Review of 7Artisans AF 35mm F/1.4

Navigation

1. In short
2. Main Specifications
3. Assembly
4. Focusing
5. Firmware Upgrade
6. Image quality
7. Examples of photos (+source files)
8. Price
9. My experience
10. Video review
11. Results
12. User Comments
13. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review I will refer to the 7Artisans AF 35mm F/1.4 lens as the '7Artisans AF 35/1.4'.

It's important: This review shows the 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 version for FujiFilm mirrorless cameras with bayonet mount fujifilm x and with firmware version 1.0.8. At the same time, a modification of this lens for mirrorless cameras of the system should be released soon. Sony e-mount.

In short

7Artisans AF 35/1.4 is a modern lens for mirrorless cameras with a cropped APS-C sensor (the coefficient crop factor Kf=1.5x). According to its parameters, the 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 is a very attractive solution. First of all, the 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 is designed for everyday and creative photo and video shooting. One of the most inexpensive similar fixes for cameras with an APS-C sensor and a maximum aperture of F/1.4 with autofocus support.

Automatic focusing is performed by a stepper motor. On the FujiFilm XT-2 camera, automatic focusing does not work the best, but the image quality is at a high level. Also, with the FujiFilm XT-2 camera, on which the lens was tested, there are periodic errors exposure. Most likely, these shortcomings will be eliminated with a firmware update.

Such 35mm lenses are in great demand and can be considered standard solutions for everyday photography tasks.

• for the system APS-C Sony E-mount The 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 lens is an alternative to the original autofocus similar lens Sony E 1.8/35 OSS (Optical Steady Shot, SEL35F18, E-mount) (2012)
• for the system APS-C FujiFilm X The 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 lens is an alternative to the original autofocus lens Fujifilm FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XF f=35mm 1:1.4 (2012) and FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XF 33mm 1: 1.4 R LM WR (2021)
• Most likely, 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 will also be released for the Nikon Z mount.

It's important: when searching and choosing autofocus optics for fujifilm x Use these very useful links:

• All autofocus lenses for FujiFilm X (original and third-party)
• All 7Artisans lenses

Alternatives

Below are all the fast 30-35mm autofocus lenses for mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor:

1. Carl Zeiss Planar 32/1.8 Touit (E, X, 2012)
2. Sony 35/1.8 OSS (E, 2012)
3. FujiFilm 33/1.4 XF (X, 2021)
4. FujiFilm 35/1.4 XF (X, 2012)
5. FujiFilm 35/2 XC (X, 2019)
6. FujiFilm 35/2 XF (X, 2015)
7. Canon 32/1.4 (EF-M, 2018)
8. Leica 35/1.4 SUMMILUX (L/T/TL, 2016)
9. Samsung 30/2 (NX, 2010) [overview]
10. Sigma 30/1.4 (E, X, Z, L, EF-M, RF-S, MFT, 2016) [overview]
11. Sigma 30/2.8 EX DN (E, MFT, 2012)
12. Sigma 30/2.8 A DN (E, MFT, 2013)
13. Tokina 33/1.4 (E, X, 2021)
14. 7Artisans 35/1.4 (E, X, 2025) [overview]
15. Viltrox 33/1.4 (E, X, Z, EF-M, 2020)
16. Viltrox 35/1.7 (E, X, Z, 2024) [overview]
17. Yongnuo 33/1.4 (E, X, Z, 2024)
18. Yongnuo 35/1.8 (Z, 2024)
19. TTArtisan 35/1.8 (E, X, Z, 2023) [overview]
20. TTArtisan 35/1.8 AF II (E, X, Z, 2024) [overview]
21. Meike 33/1.4 (E, X, Z, 2024) [overview]
22. Sirui 33/1.2 (E, X, Z,, 2023)

Main technical characteristics of 7Artisans AF 35mm F/1.4:

Review Instance Name	On the lens barrel: 7Artisans AF 35mm F1.4 + data plate Near the front lens: 7Artisans AF35mm F/1.4 0.35m/1.15ft Ø62mm
Basic properties	XF – the lens is designed for Fujifilm mirrorless cameras with X-mount AF (Acles Focus) - the lens supports auto focus STM (Scarpets Motor) - focusing stepper motor ED (Extra Low Dispersion) - low dispersion elements in the optical scheme Special Coated optics, with protection of the front lens from water and dirt USB-port for firmware update Electronic focus ring Included hood Important: lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its use
Front Filter Diameter	62 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length	35mm Equivalent Focal Length Sony E APS-C / APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) / APS-C FujiFilm X is 52.5 mm
Zoom ratio	1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by	for cropped mirrorless digital cameras. Theoretically, the lens is suitable for all digital mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses and mount SONY E/FE и APS-C FujiFilm X
Number of aperture blades	7 rounded petals
Tags	bayonet mount mark hood attachment mark
Diaphragm	from F/1.4 to F/16 without aperture control ring
MDF	0.35 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:7.6
The weight	181 grams without lids according to my measurements (version under APS-C FujiFilm X). 210 grams with two caps and a hood according to my measurements (version under APS-C FujiFilm X)
Optical design	8 elements in 5 groups, including 1 low dispersion element Most likely, the same or slightly modified optical scheme from 7 is usedArtisans 35mm 1: 1.4
Lens hood	Bayonet-type lens hood included in delivery
Manufacturer country	MADE IN CHINA (Made in China)
Period	Since the end of March 2025 (this review was published on the day of the lens announcement)
Instructions	Included in delivery
Price	About $160, see current prices on Aliexpress

The 1.4Artisans AF 7/35's F/1.4 aperture is 2/3 stops brighter than the more common F/2 aperture of many other similar lenses, such as the original lens. FUJINON ASPHERECAL LENS XC 35mm 1: 2.

It's important: the aperture of F/1.4 here is 'real', with light transmission in the region of T/1.6. I compared the 77Artisans AF 35/1.4 with the lens Sigma 30mm 1: 1.4 DC DN C (Contemporary). At aperture F/1.4 the lenses give almost the same exposure (all other things being equal). Lately I have been paying close attention to the maximum relative aperture, there have already been many cases of deception with the indication of the real maximum aperture by some Chinese manufacturers (for example, Pergear 35 / 1.6)

Aperture F / 1.4 four steps wider aperture of F/5.6, which is used in some 'dark' standard lenses. Each stop gives a twofold increase exposure: 1.4 -> 2 -> 2.8 -> 4 -> 5.6. In numerical terms, this means that the 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 should be 16 times lighterthan stock lens FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XC 16-50mm 1:3.5-5.6 OIS II, which at a focal length of 35 mm can use a maximum relative aperture of only 1:5.6. Calculating the difference in relative apertures is elementary: (5.6 * 5.6) / (1.4 * 1.4) = 16. The creative potential of such a lens is difficult to overestimate. Photo enthusiasts often use it as a portrait lens. Many simply want a fast prime in addition to their 'whale' lens.

Assembly

The lens arrived new in its original box for review. The package even includes a USB cable for updating the firmware.

7Artisans AF 35/1.4 has metal mount. The focus ring is plastic, with veins, not rubberized.

The weight of the 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 is about 180 grams. The lens body is made of plastic. The assembly is high-quality. The lens feels good in your hands. However, the sticker with the certificates, which is located near the USB port, can easily come off. The USB port itself has a rubber plug. Some other manufacturers make the USB connector on the bayonet side, which means there is no need to spoil the external design of the lens with this port, as well as come up with plugs for it.

A durable plastic lens hood is included in the package. Bayonet type lens hood, snap-on reliably. The lens hood can be installed in the opposite direction (in transport mode), but in this case access to the focus ring is completely lost.

The front and back protective covers are plastic, massive, easy to use. There is a sticker on the body with markers of various certificates, this tape is easy to peel off.

The aperture consists of 7 blades. At F/1.4-F/2.8 the aperture takes a fairly round shape. The aperture works quickly and does not stick.

When the camera is turned on and off, the lens undergoes initialization (focuses on a certain position, opens/closes the aperture).

Focusing

The lens has a built-in stepping motor STM focusing. The motor operates with a little noise. On the FujiFilm XT-2 camera, the focusing tenacity and accuracy are unstable.

Auto focus speed average, closer to slow. The focusing speed is sufficient for comfortable work in some photo tasks.

The focusing ring is plastic, wide, with veins. Electronic focusing ring, rotates a little hard, has no extreme positions.

During auto focus focus ring remains stationary.

Lens has does not have internal focusing, during focusing the front and rear lenses move. The front lens does not leave the body, and therefore you can use various types of light filters without problems.

The minimum focusing distance is 35cm and the maximum magnification ratio is 1:7.5.

Firmware Upgrade

When connected to a computer, the lens is recognized as a '7Artisans' drive with a capacity of 91,5 KB. The drive contains a REAMDE.txt file - a text file with information about the lens and firmware.

To update, download the firmware file from the official website and copy it to the '7Artisans' drive, wait 5 seconds, and then make sure that the text file shows the new firmware version. You may need to update the data on the drive and/or connected devices. At the time of writing this review, there was no firmware update for this lens. It is worth noting that 7Artisans constantly updates the firmware for its lenses.

Image quality

Overall, the image quality of the 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 is high.

Resolution

1. F/1.4 lens has good resolution
2. with aperture down to f/2.8 resolution becomes excellent
3. there is a slight drop in sharpness towards the edges and corners of the frame, but even in the far corners of the frame at F / 1.4 the lens holds up much better than many similar lenses
4. good contrast
5. palpable coma

Distortion

1. there is a small barrel-shaped distortion
2. distortion is unified, easy to edit in the editor

Vignetting

1. a strong vignetting on f / 1.4
2. vignetting decreases with focus towards MDF. Most noticeable when focusing on infinity
3. vignetting almost completely disappears at F / 4.0
4. vignetting easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

1. there is a noticeable amount of chromatic aberration
2. there is a noticeable frigging (the color of contrasting elements in the out-of-focus area is purple or green)

Rest

1. from bright light sources you can get a small amount of glare, while they can be of enormous size
2. the lens can produce pleasing bokeh
3. lemons (cat's eyes) in bokeh

There is no lens profile for the lens in popular RAW converters, but most likely the profile will appear shortly or you can create it yourself.

Sample photos on APS-C

The camera used was FujiFilm X-T2 (24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor). All photos in this review are shown without processing, according to the principles ZEROJPEG.

• Original photos in RAW format (FujiFilm '.RAF') you can watch/download it from this link (80+ files, Google Drive gallery).
• Original photos in JPEG format ('.jpg') you can watch/download it from this link (90+ files, Google Drive gallery).

Prices

Prices for 7Artisans AF 35/1.4 on Aliexpress can look at this link.

My experience

7Artisans AF 35/1.4 is a good option, but it is disappointing that it uses the optical scheme of an older manual solution. I hope that the problems with focusing and exposure will disappear with the future firmware.

Video review

Results

7Artisans AF 35/1.4 – very available regular fix with very high aperture. Optical qualities are at a high level.

main advantages

1. electronic focus ring
2. good build quality
3. included hood
4. light weight
5. virtually internal focus
6. USB port for firmware update, easy firmware update method, cable included
7. nice/neutral 'pattern'
8. good sharpness in the center of the frame starting from F / 1.4
9. low level of vignetting and distortion
10. good value prices and quality

main disadvantages

1. there is no AF/MF focus mode switch (for example, there is MEIKE 33/1.4 STM)
2. there is no aperture control ring (for example, there is MEIKE 33/1.4 STM)
3. there is no image stabilizer (for example, there is one in Sony E 1.8 / 35 OSS)
4. the lens is poorly protected from environmental influences (for example, MEIKE 33/1.4 STM rubber seal of bayonet)
5. the optical scheme is most likely used from an older model 7Artisans 35mm 1: 1.4
6. only 7 aperture blades (for example, MEIKE 33/1.4 STM there are 9 of them)
7. slight noise from the focus motor, poor focus grip and accuracy on the XT-2 camera
8. minor exposure issues on XT-2 camera (will likely be resolved with a future firmware update)
9. tangible chromatic aberration at the edges and corners of the image at virtually any aperture value
10. backlight glare

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.