7Artisans Debuts Affordable Max AF 135mm F/1.8 for Nikon Z
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Designed for Portraits and Low-Light Shooting7Artisans has officially launched the new Max AF 135mm F/1.8 for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. The lens is the first entry in the company’s new Max series and is positioned as a flagship-level telephoto prime with a surprisingly aggressive price tag.
At just $689, the new lens significantly undercuts many competing 135mm F/1.8 options currently on the market, including premium alternatives from Nikon and Viltrox.
Designed for Portraits and Low-Light Shooting
The 135mm focal length combined with the bright F/1.8 aperture makes the lens particularly appealing for portraits, events, concerts, and low-light photography. The long focal length also creates strong background compression and subject separation.
7Artisans says the lens is designed to deliver professional-level image quality while its price remains accessible to photographers looking for a more affordable telephoto prime.
Advanced Optical Design
The optical construction features 16 elements arranged in 13 groups, including six ED elements and five high refractive index elements. According to the company, the design helps minimize chromatic aberrations and maintain high sharpness across the frame.
The lens is also said to resolve enough detail for modern high-resolution cameras, including 60-megapixel sensors. A 12-bladed aperture diaphragm helps create smooth circular bokeh and pronounced 12-point sunstars when stopped down.
Fast Autofocus and Custom Controls
Autofocus is driven by a silent stepping motor paired with a simplified reduction gear system. 7Artisans says the setup delivers fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus performance for both photo and video work.
The lens can focus as close as 0.68 meters, making it useful for tighter portraits and close-up detail shots. Users also get a customizable multifunction control ring and two programmable function buttons for quicker access to settings.
Premium Build Quality
The Max AF 135mm F/1.8 features a full metal barrel constructed from aviation-grade aluminum. The lens also includes dust and moisture resistance along with anti-smudge coatings for outdoor shooting.
A USB-C port is built into the lens for future firmware updates. The lens accepts 82mm filters and weighs approximately 1,014 grams.
A Potential Rival to the Viltrox 135mm LAB
Specs-wise, the new 7Artisans lens appears to directly target the highly regarded Viltrox AF 135mm F/1.8 LAB. That lens has earned praise for its optical quality and overall performance, though it comes at a noticeably higher price point.
If the new Max AF 135mm F/1.8 can get close to the Viltrox in terms of image quality and autofocus reliability, it could become a very compelling option for Nikon Z users.
Pricing and Availability
The 7Artisans Max AF 135mm F/1.8 is now available from the 7Artisans online store and authorized retailers for $689.
For now, the lens is only available for Nikon Z mount, though versions for Sony E and Leica L mount systems are expected to arrive later.
Sample Images with the 7Artisans Max AF 135mm F/1.8
