I’ve been lucky enough to be using the 7Artisans 85mm F/1.8 lens recently, and here is my review of this lens. You’ll read about the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s certainly a lens that can fulfil every portrait photographers needs, but it does have a flaw (but it’s not its amazing image quality!
Overview
The 7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z mount stands out as one of the most compelling budget prime lenses available for full-frame mirrorless shooters. Released as part of 7Artisans’ push into full-frame autofocus glass, this short telephoto offers incredible value for portraiture, street details, and low-light work without requiring a steep investment.
Here is a detailed breakdown of how the 7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8 performs on Nikon Z camera bodies.
Key Specifications
Focal Length: 85mm (Short Telephoto / Portrait)
Aperture Range: f/1.8 – f/16
Aperture Blades: 11 (rounded)
Optical Construction: 10 elements in 7 groups
Focusing Motor: STM Stepping Motor (Internal Focus)
Filter Thread: 62mm
Weight: Approx. 450g / 15.8 oz
Mount: All-metal Nikon Z mount with USB-C port for firmware updates
Controls: AF/MF Switch, Aperture Control Ring, Customizable Function (Fn) Button
Build Quality & Handling
For a sub-£300 lens, the physical construction is remarkably solid. 7Artisans opted for a metal barrel and an all-metal bayonet mount, giving it a reassuring weight and tactile feel in the hand.
Physical Controls: The lens features an AF/MF toggle switch, a customizable Fn button, and a dedicated aperture control ring (with an “A” setting for camera-controlled exposure).
Ergonomics: The manual focus ring is well-damped, requiring a deliberate turn. The aperture ring on the other hand, while it feels quite damped, does have a mind of its own and can move fairly easily.
Omissions: To keep costs down, the lens does not feature full weather-sealing gaskets around the mount or barrel, so caution is advised when shooting in inclement weather.
Autofocus Performance
The internal focusing mechanism is driven by an STM stepping motor. On modern Nikon Z bodies, performance is very reliable:
AF-S & Tracking: Single autofocus is swift, quiet, and accurate. Nikon’s Eye-AF / Face Detection locks on reliably during portrait sessions.
Video & Action: Focus pulls in video are smooth without jarring steps. While tracking fast-moving continuous action can occasionally show slight hesitation, it performs admirably for standard portraiture and event work.
Gallery
Image Quality & Optics
1. Sharpness
Centre Resolution: Centre sharpness wide-open at f/1.8 is outstanding. Fine details like eyelashes, iris textures, and hair stand out crisp and clear.
Edges & Corners: Outer edges are slightly softer wide-open compared to the centre, but stopping down to f/2.8 – f/5.6 sharpens the frame across the field, making it well-suited for stopped-down landscapes or group shots.
2. Bokeh & Rendering
Equipped with an 11-blade rounded diaphragm, the lens produces soft, smooth background blur. Out-of-focus highlight highlights (“bokeh balls”) remain pleasingly round even when stopped down slightly, with clean background separation that flatters facial features.
3. Optical Artifacts
Chromatic Aberration: Axial longitudinal CA (purple/green fringing on high-contrast edges) is well-managed for an f/1.8 optic in this price tier.
Vignetting & Distortion: There is minor, natural vignetting at f/1.8 that clears up quickly by f/2.8. Distortion is minimal and easily corrected in post-processing or via standard profile corrections.
Conclusion
The 7Artisans AF 85mm f/1.8 (Z Mount) punches well above its weight class. While official first-party optics (like the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S) offer edge-to-edge optical perfection and full weather sealing, they cost significantly more.
I’ve found that for everyday use, including street photography and portrait work, the lens autofocus hits focus every-time, regardless of it is attached to my older Nikon Z6ii or my newer Nikon ZF. The image quality is actually very impressive, and no matter what you use this lens for, you will be more than happy with the results.
There is one problem though. The aperture ring has a mind of its own. If you are not locked down on a tripod, the aperture ring WILL move and you will not be at the aperture you thought you were at. It would have been nice to have a clicked aperture, or a stiffer dial. If you are moving around with this lens attached, you have to look at the aperture setting before you take your photos.
Overall, the 7Artisans 85mm F/1.8 lens is a great addition to every camera bag, especially if you intend to take portraits. Don’t be fooled by it’s low price, it bats well above its weight. I also own the TTArtisan 85mm F/1.8 Neo, a £99 lens which has no dials, is plastic and feels very different to this 7Artisans lens. Should you consider the 7Artisans over the TTArtisans lens? I will do a side-by-side of both lenses in the future, if you are rarely going to use the 85mm focal length, then just go for the one that you can afford.
You can buy 7Artisans lenses from here
*** I was sent this lens for review by 7Artisans, however they have no say in what I have said or what my opinions are. The lens was in heavy use before review to get a fair feel for the written review.
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