In photography, finding a lens that delivers good performance at an affordable price is a true treasure. One of those rare gems is the 7Artisans 60mm F2.8 II macro, a lens that stands out for offering an impressive value for money and proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to capture high-quality macro images.
Build quality, design, and handling
In the hand, the 7Artisans 60mm F2.8 II macro does not feel like a cheap lens. The body is entirely metal and conveys a sense of solid construction.
Its design is elegant and minimalist, with a black finish that blends seamlessly with most camera bodies. It is a compact lens, especially compared to the previous, bulkier and heavier version, but it is still not exactly lightweight. It weighs 339 grams and is therefore recommended for use with camera bodies that offer a good grip.
Focus ring
Regarding handling, the lens features two main controls. The first is a manual focus ring (this is a fully manual lens, without electronic contacts), which is notably smooth and can be turned easily with just a finger, making it especially convenient for those who shoot with one hand while holding the flash with the other. However, the rotation distance between focusing at 1 meter and infinity is quite short, making the ring very sensitive in that range.
Unlike the previous version, the focusing is internal, meaning the lens does not extend when turning the ring.
Aperture ring
The second control is the aperture ring, which allows adjustment from f/2.8 to f/22. The biggest criticism here is that the ring does not provide a click or stop at the different apertures, and between f/11 and f/22 these are not even marked, so you have to constantly check to make sure of the aperture you are shooting at.
The minimum focusing distance is about 9 cm, and there is enough room to increase magnification with accessories such as extension tubes or close-up lenses like the Raynox DCR-250.
Performance and Image Quality
The lens is capable of capturing high-quality details with good contrast, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1. It does not present sharpness issues, even when approaching its magnification limit. While images are somewhat soft at f/2.8, stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 yields better results, with a significant improvement in sharpness and clarity.
Additionally, it features a 9-blade aperture that produces surprisingly smooth bokeh, in contrast to the more hexagonal shapes found in other lenses, such as the Laowa 50mm.
However, one should not be deceived: the image quality is not at the same level as that offered by more expensive lenses, although it is very good for an economical lens, comparable to what is obtained with most kit lenses. It does not present serious distortion or chromatic aberration issues, and any chromatic aberration that may appear is easily corrected, especially when shooting at f/6.3 or f/8, which is within the range many will actually use.
Conclusion
The 7Artisans 60mm F2.8 II macro is a solid option for those who want to go beyond close-up photography and explore true macro without spending a fortune (and don’t mind shooting manually). Although it is not perfect and may have some limitations compared to more expensive lenses (the most important being the inability to automate focus bracketing, something we will almost certainly want to do if we are into macro photography), it offers remarkable performance for its price. The image quality is good, and its metal design and build make it feel like a quality lens. The only drawbacks we can point out relate to the short rotation distance of the focus ring between 1 meter and infinity, and the design of the aperture ring, which, lacking clicks, can make our work somewhat uncomfortable and, being positioned at the front of the lens, can be accidentally moved.
If you are looking for an economical way to start in macro photography and don’t want to invest too much money in an expensive lens, the 7Artisans 60mm f/2.8 macro is an excellent option that more than fulfills its purpose.
Sample images taken with the 7Artisans 60mm F2.8 macro
7Artisans 60mm F2.8 macro on Amazon
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