delve into the advantages and disadvantages of the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II lens. Here is what we like about this lens:
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and travel with.
- The lens is reasonably priced, offering good value for the money.
- It performs well in daylight and street photography, capturing urban scenes effectively.
- The fixed focus sweet spot between 4-50 feet ensures sharp images within that range.
- The lens is compatible with a wide range of Sony compact mirrorless cameras.
Improvement Suggestions
Continuing the discussion on the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II lens, let's now explore the potential areas for improvement and the advantages and disadvantages of this lens.
- The lens feels a bit cheap but is reasonably priced.
- Images come out softer.
- No focus ring, everything at least 0.35m away should be in focus.
- Some users find the lens cap design unattractive.
- Lens blurs at lower shutter speeds.
While the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II lens offers affordability and a compact design, there are a few areas where improvements could be made. Users have noted that the lens has a cheaper feel to it, which may affect its overall durability.
Additionally, images taken with this lens tend to come out softer, which may not meet the standards of those seeking crisp, sharp photographs. Another limitation is the lack of a focus ring, making it difficult for precise manual focusing. Furthermore, some users find the design of the lens cap unattractive.
Lastly, the lens has a tendency to blur at lower shutter speeds, which can limit its usability in certain situations.
Ideal use cases
One possible first sentence for the subtopic of ‘Ideal use cases' could be: “We can recommend the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II lens for those seeking a compact and affordable option for casual photography with Sony compact mirrorless cameras.”
This lens is perfect for individuals who desire control over their photography and are looking for a versatile lens that can be used for various purposes. It is particularly suitable for travel photography, as its compact size makes it easy to carry around.
Additionally, the lens excels at capturing urban scenes, making it a great choice for street photography enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, this lens offers excellent value for its price and is ideal for those who want to capture high-quality images without breaking the bank.
7artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Review: Should You Buy It?
Based on our previous discussion of the ideal use cases for the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II lens, we highly recommend purchasing this lens for its compact size, affordability, and impressive performance. This lens is perfect for photographers who desire control over their images.
Its manual focus mode allows for precise adjustments, while the 18mm focal range provides a wide perspective for capturing expansive landscapes or cramped urban scenes. Despite its affordable price, the lens delivers impressive image quality and sharpness, especially when used in daylight or street photography.
Additionally, the compact size makes it ideal for travel and as a walk-around lens. For those looking to experiment with black and white photography or capture casual moments, the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II lens is a worthy investment.
Pros:
- Easy to carry around and travel with.
- Offers good value for the money.
- Captures urban scenes effectively.
- Ensures sharp images within a specific range.
- Works with a wide range of Sony compact mirrorless cameras.
Cons:
- Some users find the lens feels inexpensive.
- Images may come out softer compared to other lenses.
- No focus ring, making precise manual focusing challenging.
- Some users dislike the design of the lens cap.
- Tends to blur at lower shutter speeds, limiting usability in certain situations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now that we have covered the lens specifications, compatibility with Sony cameras, user feedback and reviews, performance in different lighting conditions, lens construction and design, and various use cases and recommendations, let's address some frequently asked questions about the 7artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens.
Compatibility With Sony Cameras
We will now discuss the compatibility of the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens with Sony cameras. This lens is compatible with a range of Sony cameras, including the A7, A7II, A7III (A7M3), A7R, A7RIII, A7S, A7SIII, A6000, A6300, A6400, A6500, NEX-3, NEX-3R, and NEX-5T.
It is important to note that this lens has manual focus, so you have complete control over your shots. The lens does not have a focus ring, but everything from 0.35m onwards should be in focus. Additionally, this lens does not have focus or aperture control, only shutter speed and ISO control.
If you desire control over your photography and own one of the compatible Sony cameras, this lens may be a suitable choice for you.
User Feedback and Reviews
After exploring the compatibility of the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens with Sony cameras, let's now delve into the user feedback and reviews. Many users have mentioned that the lens feels a bit cheap, but considering its reasonable price, it is still a good option.
Some users have noticed that the images can come out softer compared to other lenses. It's important to note that this lens has a fixed focus distance of at least 0.35m, meaning that everything beyond that distance should be in focus. Some users have found the lens cap design unattractive, but overall, the lens performs well in daylight and street photography.
However, it tends to blur at lower shutter speeds. It's also worth mentioning that the lens has no focus or aperture control, only shutter speed and ISO control. Some users have found it perfect for capturing black and white urban scenes.
The lens is compact and has an all-metal construction. Some users have reported experiencing vignetting in the corners of their photos. Finally, it's worth noting that the lens has a fixed focus sweet spot between 4-50 feet.
Performance in Different Lighting Conditions
The lens's performance in different lighting conditions is a commonly asked question among users. For those who desire control over their photography, understanding how this lens performs in varying lighting situations is crucial.
In well-lit environments, such as daylight or street photography, the lens performs admirably, capturing sharp and vibrant images. However, it is important to note that the lens may struggle in low-light conditions, as it tends to blur at lower shutter speeds.
Additionally, some users have reported experiencing vignetting in the corners of their photos. Despite these limitations, the lens's compact size and all-metal construction make it a convenient option for capturing urban scenes and travel photography.
Ultimately, it is recommended to try out the lens for yourself to determine if it meets your specific needs in different lighting conditions.
Lens Construction and Design
Now let's delve into the lens construction and design of the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens, addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs). The artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens features a compact and all-metal construction, making it durable and lightweight for easy handling. It has a fixed focus sweet spot between 4-50 feet, allowing for sharp images within that range.
Some users have mentioned experiencing vignetting in the corners of their photos, so it's important to keep that in mind during composition. The lens has a maximum aperture of f6.3 and a minimum focal distance of 0.35m. It also lacks a focus ring, meaning everything at least 0.35m away should be in focus.
Overall, the lens construction and design of the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens provide a reliable and user-friendly experience for capturing your desired shots.
Use Cases and Recommendations
Let's explore the various use cases and recommendations for the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens. This lens is suitable for Sony compact mirrorless cameras, making it a great choice for those who desire control over their photography.
It is ideal for travel and serves as a versatile walk-around lens. With its wide-angle focal length of 18mm, it excels at capturing urban scenes, offering a unique perspective and allowing for creative compositions.
Additionally, its inexpensive price makes it a suitable option for casual photography, providing good value for the money. However, as with any lens, it's recommended to try it out for yourself to see if it meets your specific needs and preferences.
Helpful Resources
For those interested in learning more about the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens, there are several helpful resources available.
One resource is the official website of 7artisans, the brand that manufactures the lens. On their website, you can find detailed specifications, sample images, and customer reviews. Another helpful resource is online photography forums and communities where photographers share their experiences and insights about using the lens.
These forums often have dedicated threads or discussions about specific lenses, including the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens. Additionally, photography review websites such as DPReview and Photography Life provide in-depth reviews and comparisons of various lenses, including the artisans 18mm F6.3 Mark II Lens.
These resources can be valuable in gaining a better understanding of the lens's performance, image quality, and suitability for different photography needs.