7artisans 18mm F2.0 AF Lens Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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You are looking at 7artisans af 18mm f2 0 auto alternatives because this lens offers a fast f/2.0 aperture and STM autofocus for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras. It weighs just 109g and focuses as close as 0.2m. These specs make it ideal for street photography and travel. However, you might want a different focal length or sensor format. Some photographers prefer portrait lenses with wider apertures. Others need full-frame compatibility or a wider angle for vlogging.
This list includes 6 similar picks. We selected these options because their core specifications overlap with the original 7artisans lens. You will find other fast primes for Sony E-mount cameras. Some are designed for APS-C sensors, while others support full-frame bodies. The selection covers various focal lengths, from ultra-wide to portrait lengths. Each option provides autofocus capabilities. You can compare dimensions and aperture values to find the right tool for your specific shooting style.
Our top pick: 7artisans 18mm F2.0 AF Lens for Sony E.
How these lenses differ
Brightin Star 50mm F1.4 APS-C Lens (Sony E)
The Brightin Star 50mm F1.4 offers a much longer focal length and a wider f/1.4 aperture compared to the 7artisans 18mm F2.0. This makes it better for portraits with shallow depth of field, while the 7artisans is wider for landscapes. The Brightin Star is slightly larger at 3.15 inches long. It lacks the 0.2m close focus of the 7artisans. Choose this if you want subject isolation over wide-angle versatility.
Meike 55mm f/1.4 APS-C Lens for Sony E
The Meike 55mm f/1.4 provides a portrait-oriented focal length with a bright f/1.4 aperture, unlike the 7artisans 18mm wide angle. It uses STM autofocus for smooth performance. The Meike is physically smaller in diameter but similar in length. It sacrifices the wide field of view and close-up macro capability of the 7artisans. Pick this lens if you prioritize flattering portraits and background blur over capturing expansive scenes or detailed close-ups.
Viltrox 56mm F1.7 APS-C Portrait Lens
The Viltrox 56mm F1.7 delivers a standard portrait focal length with an f/1.7 aperture, offering more subject isolation than the 7artisans 18mm F2.0. It is compact at 2.5 inches long. The Viltrox gives up the wide-angle perspective and 0.2m minimum focusing distance found in the 7artisans. It is ideal for photographers who want shallow depth of field for portraits. Avoid it if you need a wide view for architecture or vlogging.
VILTROX AF 50mm F2.0 FE Sony E-Mount
The Viltrox 50mm F2.0 FE is designed for full-frame Sony cameras, whereas the 7artisans is for APS-C sensors. This lens offers a 50mm focal length, providing a natural perspective rather than the wide 18mm view. It shares the f/2.0 aperture but lacks the 0.2m close focus of the 7artisans. The Viltrox is heavier at 7.76 ounces. Select this if you use a full-frame body and need a versatile prime lens for portraits.
Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 Sony E Lens
The Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 provides a slightly wider view than the 50mm class but is still narrower than the 7artisans 18mm. It features a faster f/1.7 aperture for better low-light performance and background blur. The Viltrox is 3.2 inches long, making it longer than the 7artisans. It lacks the 0.2m close focus distance of the 7artisans. Choose this lens if you want a compact prime with faster autofocus and aperture for street photography.
7artisans AF 10mm F2.8 Ultra-Wide Lens
The 7artisans AF 10mm F2.8 offers an ultra-wide field of view, significantly wider than the 18mm lens. It is designed specifically for vlogging on APS-C cameras. The aperture is smaller at f/2.8, reducing low-light capability compared to the f/2.0. It weighs 8.18 ounces, which is heavier than the 109g 7artisans 18mm. Pick this if you need extreme width for vlogging. Avoid it if you prefer a more natural perspective or faster aperture for portraits.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
7artisans 18mm F2.0 AF Lens for Sony E
Best for: Sony APS-C street and travel photography
- Lens Mount
- Sony E
- Focal Length
- 18mm
- Maximum Aperture
- f/2.0
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Autofocus STM
- Minimum Focusing Distance
- 0.2m
View on Amazon: 7artisans 18mm F2.0 AF Lens for Sony E Affiliate link
This is an autofocus wide-angle lens for Sony E mount APS-C cameras. It features an 18mm focal length and a bright F2.0 maximum aperture. The lens weighs just 109g and includes STM autofocus with Eye AF support. It offers a 0.2m minimum focusing distance for close-ups. You will appreciate its compact metal body and dust resistance for travel or street photography.
Pros
- 18mm focal length for wide-angle shots
- F2.0 maximum aperture for low light
- STM autofocus with Eye AF support
- Weighs only 109g for portability
- Dust and splash resistant metal body
Cons
- APS-C format limits full-frame use
- Fixed focal length reduces versatility
- No weather sealing beyond splash resistance
Good fit if
- You shoot with Sony E mount APS-C cameras
- You need a lightweight lens for travel
- You want fast autofocus for vlogging
Skip if
- You use full-frame Sony cameras
- You require a zoom lens
- You need telephoto reach
Verdict: 7artisans AF 18mm F2.0 Sony E Mount is a compact, fast wide-angle lens for Sony APS-C users. It fits photographers who prioritize portability and autofocus speed for street or travel work.
Brightin Star 50mm F1.4 APS-C Lens (Sony E)
Best for: APS-C portrait photography with Sony E mount
- Lens Mount
- Sony E Mount
- Focal Length
- 50mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F1.4
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- STM Auto Focus
- Lens Type
- Prime
View on Amazon: Brightin Star 50mm F1.4 APS-C Lens (Sony E) Affiliate link
The Brightin Star AF 50mm F1.4 is an APS-C prime lens for Sony E mount cameras. It features an STM autofocus system with face and eye recognition. The optical design includes 12 elements in 8 groups, with two ED lenses to reduce dispersion. The metal body supports firmware updates via USB-C. You get a large F1.4 aperture for low light and background blur. This lens suits portrait and night scene shooters.
Pros
- F1.4 maximum aperture for shallow depth of field
- STM motor with face and eye recognition autofocus
- 12 elements in 8 groups with ED lenses
- Metal body construction with USB-C firmware port
Cons
- APS-C sensor format limits full-frame compatibility
- Only available for Sony E mount in this listing
- 12-month warranty is shorter than typical industry standards
Good fit if
- You shoot portraits on APS-C Sony cameras
- You need fast autofocus with eye detection
- You want a compact prime lens for low light
Skip if
- You use full-frame Sony cameras
- You require autofocus for Nikon Z or Fuji X mounts
- You need a lens with a longer warranty period
Verdict: Brightin Star AF 50mm F1.4 for Sony E is a solid choice for APS-C portrait photographers who value fast autofocus and a bright aperture. It fits users who prioritize optical quality and modern AF features over versatility across mount systems.
Meike 55mm f/1.4 APS-C Lens for Sony E
Best for: Sony APS-C portrait photography
- Lens Mount
- Sony E-Mount
- Focal Length
- 55mm
- Maximum Aperture
- f/1.4
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Autofocus STM
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: Meike 55mm f/1.4 APS-C Lens for Sony E Affiliate link
The Meike 55mm F1.4 is an autofocus portrait lens for Sony E mount APS-C cameras. It features a wide f/1.4 aperture for background blur and an STM motor for quiet focusing. The optical design includes eight elements in eleven groups to reduce aberrations. This lens suits photographers who need a dedicated portrait focal length with fast autofocus on APS-C bodies.
Pros
- Wide f/1.4 maximum aperture for shallow depth of field
- STM autofocus motor for smooth and quiet operation
- Optical design uses extra-low dispersion elements to suppress chromatic aberration
- Compatible with Sony E mount APS-C mirrorless cameras
Cons
- Firmware updates require an Android device
- Applies only to APS-C sensor cameras
- Autofocus may require manual firmware upgrades if issues occur
Good fit if
- You shoot portraits on Sony APS-C cameras
- You want a fast aperture for low light
- You prefer STM autofocus for video
Skip if
- You use full-frame Sony cameras
- You need Apple device firmware support
- You prefer manual focus lenses
Verdict: Meike 55mm F1.4 APS-C Sony E is a solid choice for Sony APS-C users seeking a fast portrait lens with reliable STM autofocus. It delivers the focal length and aperture needed for flattering portraits without the bulk of larger glass.
Viltrox 56mm F1.7 APS-C Portrait Lens
Best for: compact portrait shooting on APS-C
- Lens Mount
- Sony E
- Focal Length
- 56mm
- Maximum Aperture
- f/1.7
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Autofocus STM
- Lens Type
- Prime
View on Amazon: Viltrox 56mm F1.7 APS-C Portrait Lens Affiliate link
This Viltrox lens offers a 56mm focal length with an F1.7 aperture on Sony E-mount APS-C cameras. It weighs 170g and measures 2.5 inches long. The optical structure includes 11 elements in 9 groups with 4 ED lenses. It features face and eye autofocus. This compact prime lens suits portrait and street photography in low light.
Pros
- 170g lightweight build
- F1.7 large aperture
- 9 aperture blades
- Face and eye autofocus
- 4 ED lens elements
Cons
- APS-C sensor format only
- No weather sealing listed
- Fixed focal length
Good fit if
- You shoot portraits on APS-C bodies
- You want a pocket-sized prime lens
- You need fast autofocus for faces
Skip if
- You use full-frame cameras
- You need zoom versatility
- You require weather sealing
Verdict: Viltrox 56mm F1.7 APS-C Portrait Lens fits photographers who prioritize portability and shallow depth of field on APS-C Sony E-mount cameras.
VILTROX AF 50mm F2.0 FE Sony E-Mount
Best for: full-frame Sony portrait and street photography
- Lens Mount
- Sony E-Mount
- Focal Length
- 50mm
- Maximum Aperture
- f/2.0
- Sensor Format
- Full-Frame
- Focus Type
- Autofocus STM
- Dimensions
- 2.22 × 2.6 × 2.6 inches
View on Amazon: VILTROX AF 50mm F2.0 FE Sony E-Mount Affiliate link
This is a VILTROX 50mm F2.0 FE lens for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras. It features a 13-element optical design with ED glass to control aberrations. The F2.0 aperture provides background blur and low-light capability. Weighing only 205g, it remains compact for daily carry. The STM motor ensures smooth autofocus for photos and video. This lens suits portrait and street photographers seeking a lightweight full-frame option.
Pros
- F2.0 large aperture for low-light performance and bokeh
- Compact 205g weight and 56.5mm length for portability
- 13-element/9-group optics with ED glass for sharpness
- STM motor for quiet and accurate autofocus
- USB-C port for firmware updates
Cons
- F2.0 aperture is slower than the F1.4 options on this list
- Only one focal length available in this specific model
- Fixed aperture without variable control
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight lens for full-frame Sony cameras
- You prioritize sharpness and low-light performance over maximum aperture width
- You want a compact lens for travel or street photography
Skip if
- You require a wider aperture than F2.0 for extreme low light
- You are using an APS-C camera and need a dedicated crop-sensor lens
- You prefer a zoom lens for variable framing
Verdict: VILTROX 50mm F2.0 FE Full-Frame Lens is a solid choice for Sony full-frame users who value portability and optical clarity over a faster aperture. It fits photographers who carry their gear daily and need reliable autofocus for portraits or street scenes.
Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 Sony E Lens
Best for: Lightweight APS-C portrait and street photography
- Lens Mount
- Sony E-Mount
- Focal Length
- 25mm
- Maximum Aperture
- f/1.7
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Autofocus STM
- Minimum Focusing Distance
- 0.3m
View on Amazon: Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 Sony E Lens Affiliate link
This Viltrox lens offers a 25mm focal length and a wide f/1.7 aperture for APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras. It uses an STM autofocus system with eye and face detection. The compact design weighs 170g and measures 3.2 inches long. It includes specialized glass elements to reduce distortion. This lens suits photographers who need a lightweight, fast prime lens for street or portrait work.
Pros
- Wide f/1.7 maximum aperture for low-light shooting
- STM autofocus supports eye and face detection
- Compact size at 170g and 3.2 inches long
- Optical structure includes ED and aspherical lenses
Cons
- Fixed 25mm focal length limits zoom flexibility
- Minimum focusing distance of 0.3m restricts macro capability
- APS-C sensor format only, not full-frame compatible
Good fit if
- You want a lightweight lens for travel
- You shoot portraits with background blur
- You use APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras
Skip if
- You need a full-frame compatible lens
- You require a zoom lens for versatility
- You need macro photography capabilities
Verdict: Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 APS-C Lens is a compact, fast prime for APS-C users. It fits street photographers and portrait shooters who prioritize weight and aperture over zoom range.
7artisans AF 10mm F2.8 Ultra-Wide Lens
Best for: wide-angle vlogging on APS-C cameras
- Lens Mount
- Sony E
- Focal Length
- 10mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F2.8
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Autofocus (STM)
- Intended Use
- Vlogging
View on Amazon: 7artisans AF 10mm F2.8 Ultra-Wide Lens Affiliate link
This 7artisans lens offers a 10mm focal length with a 105.3° ultra-wide field of view on APS-C sensors. It features an STM autofocus motor for fast focusing and face/eye recognition. The f/2.8 maximum aperture helps in low light. Weighing just 232g, it is compact for Sony E-mount cameras. It suits vloggers and creators needing wide angles.
Pros
- 105.3° ultra-wide field of view
- STM autofocus motor for speed
- Face and eye recognition support
- Lightweight 232g build
Cons
- Narrower f/2.8 aperture limits background blur
- APS-C format restricts full-frame use
- Shorter focal length may distort faces in portraits
Good fit if
- You need a wide angle for vlogging
- You shoot in tight indoor spaces
- You prioritize lightweight gear for travel
Skip if
- You require a fast f/1.4 aperture
- You use a full-frame camera
- You prefer longer focal lengths for portraits
Verdict: 7artisans 10mm f/2.8 Ultra-Wide APS-C Lens provides a wide 105.3° view and lightweight design for vloggers. It fits creators who need sharp, wide shots on APS-C bodies.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | 7artisans 18mm F2.0 AF Lens for Sony E | Brightin Star 50mm F1.4 APS-C Lens (Sony E) | Meike 55mm f/1.4 APS-C Lens for Sony E | Viltrox 56mm F1.7 APS-C Portrait Lens | VILTROX AF 50mm F2.0 FE Sony E-Mount | Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 Sony E Lens | 7artisans AF 10mm F2.8 Ultra-Wide Lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E Mount | Sony E-Mount | Sony E | Sony E-Mount | Sony E-Mount | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 18mm | 50mm | 55mm | 56mm | 50mm | 25mm | 10mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.0 | F1.4 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/2.0 | f/1.7 | F2.8 |
| Sensor Format | APS-C | APS-C | APS-C | APS-C | Full-Frame | APS-C | APS-C |
| Focus Type | Autofocus STM | STM Auto Focus | Autofocus STM | Autofocus STM | Autofocus STM | Autofocus STM | Autofocus (STM) |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.2m | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 0.3m | not stated |
| Intended Use | Vlogging | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Vlogging |
| Color | not stated | AF 50mm F1.4 Black | Black | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Aperture | f/2.0 | f/1.4 | f/1.4 | not stated | f/2.0 | not stated | f/2.8 |
| Lens Type | not stated | Prime | not stated | Prime | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | 2.36 × 2.6 × 2.6 inches | 3.15 × 1.38 × 1.38 inches | 0.39 × 0.39 × 0.39 inches | 2.5 × 2.2 × 2.2 inches | 2.22 × 2.6 × 2.6 inches | 3.2 × 2.6 × 2.6 inches | 2 × 2 × 2 inches |
| Weight | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 7.76 ounces | not stated | 8.18 ounces |
| Size | not stated | AF50/1.4 APS-C | 55mm F1.4 APS-C | 56mm F1.7 (APS-C) | 50mm F2.0(Full Frame) | 25mm f/1.7 E | For Sony E mount |
| Model | not stated | Fit for Sony E Mount | MK-5514STM-E | not stated | TX-JYC-03493 50mm F2.0 FE | AF 25/1.7 E | For Sony E mount |
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 7artisans 18mm F2.0 AF the best option for Sony APS-C street photography?
Yes, it is ranked as the best overall choice for this use case. The lens features an 18mm focal length and f/2.0 aperture, providing a wide field of view ideal for tight spaces. Its compact dimensions of 2.36 inches in length and 2.6 inches in diameter make it highly portable for daily carry.
Which alternative lens offers the best budget-friendly portrait experience for Sony E mount?
The Brightin Star 50mm F1.4 APS-C Lens is the top budget pick. It provides a 50mm focal length with a bright f/1.4 aperture, allowing for shallow depth of field suitable for portraits. The lens measures 3.15 inches in length and 1.38 inches in width, balancing optical quality with a compact form factor.
What is the best premium portrait lens for Sony APS-C cameras?
The Meike 55mm f/1.4 APS-C Lens is designated as the best premium option. It delivers a 55mm focal length and f/1.4 aperture, optimized for flattering portraits on APS-C sensors. It utilizes STM autofocus technology for reliable performance. The lens body is notably small, measuring just 0.39 inches in width and height.
Can I use these alternatives on full-frame Sony cameras?
Yes, the Viltrox AF 50mm F2.0 FE is designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. It offers a 50mm focal length and f/2.0 aperture, making it suitable for portraits and street photography on full-frame bodies. It weighs 7.76 ounces and measures 2.22 inches in length, ensuring portability without compromising on sensor coverage.
Which lens is best for lightweight vlogging on APS-C cameras?
The 7artisans AF 10mm F2.8 Ultra-Wide Lens is the top choice for vlogging. It provides a 105.3° field of view, capturing a wide perspective ideal for close-up recording. The lens is compact, measuring 2 inches in width, height, and length. It weighs 8.18 ounces, making it easy to handle for extended shooting sessions.
What is the best compact portrait lens for APS-C Sony E mount?
The Viltrox 56mm F1.7 APS-C Portrait Lens is recommended for compact portrait shooting. It offers a 56mm focal length, which is flattering for portraits on APS-C sensors. The lens measures 2.5 inches in length and 2.2 inches in width and height. It provides a balance of portability and optical performance for everyday use.
Is there a lightweight 25mm alternative for street photography?
Yes, the Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 Sony E Lens is a strong option for street photography. It features a 25mm focal length and f/1.7 aperture, offering versatility and low-light capability. The lens is compact, measuring 3.2 inches in length and 2.6 inches in width and height. It is designed for users who prioritize weight and aperture speed.