Swift, budget-friendly 35mm Autofocus lens impresses - potentially the top affordable pick for full-frame Sony and Nikon photographers
Affordable 35mm Prime Lenses Expand Full-Frame Mirrorless Market
Two new budget-friendly 35mm f/1.8 autofocus lenses have been launched by companies 7Artisans and Brightin Star, bringing fresh competition to the full-frame mirrorless lens market.
The 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens and the Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8 lens are priced around $249 (approximately £190 / AU$385), significantly more affordable than native lenses like the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8, which retails for around $799 / £549 / AU$899, and the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S, priced at $899 / £899 / AU$1,499.
In terms of optical performance, these lenses feature modern optical designs that include aspherical elements, low-dispersion glass, and high refractive index lenses. The Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8 lens has two high-precision aspherical lenses, two Hoya high refractive index lenses, and 1 low dispersion glass. The 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens has 11 elements in 8 groups, including 2 aspherical lenses, 2 high-refractive-index lenses, and 1 ED lens. Reviews suggest they deliver sharp images suitable for photography and video and are especially attractive for portrait, street, and travel photography.
Regarding build quality, both 7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses have been described as having solid and well-constructed bodies, offering a weight (~420g-430g) and size similar to native lenses, signaling a professional build despite the low cost. Brightin Star’s other lenses have also received praise for good ergonomics, robust construction, and favorable handling features such as smooth aperture rings and quiet autofocus.
When compared with third-party alternatives like Sigma’s 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary, the Sigma lens typically commands a higher price (around $700-$800), offers a slightly slower aperture (f/2 vs f/1.8), but may deliver superior optical refinement, autofocus speed, and overall performance due to Sigma's extensive R&D and longstanding reputation in third-party lenses for mirrorless systems. The Brightin Star and 7Artisans lenses appeal primarily due to their lower price combined with surprisingly good optical and build qualities but might lack some of the refinement, AF consistency, and brand reliability expected from more established third-party manufacturers like Sigma.
The new lenses are available for both Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount full-frame sensors, making them versatile options for photographers using either system. The 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens has an Fn button and an AF/MF switch, while the Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8 lens has Optorun coating.
In summary, the 7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses offer budget-friendly options with surprisingly good optical and build quality for full-frame mirrorless cameras. While native and renowned third-party lenses like Sigma’s generally provide higher-end performance and feature refinement at a premium cost, the new lenses from 7Artisans and Brightin Star are an attractive choice for budget-conscious photographers, beginners, and anyone looking for an affordable way to expand their kit.
| Lens | Approximate Price | Aperture | Optical Highlights | Build Quality | Performance Context | |--------------------------|-------------------|----------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | 7Artisans / Brightin Star | ~$249-$250 | f/1.8 | Aspherical elements, coatings, good sharpness | Solid, comparable size/weight to native | Great value for money, good for enthusiasts/budget buyers | | Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN | ~$700-$800 | f/2 | High optical refinement, reliable AF| High-quality build | Excellent all-around performance, pricier | | Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 | ~$799 | f/1.8 | Professional-grade optics, sharp | Premium build | Native lens with optimized integration | | Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S | ~$900 | f/1.8 | Top-tier optics, excellent sharpness | Premium build | Optimized for Nikon Z, professional use |
- The news about the 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 and Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8 lenses has created a buzz in the full-frame mirrorless camera photography community.
- These new lenses with their modern optical designs and robust build quality are sure to become popular for portrait, street, and travel photography techniques.
- For those seeking to enhance their lens collection without breaking the bank, these affordable lenses could be a game-changer in their photography lifestyle.
- The mirrorless camera market is witnessing a surge due to these budget-friendly prime lenses, offering a fresh choice in the competition.
- The release of these lenses has sparked a debate among photography enthusiasts about their ability to deliver quality images comparable to more expensive alternatives.
- As for sports photography, these lenses might not provide the best autofocus speed and consistency, but they offer an affordable entry point for those interested in capturing action moments.
- The launch of these lenses also marks a significant step in the world of technology, making high-quality photography more accessible to a wider audience.
- With their reasonable prices, the 7Artisans and Brightin Star lenses could attract beginners who are just starting to dabble in the field of photography and videography.
- For an aspiring photographer or videographer, these lenses could serve as the starting point in their journey, allowing them to experiment with various techniques and styles in their creations.
- The addition of these lenses to one's gear can open up opportunities for exploring new subjects, traveling to diverse locations, and participating in photography competitions.
