7Artisans has introduced a new trio of compact, budget-friendly APS-C autofocus prime lenses—the Lite series—covering 25mm, 35mm, and 50mm f/1.8. Designed for Sony E and Fujifilm X mounts, each lens weighs under 183g and shares a consistent, minimalist form factor aimed at travel shooters, street photographers, and content creators who want fast apertures without the bulk or price of premium glass. Preorders are live at B&H for $125 per lens, with availability expected in May 2026.
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Key specs
- Focal lengths: 25mm f/1.8, 35mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.8
- Mounts: Sony E (APS-C), Fujifilm X
- Weight: ~178–183g (6.3–6.5 oz)
- Dimensions: ~67mm × 51mm
- Filter thread: 58mm (shared across all three)
- Optical designs: 25mm: 8 elements/5 groups; 35mm: 7 elements/6 groups; 50mm: 6 elements/5 groups
- Aperture: f/1.8–f/16, 9-blade diaphragm
- Autofocus: STM motor with eye detection & tracking
- Minimum focus distance: 25mm: 0.25m; 35mm: 0.35m; 50mm: 0.55m
- Extras: USB‑C port for firmware updates
What stands out
- Tiny & consistent design: All three primes share the same compact footprint and 58mm filter thread—handy for travel kits and gimbal setups.
- Fast f/1.8 aperture: Useful for low light and shallow depth of field on APS-C bodies.
- Autofocus with STM: Quiet, smooth AF with eye detection and tracking support for casual video and stills.
- USB‑C firmware updates: Future fixes and improvements without sending the lens in.
- Price: At $125, these are among the most affordable AF primes for Sony E and Fujifilm X.
Who are these lenses for?
These Lite series primes target budget-conscious APS-C shooters who want small, fast lenses for everyday use. Travel photographers will appreciate the low weight and shared filters. Street shooters get discreet size and f/1.8 for subject isolation. Beginner videographers benefit from STM autofocus and consistent handling across focal lengths. Content creators can build a compact, color-matched set that’s easy to balance on lightweight rigs.
Considerations & limitations
- Optical compromises: At this price, expect trade-offs in edge sharpness, flare control, and bokeh consistency versus premium primes.
- Build & controls: Minimal external controls and simplified construction—good for weight, less so for tactile feedback.
- AF performance: STM is quiet, but tracking reliability may vary by camera body and firmware.
- Availability & documentation: Early details are sparse; full specs and sample images may roll out closer to ship date.
Price & availability
Each lens in the 7Artisans Lite series is priced at $125, with availability expected in May 2026. Preorders are open now:
Final thoughts
For APS-C shooters on Sony E and Fujifilm X, the 7Artisans Lite series delivers a rare combo: tiny size, fast f/1.8 apertures, autofocus, and $125 pricing. They won’t replace premium primes for critical work, but as lightweight everyday lenses for travel, street, and casual video, they’re compelling. If you’ve been waiting for an inexpensive AF prime set to round out a compact kit, these three might be the budget-friendly trio to watch.
