7Artisans 12mm f/2.8 Mark II 12mm
Its 12mm focal length (24mm equivalent) and f/2.8 aperture offer a compact 295g ultra-wide solution for Micro Four Thirds, with a de-clicked aperture ring enabling smooth, silent iris adjustments during video. The all-manual design includes depth-of-field and distance scales for precise zone focusing, and the 150mm minimum focus distance permits creative close-ups. This lens best suits landscape photographers and budget-conscious videographers on Micro Four Thirds who prioritize tactile manual control and a portable ultra-wide prime.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong macro (90th percentile) 90th
Cons
- Below average bokeh (9th percentile)
- Below average af (14th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q2 202567/100
Buyers praised build quality and image sharpness but noted short focusing range and compatibility issues requiring camera adjustments.
- Great build quality and sharp, crispy images.
- Comfortable and wide lens, good for creative angles.
- Short focusing range limits use.
- Not recognized by camera without settings adjustments.
- Q4 2023100/100
Buyers praise the lens for its build and image quality, especially for manual focus and hyperfocal shooting.
- Excellent build quality with smooth metal rings and sturdy construction.
- Sharp images even without autofocus; works well for product videos and general use.
- Easy to use for manual focus users; hyperfocal setting yields acceptable sharpness from near to infinity.
- Some hesitation about manual focus, but overall satisfaction after use.
Based on 15 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 |
| Focal Length Max | 12 |
| Elements | 12 |
| Groups | 10 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Constant | No |
| Diaphragm Blades | 5 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | No |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 150 |
vs Competition
| Spec | 7Artisans 12mm f/2.8 Mark II 12mm | Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 | Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 | Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | Viltrox WCL-X100VI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 12mm | 28-75mm | 16-50mm | 20-60mm | 28mm | 9mm |
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | L-Mount | Nikon F | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | false | false | true | false | false | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | false | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 494 | 540 | 135 | 350 | 865 | 130 |
| AF Type | manual focus only | VXD | Stepping Motor | stepping motor | HSM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | prime | zoom | zoom | zoom | prime | wide-angle |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7Artisans 12mm f/2.8 Mark II 12mm | 13.9 | 9.4 | 54.2 | 90.3 | 50.3 | 45.9 | 33.6 | 61.6 | 38 |
| Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 Compare | 54.6 | 88.2 | 67.3 | 87.3 | 87.8 | 85.9 | 78.2 | 83 | 38 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Compare | 87 | 77.9 | 91.8 | 42.4 | 71.5 | 80 | 82.9 | 73.4 | 94.9 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 Compare | 87 | 86.3 | 80.6 | 66.2 | 76.4 | 80 | 81.5 | 64.6 | 38 |
| Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Compare | 54.6 | 96.8 | 45.7 | 74.5 | 96.6 | 96.9 | 33.6 | 58.9 | 38 |
| Viltrox WCL-X100VI Compare | 54.6 | 83.6 | 92.7 | 99.2 | 3.6 | 85.9 | 33.6 | 87.8 | 83.2 |
Price
Value & Pricing
B&H Photo 1 offer From CA$174
Amazon.ca 1 offer From CA$199
Price History
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
