A Morning Walk with the 7artisans 18mm
How does an $89 optic perform on my Nikon Zf?
I’m such a sucker for cheap glass. In my mind I wonder, “What sort of weird results will this lens give me?”
My latest foray was with the 7artisans 18mm F5.6 wide angle in the Nikon Z mount. I was attracted to its compact design, all-metal body, and extreme 98.7 degree coverage. I was fine with it being f/5.6 and manual focus. After all, how much could I screw up with an 18mm lens. (I later discovered that it is possible!)
I decided to take it with me on a morning walk with my Nikon Zf. I like the challenge of having just one prime lens. I set the camera on Aperture Priority and let it handle the exposure with the fixed f/5.6 optic. I didn’t use any focus assist because it tends to ruin the mood for me composing all those white outlines. So I was basically shooting from the hip.
Here are a few of the shots that I returned with.
I was pleased with the color rendering of the 7artisans lens. I set the Nikon to Pro Standard color profile and auto white balance. The exposures were spot-on too.
The focusing fell off faster than I anticipated. I sometimes forget that I’m shooting with a full-frame sensor and not micro four thirds. On my next shoot, I might be forced to turn on focus-assist to ensure that I more consistently get what I want.
My favorite part, however, was that the tandem of Zf with 18mm lens encouraged experimentation. It was a lot of fun!
I wouldn’t recommend this optic for serious architecture work and things like that. But for a morning walk to get the creative juices flowing… two thumbs up!
The 7artisans 18mm f/5.6 lens is currently available on Amazon for $89 with Prime 2-day shipping.
Photo Workshops Update
Speaking of getting the creative juices flowing, we have some great photo workshops around the corner. Take a look at these!
Sony Creative Master Class led by Rob Knight, starting on May 8th, 2025.
This all-new class is designed to help you make the most of your Sony camera. We will dive in to the features, custom functions, menus, and MORE. Each online class will include presentations and tutorials based on years of professional photography experience using various Sony cameras and lenses, PLUS plenty of time for your questions about the system.
Creative Camera Techniques led by Derrick Story, starting on June 5, 2025.
In addition to the full slate of goodies I have planned for iPhone photographers, Fuji cameras, Nikons, and more, I'm adding creative techniques for the new OM System OM-3. Photographers will be able to pick and choose techniques based on the camera system they shoot with.
Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.
We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.
You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.