7Artisans makes two autofocus 35mm F1.8 lenses for Sony E-mount, and the names make them easy to confuse. One is a light, $106 APS-C lens; the other is a more feature-rich $239 full-frame lens. The right choice depends mostly on which camera you own and whether you shoot video. Here is how they compare, based on 7Artisans' official product information.
Comparison table
| Product | Best for | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
1 7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8 APS-CBest for APS-C Cameras 5% off: TRANVANTRUNG |
a6000-series, ZV-E10 and FX30 owners who want a light everyday prime | 9.0 | $106 |
2 7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8 Full-FrameBest for Full-Frame & Video 5% off: TRANVANTRUNG |
a7-series owners, hybrid creators and APS-C users planning to upgrade | 8.9 | $239 |
Best for APS-C Cameras
#1 · Best for APS-C Cameras
7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8 APS-C
A compact, roughly 180 g autofocus prime that gives a natural ≈52.5 mm field of view on APS-C cameras, with eye detection support, for less than half the price of the full-frame version.
Best for: a6000-series, ZV-E10 and FX30 owners who want a light everyday prime
Pros
- Less than half the price
- Very light, about 180 g
- Eye detection support
- Same F1.8 aperture
Cons
- APS-C only (crop mode on full-frame)
- No aperture ring or extra buttons listed
- Format
- APS-C
- Price
- $106.25 (was $125)
- Weight
- ≈180 g
- Autofocus
- STM, eye detection
From$106
Check Price on 7Artisans
Best for Full-Frame & Video
#2 · Best for Full-Frame & Video
7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8 Full-Frame
A metal-bodied full-frame lens with a stepless aperture ring, a customizable FN button, a photo/video switch and eye, face and animal detection support. It works on both full-frame and APS-C Sony bodies.
Best for: a7-series owners, hybrid creators and APS-C users planning to upgrade
Pros
- Covers full-frame sensors
- Stepless aperture ring for smooth video
- FN button and photo/video switch
- Animal detection support listed
Cons
- More than twice the price
- Same ≈52.5 mm view as the APS-C lens when used on APS-C
- Format
- Full-frame (also fits APS-C)
- Price
- $239.20 (was $299)
- Optics
- 11 elements / 8 groups (2 aspherical, 1 ED)
- Autofocus
- STM, eye/face/animal detection
From$239
Check Price on 7ArtisansQuick verdict
- You shoot an APS-C Sony (a6000-series, ZV-E10, FX30) and mostly take photos → buy the APS-C version. It gives you the same field of view for less than half the price and weighs only about 180 g.
- You shoot a full-frame Sony (a7-series, FX3), make a lot of video, or plan to upgrade to full-frame → buy the full-frame version.
Side-by-side comparison
| AF 35mm F1.8 APS-C | AF 35mm F1.8 Full-Frame | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $106.25 (was $125) | $239.20 (was $299) |
| Sensor coverage | APS-C | Full-frame (also fits APS-C) |
| View on APS-C camera | ≈52.5 mm equivalent | ≈52.5 mm equivalent |
| View on full-frame camera | Crop mode required | 35 mm |
| Maximum aperture | F1.8 | F1.8 |
| Autofocus | STM motor | STM motor |
| Subject detection (per 7Artisans) | Eye | Eye, face & animal |
| Aperture ring | Not listed | Stepless (de-clicked) |
| Extra controls | Not listed | FN button, photo/video switch |
| Optics | Not listed | 11 elements / 8 groups incl. 2 aspherical, 2 high-index, 1 ED |
| Body | Not listed | Metal |
| Weight | ≈180 g | Not listed |
"Not listed" means 7Artisans does not state it on the product page.
The key differences
1. Which camera you own
This is the deciding factor. An APS-C lens projects a smaller image circle. On a full-frame Sony you would have to use crop mode, giving up resolution. The full-frame lens works on both camera types.
On an APS-C camera, though, both lenses give the same ≈52.5 mm equivalent view, a classic "normal" perspective for street, travel and everyday shots. In that situation, the cheaper APS-C lens makes a lot of sense.
2. Video features
The full-frame version is clearly aimed at hybrid creators. Its stepless aperture ring lets you change exposure smoothly and silently while recording, and the FN button and photo/video switch add handy controls. 7Artisans also says it minimizes focus breathing.
3. Size, weight and price
The APS-C lens is the lightweight, budget option at about 180 g and $106. The full-frame lens costs $133 more, and 7Artisans describes it as having a high-strength metal body with a more complex optical design.
Can't decide?
If you use an APS-C camera today but expect to move to full-frame within a year or two, the full-frame version can save you from buying twice. Otherwise, take the APS-C lens and spend the savings on a second focal length; 7Artisans also sells the same APS-C design in 25mm and 50mm, or all three as a set for $315. See our full guide to the best 7Artisans lenses for Sony E-mount.