7Artisans vs BENOISON

Price Comparison

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens - F Lens for Nikon is significantly cheaper than the 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 Fisheye Ultra Wide Angle Lens. Priced at $96.22, the Nikon lens is about 35% less expensive than the Sony-compatible fisheye lens, which retails for $149.00. This price difference may be a critical factor for budget-conscious photographers looking for quality without breaking the bank. The Nikon lens offers a compelling option for those who want to achieve impressive portrait shots at a lower price point.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a crucial consideration when choosing between these two lenses. The 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 Fisheye is designed specifically for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, making it an ideal choice for users of models like the A6300, A6400, and A7 series. On the other hand, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, including popular models like the D3500, D850, and D7500. This broad compatibility makes the Nikon lens a versatile choice for many Nikon users who may already own compatible bodies.

Lens Design and Build Quality

The lens design and build quality differ notably between the two products. The 7Artisans lens features a compact design with a weight of only 201g and a construction of 10 glass elements in 8 groups, ensuring solid image quality and durability. In contrast, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens offers a simple manual focus design and emphasizes user control, requiring photographers to manually adjust focus and exposure. While both lenses are well-built, the 7Artisans lens is designed for ease of portability, making it suitable for travel and on-the-go photography.

Focal Length and Aperture

Focal length and aperture play a significant role in what each lens can achieve. The 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 lens offers an ultra-wide angle view with a remarkable 225° field of view, perfect for creative shots and landscapes. Conversely, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens provides a standard focal length ideal for portrait photography, delivering a pleasing background bokeh due to its larger aperture of f1.8. This makes the Nikon lens particularly suited for capturing intimate portraits and detailed close-ups, while the fisheye lens excels in creating expansive, immersive images.

User Experience

User experience differs substantially based on lens functionality. The 7Artisans lens is designed with a professional touch, featuring a manual focus mechanism that allows for precise adjustments. However, it requires users to be more engaged in their shooting process. On the other hand, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens also utilizes manual focus, but it is tailored for photographers familiar with Nikon's systems. Users must switch to Manual (M) mode, which may deter beginners. Both lenses demand a level of familiarity with manual settings, but the Nikon lens's portrait capabilities may be more straightforward for users focused on that genre.

Image Quality

Image quality is a paramount concern for any photographer. The 7Artisans lens is specifically designed to minimize internal reflections, such as flaring and ghosting, ensuring high-quality images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens, with its larger aperture, excels in low light and can produce stunning bokeh, enhancing the aesthetic of portraits. While both lenses deliver impressive image quality, the choice largely depends on the desired photographic outcomes—whether one seeks the unique perspective of a fisheye or the classic look of a portrait lens.

Ideal Usage Scenarios

Each lens is ideal for different photographic scenarios. The 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 Fisheye is perfect for photographers looking to capture dramatic landscapes, architecture, or creative shots that emphasize depth and space. Its ultra-wide angle makes it a great choice for travel photography. Conversely, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is tailored for portrait photography, street photography, and situations requiring a natural perspective with beautiful background separation. Photographers should consider their primary shooting needs when deciding between these two lenses.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the 7Artisans 4mm F2.8 Fisheye Ultra Wide Angle Lens and the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens hinges on your specific photography needs. If you are a Sony E-mount user looking for a unique perspective lens for creative and expansive shots, the 7Artisans lens is a fantastic choice. However, if you own a Nikon DSLR and prioritize portrait photography or want a more budget-friendly option, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is undoubtedly the better buy. Each lens has its strengths, so consider your camera system and photography style when making your choice.