I’ve long felt that perhaps too many photographers prioritize bokeh and blur more than they should, but now I’m a hypocrite, because I’ve fallen in love with f/0.95 lenses .
On a crazy whim last year, I ordered one for myself 7Artisans 35mm f/0.95 APS-C manual focus lens for my Fujifilm mirrorless camera. It was an overall gamble that led to a creative jackpot, because the properties of the lens ignited a new creative fire in me and led to some of my favorite new works.
The 35mm lens is one of my favorite general focal lengths on the APS-C system and I’ve used it Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 For many years now. The f/0.95 appeal and accompanying low-light performance, subject separation, and lovely bokeh were simply too strong for me and I forced myself to forget its lack of autofocus. I have plenty of autofocus lenses if I need to, and something in my gut tells me this lens is going to be a riot. I couldn’t be more correct.
Upon arrival, I was impressed with the all-metal construction and its enormous weight. The focus ring feels smooth and the aperture ring isn’t too loose, although it’s turned off.
As soon as I received the lens and did some initial testing with it, I realized that I wanted my first real-world experiment to be street photography. I especially enjoy shooting at night, and by combining this lens with my IBIS-equipped compact camera, Fujifilm X-S10, I can easily shoot at any hour I want, even long after sunset. Moonlight and lights become possible light sources for handheld street photography with a setup like this, thanks in part to Fuji’s excellent handling of high ISO noise.
I remember when I was an autofocus-only person and I couldn’t focus manually, but I slowly entered the market segment, with the classic lens and Rokinon 12mm f/2, being the top product. its head. class for a super-wide value when it is released. By the time I had my little hands on this 7Artians lens, I was comfortable using the built-in focus-assist features such as peak focus and zoom magnification, and the ability to my focus even at the paper-thin depth of field setting. comes with f/0.95 which is pretty good.
The experience of shooting with the lens became a pleasure for me. Manual focus does what it always does: it slows you down. Some people will insist that precious seconds detract from the precious moments they could have had with autofocus, but I consider the slow and careful workflow required to achieve this. Having sharp focus has more potential benefits to a gamer than disadvantages. Slowing down has always allowed me to hone my composition in an image and made me think more about what I’m trying to accomplish. The added versatility of handheld shooting in low light and leaving the tripod out also helps make up for the lack of autofocus for me, because of that versatility and the compact nature of a kit. consisting of a camera body and a lens is very spare. What’s particularly interesting is that I enjoy using an e-bike for street photography and the less I have to transport, the more I can really take advantage of that incredibly efficient mobility.
The lens is not without its problems. Far from a perfect optical formula, pixel peepers and techies may not be satisfied, but I bought this lens for a reason, shoot f/0.95, and I know I will. deal with the flaws and limitations to its optical formulation, but I was pleased to learn those are outweighed by its excellent characterization and amazing low-light performance.
Street portraits taken with careful focus on the perfect focal point will appear before your eyes with great separation and bokeh, without looking fake or strange. Falloff is very pleasant and not distracting. In fact, I’ve found that with good technique and subject matter, this lens is unlikely to produce a bad photo, as long as you take the time to focus and compose well.
These days, I really appreciate lenses with holes. I call them flaws, although I could easily call them “character”, but I choose not to deceive myself. I can easily reach for my favorite Fuji XF 35mm f/1.4. I could also choose the even more clinically perfect Fuji XF 35mm f/2 or the great new 33mm f/1.4 and so many other lenses that are really great, but when I shoot work not for the studio For my commercial photography, I just love a low-tech but artistic option like the 7Artisans lens. Sometimes, I want to toss it on my faithful Fuji X-T1 and really get that full manual experience.
Above all, the results spoke for themselves. If I care about my focusing technique and use the lens for a suitable application, I can certainly use this lens for my professional work. Sometimes, I do, but only when I’m sure it’s the right tool for the job. However, for my personal work, I often use it, especially when the light is low, because I would never like to roam the city at night, and this lens is a must-have. performed for that purpose.
I am so grateful to have discovered this lens, and the wonderful doors it has opened for me. I realize that’s not the kind of optics you get when you need pixel-peeping perfection, but I really don’t think perfect optical quality is as important as some people think. If nothing else, simply I really enjoy using it is enough.
I was looking forward to when I could go out into the city for another ride on my e-bike, while my tripod and other gear were still on the bike, I rode around the city with great enthusiasm. full freedom and movement, to my little Fuji and this Super fast manual focus lens do what they do best, and that’s a smile on my face.
