7Artisans has announced a new Mark II revision of its popular 12mm f/2.8 wide-angle manual focus lens for APS-C cameras. The new lens is going to be available in six different mounts, including Sony E, Nikon Z, Fuji X and Micro Four Thirds initially, with Canon EF-M and Canon RF to follow.
The wide 12mm focal length offers around 100° field of view on APS-C bodies, with a 15cm minimum focus distance. This makes it a great lens for landscapes and interiors while the wife f/2.8 aperture also makes it a great option for astrophotography.
The lens contains 12 elements in 10 groups which 7Artisans says offers excellent distortion control to keep straight lines straight. In fact, they use the phrase that “the picture is effectively controlled in the original state”. I think that’s their way of saying it’s supposed to be something like a Laowa Zero-D lens. As to how well that holds up in reality will depend on the reviews after the lens starts getting into people’s hands. But for a lens this wide, obviously aimed at architectural photographers, the least amount of barrel distortion possible is definitely desirable.
| Focal length | 12mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min aperture | f/16 |
| Angle of view | 100° (APS-C) |
| Format | APS-C |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds, Canon EF-M, Nikon Z, Fuji X, Sony E, Canon RF |
| Focus type | Manual Focus |
| Lens type | Rectlinear |
| Filter diameter | 67mm |
| Optics | 12 elements in 10 groups |
| Aperture blades | 5 |
| Min focus distance | 15cm |
| Dimensions | 70 x 66mm |
| Weight | 301g |
Despite being so wide, the 7Artisans 12mm f/2.8 II sports a 67mm filter thread on the front. The aperture ring slides from f/2.8 wide open down to f/16 with a focus ring that starts at only 15 centimetres. If you’re not into the close-up thing, though, the lens goes to infinity right after the 1-metre mark. So, as long as you’re more than a meter from your subject, the entire world’s in focus.
In samples, distortion control looks pretty good, although it’s not perfect
The 7Artisans 12mm f/2.8 Mark II is available to pre-order now for £149 in Sony E, Nikon Z, Fuji X and Micro Four Thirds mount. Canon EF-M and Canon RF mounts are coming soon. Shipping is expected to begin in early January.
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