Chinese ultra-fast manual focus 50mm — extreme shallow depth of field at a fraction of Leica/Canon f/1.2 prices.
The 7Artisans 50mm f/1.05 is a manual-focus full-frame prime for Sony FE-mount bodies, providing f/1.05 maximum aperture — one of the widest available for full-frame mirrorless — in a 50mm standard perspective. Thirteen aperture blades produce highly rounded bokeh at all aperture settings. At 600g it is a substantial manual prime. Most versions have no electronic contacts, meaning no EXIF data, no AF confirmation, and no stabilisation coupling with the body. Focus is entirely manual.
The optical design uses 10 elements in 7 groups, including ED elements. Thirteen aperture blades produce rounded bokeh across the full aperture range. The 58mm filter thread is standard. At 600g the lens is moderate for an f/1.05 standard prime. Minimum focus distance of 0.57m — a longer MFD than the standard 0.45m of most 50mm alternatives. No autofocus; fully manual. Most versions have no electronic contacts: no EXIF data, no AF confirmation, no IS coupling. f/1.05 maximum aperture.
The f/1.05 maximum aperture on full-frame provides very shallow depth of field and low-light capability beyond what any autofocus FE-mount prime achieves. At portrait distances, background rendering at f/1.05 is distinctive — the thirteen blades produce a smooth, rounded bokeh shape that fewer-blade alternatives cannot match. The 0.57m MFD is longer than typical 50mm primes; the minimum working distance for close environmental portraits is approximately 0.57m. Manual focus via focus peaking and magnification on Sony FE bodies is the practical workflow.
On the used market the 7Artisans 50mm f/1.05 is affordable for an f/1.05 full-frame prime. Condition checks: focus ring smoothness, aperture ring click consistency, front element for marks, and confirm whether the specific copy includes electronic contacts — some versions do, providing limited EXIF data. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM provides autofocus with similar aperture at significantly higher cost. Compatible with Sony FE-mount full-frame bodies.