Comfortable, compact, and tailored for full-frame sensors — this is the new 35mm f/1.8 AF prime lens jointly launched by 7Artisans and Brightin Star.

Priced at around $250, these third-party lenses have the potential to shake up the market (Image source: Brightin Star)

If you're passionate about portrait photography, street snapshots, or travel documentation, the 35mm prime lens has likely caught your eye, or maybe it's even in your camera bag. This focal length strikes an excellent balance between versatility and storytelling ability, making it highly favored by both beginners and professional photographers.

Now, 7Artisans and Brightin Star have introduced an affordable 35mm f/1.8 AF lens for full-frame mirrorless systems, priced at approximately $249 (around £190 / AU$385). Among similar products, these two lenses are among the most cost-effective prime lenses currently available on the market.

Both companies have announced the 35mm f/1.8 AF lens for Sony's full-frame E-mount cameras. Additionally, Brightin Star has created a version for Nikon Z-mount cameras.

While not every photographer is fond of third-party lenses, these two brands have earned widespread praise for their lenses' sharp image quality and robust construction.

It's true that most original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lenses perform excellently, but their prices are indeed steep. In the long run, take the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8, for example, which costs around $799 / £549 / AU$899; the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S typically retails for $899 / £899 / AU$1,499.

Well-known third-party brands like Sigma also offer good alternatives, but can their prices compare to the new lenses from 7Artisans and Brightin Star? For some context, the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is priced at $639 / £569 / AU$1,100.

Therefore, the new 35mm f/1.8 AF prime lenses from 7Artisans and Brightin Star undoubtedly inject new competitive vitality into the full-frame mirrorless lens market. With their affordable launch prices, these two lenses are highly attractive to budget-conscious photographers, beginners, and anyone looking to expand their photography gear in an economical way.

Of course, price isn't the only consideration; optical performance, build quality, and actual user experience are equally important. Below, you'll find technical specifications and feature introductions based on currently available information.

7Artisans Autofocus 35mm f/1.8
Lens Mount: E
Compatible Sensor: Full-frame
Focal Length: 35mm
Lens Structure: 8 groups, 11 elements, including 2 aspherical lenses, 2 high-refractive-index lenses, 1 ED lens
Aperture: f/1.8 - f/16
Aperture Blades: 11
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.4m
Filter Diameter: 62mm
Dimensions: φ72x92mm
Weight: 426g
Control Functions: Fn button, AF/MF switch

Brightin Star AF 35mm f/1.8
Lens Mount: E, Z
Compatible Sensor: Full-frame
Focal Length: 35mm
Aperture: Minimum f/1.8
Dimensions and Weight (E-mount): φ75x88mm, 420g
Dimensions and Weight (Z-mount): φ75x90mm, 430g
Additional Information: Fully unleashes optical performance for 62-megapixel resolution, equipped with two high-precision aspherical lenses, two Hoya high-refractive-index lenses, 1 low-dispersion glass, and features Optorun coating

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