7Artisans AF 40mm f/2.5

This compact prime is built for full-frame mirrorless cameras. It comes in Sony E, Leica L and Nikon Z versions, so pick the one made for your system. 7Artisans released it in 2026, and it remains in production.

The 40mm focal length sits a little wider than a standard lens. Frames look natural, with some extra context around the subject, which suits street, travel and documentary work.

The trade-off is a modest f/2.5 maximum aperture. This lens favours small size and low weight over maximum light gathering, and the later sections cover what that means in practice.

It weighs 3.2 oz (90 g) and measures 1.57 in (40 mm) long and 2.48 in (63 mm) across. On a full-frame body it barely registers, so long walks stay comfortable. The front takes 46mm screw-in filters, which must match the lens thread.

A 40mm prime frames street scenes, interiors and casual portraits without much stepping back. It trades a little width for a tighter, calmer composition than a standard lens gives. Portraits at this setting naturally include the space around the person, which favours full and half-length views over tight head shots.

At f/2.5 the lens keeps working in evening light and indoors without pushing ISO far. The same setting separates a subject from its background when you shoot close. Very dim rooms still push ISO upward once light falls further.

Nine aperture blades help the opening stay close to round as you stop down. That round shape helps background highlights, such as street lamps behind an evening subject, remain smooth.

Close focus at 1.3 ft (40 cm) brings food, plants and small objects within easy reach on a walk. You can frame a cup, a menu or flowers without crowding the subject. Maximum magnification reaches 0.13x, enough for plates of food and bunches of flowers.

The lens carries no image stabilization. Steadiness must come from the camera body or from your own technique. The short 40mm setting also makes small hand movements less visible than they would be on a telephoto. Many mirrorless bodies stabilise the sensor, which can stand in.

The Sony E version is sealed against dust and moisture, which helps when conditions turn damp. The Leica L and Nikon Z versions may differ, so check the specification row for your mount before shooting in rain.

The front glass has no fluorine coating, so water and fingerprints do not shed easily. A gentle wipe with a soft cloth keeps it clear after damp or dusty outings.

One aspherical element sits among seven elements arranged in six groups. Its specially shaped surface helps correct distortion, the fault that makes straight edges appear curved. When doorframes, shopfronts or horizons run through an everyday street shot, that correction counts. That straightforward layout suits a lens built this small and light.