When I’m buying a lens or a camera, I care about one thing: does it take good pictures? That’s it. No test charts, no sharpness diagrams, no pixel-peeping. Take it outside, shoot with it, look at the photos.
So when 7Artisans sent me their new AF 18mm F2 LITE to try, that’s exactly what I did. I skipped the unboxing (it doesn’t matter) and took it out shooting all day on my Sony A6700.
First thing: it’s a pancake. And no, you don’t have to go to IHOP to get your pancakes. This one’s made in Shenzhen, China, and it’s tiny. On an APS-C camera, 18mm works out to about 27mm equivalent, which is wonderful for street photography. Wide enough to tell a story, not so wide it gets weird.
The aperture ring is clicked, which I love. I spent the day shooting f8 and be there, the way street photography is supposed to work. The lens is so light and compact I didn’t want to carry a bag. That’s the whole point of a travel pancake.
Let me be clear about something: I’m not being paid for this. 7Artisans doesn’t know what I’m saying here. I would never shill for something I didn’t actually like.
And here’s the thing. I like this lens. There’s nothing about it I dislike. I put some sample photos up in the gallery so you can judge for yourself.
I even pranked you a little in the video. I showed two photos side by side, told you one was from a $900 lens and one was from this $169 lens, then revealed they were both from the 7Artisans. Could you tell the difference? That’s the point.
Good enough is good enough. You don’t have to spend $900 to take great photos.
The 7Artisans AF 18mm F2 LITE is $169. It’s out now for Sony E-mount, and a Fujifilm X version is coming.
One thing I want to be straight about: I don’t do affiliate links. Not on this review, not ever. I’m never going to take a cut of anything I highlight here, because the minute I do, you’ve got every reason to wonder if I’m telling you the truth. I’d rather you trust what I say.
I already love this lens and I’m going to keep shooting with it.
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