The Best First Leica Lens? | 7Artisans 35mm f/1.4 Wen Review

Рет қаралды 40,086

Күн бұрын

In my early days in the Leica system, I was scraping by to get my hands on any piece of gear that I could use and still have a Leica M camera. Sure, who wouldn’t want to start out with a new Leica M10-R and a 35mm Summilux, but for most people I know, they’re trying to get into the system as reasonably as possible. Now companies like 7Artisans are making lenses that I’d actually want to use at a price that allows entry into the M ecosystem a possibility.
The 7Artisans 35mm f/1.4 Wen was the first lens of theirs that really caught my eye as something different from the others. It’s unique styling and build quality had me intrigued and at $429, while it’s not the most inexpensive lens in the world, for an M-mount lens, it seemed like an amazing option for someone’s first Leica lens.
I’ve also compared it to the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon. Widely known as one of the best 35mm lenses out there, rivaling and some would say surpassing the Leica 35mm Summilux ASPH.
7Artisans 35mm f/1.4: amzn.to/35b7N6Y
Want to learn how I actually use this gear and run a successful wedding and elopement photography business?
► / benjhaisch
The most complete Lightroom Presets for Wedding & Portrait Photographers
► cascadepresets.com
My filming gear:
Main Camera | amzn.to/2UNGqLm
Studio Wide Lens | amzn.to/3bCaRKK
Standard Lens | amzn.to/3by90GM
2nd Camera | amzn.to/2SIbCca
Video Mic | amzn.to/2OMjFnu
Budget Video mic | amzn.to/3bxbKE1
Podcast Mic | amzn.to/38orw2j
Studio Light | amzn.to/2UM9Fyk
Subscribe to Benj Haisch Here:
► / benjhaisch
Benj Haisch on Social Media:
► benjhaisch.com
► / benjhaisch
► benjhaischphotography
0:00 Intro
1:01 Disclaimer & Patreon Plug
1:39 Unboxing & First Impressions
5:29 Calibration
6:50 Aperture Ring
8:15 Lens Hood
9:01 Sample Images
16:18 Comparison to Zeiss 35/1.4
21:56 Size & Weight
22:51 Conclusion & Recommendations
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps to support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Пікірлер: 123

@ziyangzhang5219 3 жыл бұрын

“Wen” is the pronunciation of the Chinese character "文", Witch also is the red logo on the lens. "文" has lots of meanings under different contexts, 'Culture', 'Character', 'Record', 'Document' are some of the most common ones, so this "Wen" series of lenses probably means it's designed with documentary photography in mind.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Love it!

@obscur_yoann 3 жыл бұрын

7Artisans actually said the Wen series is designed with street photography in mind you are right. 😉

@jakepeters4370 3 жыл бұрын

Witch also is, should read: Which also is.

@marcp.1752 2 жыл бұрын

+1. exactly. For documentary photography, as 7Artisans say.

@ertugrulkaraduman5008 2 жыл бұрын

@@kevin-parratt-artist are you stupid?

@KeithHodgkinson 3 жыл бұрын

Well done that was the best review i have seen for 7Artisans/TTArtisans lenses.I don't use 35mm much so this would be great.I was also taken by the 28mm 1.4 and 75mm 1.25 (hope i got those right)Thanyou,have a great day.

@adam_kozlowski 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review Benj! This is really nice lens!

@miam1074 3 жыл бұрын

really like the look you get from this lens

@AdamAllen 3 жыл бұрын

The 7A' is SUPER impressive for the price. I'd be totally fine with it. Great vid!

@joskal1965 2 жыл бұрын

Right, much better colors👌

@KylerSteele 3 жыл бұрын

Loving the Leica content. I just put out a few of my own Leica videos. KZfaq can't get enough Leica content to watch!

@kubowich 3 жыл бұрын

Do it!

@stefanstraeter 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome review! Would be interesting how the 28mm 1.4 performs

@samatkinsphotography 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve just ordered this lens. I’ve owned the 35mm Summilux fle which was exceptional but I sold it after a year as the price point/usage scale just didn’t add up (favouring my 50mm Focal length instead). I’m very much looking forward to having a 35mm M mount lens back in my camera bag and at the price of it it’s a no brainer.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

For sure! Especially if it’s not your main lens, but you want to have that flexibility, such a good buy.

@HeavyCon24 3 жыл бұрын

Benj, I’m super impressed by your videos! I don’t even own a Leica yet I’m subbing anyway simply based on the quality that you put out. Great work!

@michaelneumann1865 3 жыл бұрын

Dude! Great job thank you. No bs direct , compare to Zeiss 35mm 1.4 you know the ZM 50 1.5 Sonnar. BRAVO!

@swernovsky 3 жыл бұрын

great video dude! which soft release are you rocking there?

@BillOrrickMusic Жыл бұрын

Great video! Did you ever try this lens on your X-E4 Benj? I'm a Fuji shooter, torn between this lens and the x-mount Voigtlander 35/1.2 you also reviewed, or the 23mm version. I would be mainly using it for video, but also for the bride and groom portraits part of a wedding day for a few shots where I want that bokeh swirl, and ideally nice flares. It looks to me like this 7Artisans lens renders a more 3D look than the Voigtlander, from images I've seen. But it's so hard to compare. And there are hardly any reviews of the 23mm f1.2. Any advice?

@BenjaminJudelson 3 жыл бұрын

Tried this lens for Sony mount (still saving up for a digital Leica) I think it’s either the same optical design or very similar because I noticed all of the attributes you discussed in my photos. However at shutter speeds faster than 1/1000 one side of the frame would get very dark. That was kinda a deal breaker for me. Otherwise really fun lens especially for the price! Great video as always

@bytomw 3 жыл бұрын

I’d check that you have electronic first curtain shutter off. It does really weird things to bokeh over 1/1000 of a second. You see it more if the blur from the lens is already interesting.

@charruaporelmundo 3 жыл бұрын

You should use the sony with E-Front Curtain Shut off when 1/500 and up. I order this version because I can use it with techart pro and get eye af.

@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel 3 жыл бұрын

benj.....you already know......that your table rolls up? 😄 The biggest minus point is the missing calibration. For most people probably the main reason to still avoid the objective ones. Since I only own analog Leicas. Also, it is too long for a 35mm. So it certainly blocks way too much of the viewfinder. Still a great video of you!

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Haha yeah, I’m just too lazy to move the paper again. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

@thomashilmersen711 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, that is a great camera strap you have on the M10. Where did you get it from?

@KevinEscobarCo 3 жыл бұрын

Very cool video

@bennyk6705 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Benj, which do you prefer - the 7artisans 35 or the TTartisan 35? (for a M240). Thanks

@streetlifephotographer1359 Жыл бұрын

Hi Benj. I apreciate you posts a lot. Thanks a lot for this....Now..i have a question and i hope that you probably could help me with my infinty focussing problem with 2 7Artisans lenses. The 1.1 50mm and the 1.4 28mm. The sectional image does never fit at infinity. Adjusting those focus screws does not help. I wrote the 7Artians team, they said: You need to adjust the macular linkage...i really don't know what have to do and i am a little sick of having so much to do with for an example the new lens from amazon (the 1.4 / 28mm.) Also this lens has this issue. Could you give me an advice. As said ajusting those 2 screws at the thread has no impact. Kind regards Marcel

@thingsnearandfar7123 3 жыл бұрын

Reminds me a little of the Voigtlander 35mm 1.4

@jsteinberg48 2 жыл бұрын

The screw adjustment must be difficult with film Leica. Deal breaker for me. Thanks for pointing that out. Great review.

@christionk 2 жыл бұрын

loved your video sir. very informative, i wonder if you can help me choose between this lens and the voigtlander ultron 35mm f/1.7 ? which one do you think is the better choice ? i already have the voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 mk i and am looking for a different, cleaner looking image. My budget will allow for a second hand ultron 35mm f/1.7 or this WEN lens new in box. i'd really appreciate your input :D thankyou !

@benjhaisch 2 жыл бұрын

if you're looking for cleaner, I'd say the WEN also has a lot of character and isn't exactly clean. I might look into the 35 Ultron that came out recently

@christionk 2 жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch thankyou for your kind reply. i bought the wen in the end because of your videos :D many thanks to you sir.

@mwales2112 3 жыл бұрын

I going to be picking up my first Leica M and looking at this lens and the TTArtisan 35mm.. Which would you recommend between the 2? Thank you

@shawnj8765 3 жыл бұрын

After watching the video, you should know what is best for you.

@simsonison 2 жыл бұрын

Hello there. I was wandering how this 35 1.4 holds up to the 35 1.4 from Fuji. I know they are different systems etc, but I do have a fuji x pro and adapting „leica lenses“ is pretty easy.. how do they compare in terms of IQ? thank you ;)

@Jayysam95 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Ben I'm really enjoying your reviews on Leica gear, I was wondering if this lens is 6bit coded?

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

It’s not, only modern Leica lenses have a 6-bit coding unless customized by Leica or a third party and even so, they only correspond to existing Leica branded lenses

@Jayysam95 3 жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch Ohh okay that makes sense, I have the 35mm f2 how does this lens compare to that model or a Voigtlander 35mm 1.4 Nokton Classic?

@clg2106 3 жыл бұрын

Benj - great video, but where can I find that button down you're rocking?

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Haha! My wife grabbed it at H&M ;)

@absurdfool Жыл бұрын

i may say, this' an amazing review thkU cheerio (u just made me buy it)

@absurdfool Жыл бұрын

btw i would love to see if u could compare 7art w/ TTart (35 f1.4) tkU

@charruaporelmundo 3 жыл бұрын

I liked B!😳, but I’m a Sony user 😜😁. I got a new one on sale for under 300! , it is arriving this week. Checking the images on a 27 “4 k monitor the difference at 1.4 are really minimal, it make me think what at f2, f2.8 etc🤔. I was missing a Voigtlander Ultron I sold, maybe this guy can help me forget :)

@gewglesux 3 жыл бұрын

Best i can Manage is a Q2/M!

@highlander200107 3 жыл бұрын

“Lens A is a cooler look, whereas B is warmer’, lens A is the Zeiss, cooler tones is what they are known for.

@hunterhart1 3 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know what size screwdriver is used to adjust the 7artisans?! Mine didn’t come with one, nor did it come with a chart to calibrate. Help please.

@Pembers357 3 жыл бұрын

I have this lens. Impressive for the money. But the TTArtisan 50mm 1.4 Asph is even more impressive, for the same money.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve got that one for review as well! Super impressive.

@Pembers357 3 жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch Look forward to seeing your review. Thanks for taking the time to make this useful and interesting content. Much appreciated.

@massimilianobenvenuti5117 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I have a Leica M6 and M9 which lens 7artisans would you recommend to me? Between a 28, a 35 and a 50? Thank you.

@benjhaisch 2 жыл бұрын

This one is the best if you're going 7Artisans for sure. The 28 is a fantastic little lens but even more bulky

@massimilianobenvenuti5117 2 жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch maybe you are right, but I have a Leica Q2 so I already have a 28, practically between 35 and 50 ... but perhaps the best is the 35 f 1.4

@dmitrybelyakov 3 жыл бұрын

Do you think 1.4 makes a lot of sense on a 35mm? That was my first instinct too at first but I'm coming to realize that perhaps it doesn't . Also that lens and the Zeiss are huge! And also I recon you can get a used 35mm cron or almost a lux for the Zeiss money.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, you can sometimes get a used cron, but you lose a stop of light. I ended up actually selling mine for the Zeiss. For weddings and low light the f/1.4 is a must for me.

@dmitrybelyakov 3 жыл бұрын

yea that's what i'm struggling with myself at the moment - is a stop of light worth the extra weight, size and money. specifically because i found i almost never use it.

@caught_in_my_eye 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Ben, there is no link to the images in the description as you mentioned in the video

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Ahhhh yes, sorry about that. I’ll add it

@gobo6844 3 жыл бұрын

This is def something to consider vs the voigtlander. I really like small lenses though. Dream combo would be 35 cron and 50 lux. I don’t mind using the Voigt at f2 which helps a good bit with softness. Hmm tough decision...

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

I used that combo for awhile before selling the 35cron for the Zeiss. Needed the light at f/1.4... LOVED that lens though. I’ll probably buy another someday.

@gobo6844 3 жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch more light is always better... decisions decisions. Def in the voigt and 7artisans range for now. Thanks for the reply 👍🏼

@Pembers357 3 жыл бұрын

Mine fits my M9 but doesn’t fit my M8.2, and a dealer friend has confirmed he has had another lens returned by an M8 user.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Oh that’s fascinating. Good info!

@obscur_yoann 3 жыл бұрын

From what I saw here and there, the TTartisans 35 1.4 looks more interesting (sharper, better aperture ring...). But didn't found a direct comparaison.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

I found the 7Artisans to be sharper than the TTArtisans in my copies.

@obscur_yoann 3 жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch Ok, good to know! Thanks👍

@joskal1965 6 ай бұрын

Good lens indeed

@_parkphoto 3 жыл бұрын

Do you know if there’s much difference between this lens and other 7Artisans lenses? And if there is any relationship with them to TTArtisan?

@bharathghanta 3 жыл бұрын

Both TTartisan and 7artisan lenses are manufactured at the same factory and might even be owned by the same company but the lens designs are different. The TTartisan 35mm f1.4 is a completely different lens design from the 7artisan 35mm f1.4

@_parkphoto 3 жыл бұрын

@@bharathghanta do you know what those specific differences are?

@bharathghanta 3 жыл бұрын

@@_parkphoto They are completely different optical formulas. The 7artisans is 10 elements in 9 groups while the TTArtisans is 8 elements in 7 groups. The focal length is also slightly different. The TTArtisans lens is slightly wider than the 7Artisans 35mm f1.4 and the external dimensions and design are also slightly different. Although probably made at the same factory, both designs have no relation to each other. They are completely different 35mm f1.4 lenses.

@_parkphoto 3 жыл бұрын

@@bharathghanta wow, that’s incredibly helpful. I had no idea! Thank you so much

@martinrumfeld8593 3 жыл бұрын

looks like it will take half of the viewfinder with the hood extended ! definetely too big for a 35 for my taste.

@josepuebla 3 жыл бұрын

Have you tried the Voigtlander 35mm 1.4? If so, which one do you prefer?

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

I have, the size on the Voigtlander is phenomenal but the sharpness is not. To be fair, it’s been a few years, but I found that lens to be incredibly soft. They all have trade offs. If you’re planning on shooting at f/1.4 most of the time, I’d avoid it.

@marcp.1752 Жыл бұрын

This lens was possibly the best 169 EUR spent for a 35/1.4 of that kind into fall 2021. ;-)

@BenceSzemerey 3 жыл бұрын

13:12 it reminds you to the zeiss sonnar for sure, because this lens uses the same sonnar design inside:)) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeiss_Sonnar

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Haha well there we go!

@robertstacy8438 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting video - as I watch these on my phone a great deal of the time the comparison shots would benefit from full screen as opposed the iPad as you just can’t see the sharpness characteristics as well. If the goal is to have a good first lens and you don’t have money, I guess this is ok but your much better off buying something like a Zeiss 35mm 2.8 C-Biogon which can be had for $600-800. Its razor sharp, has insane contrast, rational bokeh, has great ergonomics, and the amount chromatic aberration is quite minimal. Or for the same money buy a used Minolta Rokkor M 40mm f2.0, which is also crazy sharp, though it’s bokeh is a little dirtier. It feels like everyone who ever talks about this lens has an endless stream of rationalizations about its deficiencies, which are massive, self calibration being one of them. For example - is the lens in your comparison less sharp because that’s just how it is or is it because the calibration is just off enough. What it proves to me is the Chinese lenses are not ready to compete and will leave you vaguely unhappy and then you end up buying something else. Measure twice cut once, you get what you pay for, if your photos are worth $450 buy a $450 lens. That is not to say the Summilux is worth 10x in absolute dollars. It’s over priced if you don’t use it every day or use it to make money.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

There are always going to be trade offs, even the Zeiss 35/2.8 will be anywhere from 50-100% more than buying this lens and you lose two stops of light. You really do have to take price into consideration just like weight, sharpness, color, etc. Calibration wasn't the issue either as I used live view on the Leica M10 to ensure clear results even though I also made sure the calibration was spot on as well. Not everyone has the budget to jump to a $2k+ lens right off the bat in a new system, I sure didn't.

@robertstacy8438 3 жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch I agree about money and trade offs, but I think my point was that as soon as you realize the downsides of this lens and what other lenses, even slower ones, offer, then you will have wasted your money, because you will want something else and wish you had not been penny wise and pound foolish. Recent example for myself - I bought Zeiss 25mm f2.8, but a Voigtlander 25MM finder, which turns out to rubbish - no frame lines, not very bright etc., Had to look about for it, but ended up with a used 24mm Leica brighline that was double the price of the Voigtlander. Another way to look at it is date your camera bodies and marry your lenses. It's worth it. So, if you have to make trade offs, make it with the bodies. For digital that can't always work as well due to ISO performance and noise, but for film this is fundamentally not a hard thing to do.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

@@robertstacy8438 yeah I think the hardest part is that the bar of entry is so high into the digital M world that most people just don’t have the funds to essentially double their purchase price to get in. Something like this allows people into the system without destroying the bank while possible saving for a Summilux or something someday. I used Leica cameras for probably 4 years before owning my first Leica lens.

@ccoppola82 3 жыл бұрын

Id like to see it against the CV Nokton 35 1.4 v2 since its in the same price point. The CV is TINY though.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the Voigtlander is amazing in size but I found it too hazy/soft for my taste the times that I used one. Would have included it if I had access to one though 🤙🏼

@kubowich 3 жыл бұрын

Also, CV has crazy distortion

@_o__o_ 3 жыл бұрын

paper game is strong

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

very ;)

@thomastuorto9929 2 жыл бұрын

Lens currently unavailable. So what does it cost?

@slinkyyz 3 жыл бұрын

Dope shirt. Where can I get one?

@nelsonclub7722 3 жыл бұрын

That style will come back....

@zeissiez 3 жыл бұрын

Huge bang for the buck

@asimplefarmer 3 жыл бұрын

I didn't even know you could self service the focus on the lens!

@cowboygareth 3 жыл бұрын

not really, 7 artisans' m mount lenses are the only ones that are known to have this feature.

@Zetaphotography 3 жыл бұрын

@@cowboygareth bad information.

@asimplefarmer 3 жыл бұрын

@@cowboygareth well i wouldnt do it to a leica lens, but on a inexpensive enough lens by 7 Artisans, opening it up to adjust it is something id try.

@psychoanima 3 жыл бұрын

Why your pictures look like they are all shot at ISO10k? Even on daylight.

@michaelbennettphoto 3 жыл бұрын

Most likely just adding grain in post

@ItsHenryHwang 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like the prices have dropped again! I'm seeing some for around 383 USD new

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Unreal!

@charruaporelmundo 3 жыл бұрын

Go right know I just got it for 270 taxes included!

@lauclarkiee9092 3 жыл бұрын

WEN it’s the pronunciation of Chinese character that written on the built-in hood. “文” = Wen . Wen for adjective use means gentle. For noun uses mean “ word” or “language” , anything about “literature”

@zeissiez 3 жыл бұрын

In think it’s intended to mean “documentary” by the designer.

@preproduction7789 3 жыл бұрын

Has the lens been provided to you by 7Artisans? Or did you buy it from your own money? Thank you.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

7Artisans sent the lens for review as described in the disclosure section towards the beginning of the video :) [ 1:01 Disclaimer & Patreon Plug ]

@preproduction7789 3 жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch Thank you, appreciate transparancy. Keep up the good work.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate it! I always hate when I’m left guessing about what affiliation people may or may not have about the products they’re talking about.

@Funktrainer 3 жыл бұрын

First lenses for the M? 1. 35mm 1:2.8 Summaron 2. 50mm 1:2 Summicron Where’s the point in not using Leitz glass with your Leica?

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

usually money ;)

@Funktrainer 3 жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch You can get Leitz glass for around 600,- bucks if you look for it. I had a look at the output of Zeiss and Voigtländer lenses for the M mount and I realised it is simply not the same.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Sure, just depends on your wants/needs. None of the stuff in that price range has appealed to me outside of the 40summicron that I owned for awhile.

@robertstacy8438 3 жыл бұрын

Lenses are like children - you have to appreciate each one of them for their uniqueness and their character. No all Leica glass is amazing. I own 5 different 35mm lenses. The summilux 35mm 1.4, summicron f2.0, Zeiss 2.8 C Biogon, Leica f3.5, and the Light Lens Lab f 2.0. Where the Leica's win is ergonomics and build quality. There is no debate about this - but in truth, I prefer the Zeiss Biogon for it's contrast and the way the image pops - same of the light lens lab. The summilux is also distinctive, but the summicron is of no particular distinction. My objection to the 7 Artisans is calibration, chromatic aberration, softness, and if reviews are anything to go by, service and support. But one should not fear 3rd party lenses. Canon made several excellent ones, as did Minolta in partnership with Leica.

@imnottellingyoumynamedude 3 жыл бұрын

First leica lens for 50 shooters should be the collapsible elmar 50/2.8. Really a great lens, and they can be had in good condition for cheap. Or a collapsible summicron if you need a little bit more light.

@Zetaphotography 3 жыл бұрын

I had bought a 7artisans 25mm F1.8 for Sony A7R. The Lens is off. Infinite is not where is should be. I never trusted the company again. Stick with Voigtlander and Zeiss for M2 and M6... I did recently shoot with the lens and the image is smooth on an A7r2.

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

Did you calibrate the lens? That specific issue is correctable :)

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

(On these M Mount ones at least)

@kumchuck4732 2 жыл бұрын

if you bought leica body, why would you use any other lens than leica?

@benjhaisch 2 жыл бұрын

Because you’d have to save twice the money to purchase one and then you’d have to wait twice as long to get a Leica in your hands?

@CubicIronPyrite 3 жыл бұрын

Dude likes to talk up Leica competitor lenses, and is asking Leica to be an ambassador? My man, put the pipe down...

@benjhaisch 3 жыл бұрын

lol, fwiw it’s mostly a joke, but I honestly believe that budget lenses to get people into the system are the best thing that could happen to Leica. Their lenses are still superior but it lowers the bar for entry into their system.