7Artisans M 50mm f/1.1 - Lens review and specs

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Leica M Leica M Mount (Leica M) Prime full-frame 2017

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Compare with

50mm

Focal length

f/1.1

Max aperture

400 g

Weight

14mm35mm85mm200mm600mm

▲ 50mm

Max aperture

f/1.4

f/1.1

f/2

Constant Aperture

Aperturef/1.1

f/1.1f/16

Near focus8' 7"

Far focus9' 2"

Total DOF7"

Hyperfocal258' 8"

Subject distance8' 11"

Focal length50 mm

Aperturef/1.1

SensorFull Frame

Illustrative scene preview based on this lens's focal length, aperture, and sensor coverage.

This preview uses 50mm, f/1.1, and Full Frame. Subject distance is estimated to keep lens previews comparable.

Min aperture: f/16
Diaphragm blades: 12

Optics

Optical construction: 7 elements in 6 groups

Focusing

Minimum focus: 70 cm

Physical

Weight: 400 g
Filter thread: 55 mm
Color: Black

Recommended Use

Ideal for: Portraits, Street, Walkaround / Daily

Release year: 2017
Optical correction & RAW development: NDPix Photo Editor

The best

The People's "Noctilux": Offers the possibility of experimenting with apertures below f/1.2 and the classic look of the 50s-60s at a price radically lower than premium brand options.

Also

Native Cinematic Character: Its combination of Sonnar optical design and extreme aperture creates a separation of shots with a nostalgic touch that is very difficult to replicate with modern software or corrected lenses.

Summary

The 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 is a manual focus lens designed for Full Frame sensors, specifically for the Leica M mount, although it is widely used in mirrorless cameras using adapters. Its greatest attraction is its extreme aperture of f/1.1, which uses an optical design based on the formula Sonnar. This combination produces images with a very marked character: a sharp center surrounded by a blur that tends to be "swirled" (swirly bokeh) and a light falloff (vignetting) that gives it an immediate cinematic and classic look.

Constructed entirely of aluminum and copper, the lens has notable density and robustness for its compact size. Unlike modern lenses that seek to correct every aberration, the 7artisans f/1.1 embraces optical imperfections at maximum aperture, offering a softness and low contrast that are ideal for portraits where velvety skin and dramatic subject isolation are sought. By closing the aperture to f/2.8 or f/4, the lens becomes considerably sharper, allowing for more conventional and technical use.

Its main uses focus on night portrait photography and the available light street photography, where its ability to capture ambient light is exceptional. It is also a highly appreciated tool for videographers looking for a "vintage" look without the complications of maintaining old lenses, taking advantage of its continuous (de-clicked) diaphragm ring that allows fluid exposure transitions. It's a lens for those who value the atmosphere and personality of the image over the mathematical perfection of the edges.