Sony Alpha Blog

7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x

Published by

Marc Alhadeff

on

A black 120mm macro lens labeled 'spectrum' attached to a Sony A7R camera, showcasing the combination of advanced photography equipment.

in blue English / en noir en français

Table of Contents / Table des matières hide
1 Presentation
1.1 Specifications
2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques
2.1 Sharpness / Piqué
2.2 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortion, flare, sunstars
2.2 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles
2.3 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs
3 Video
4 Macro
5 Comparison with other macro 2X / Comparaison avec d’autres macro 2X
4.1 Specifications
4.2 Sharpness / Piqué
4.3 Macro Samples images / Image d’exemples Macro
4.4 Distortion / Resistance to flare / CA – Distorsion / Résistance au flare /AC
4.5 Bokeh – Background blur – Portrait – / Bokeh – flou d’arrière plan – portraits
4.6 Conclusion
6 Conclusion (English)
6 Conclusion (Français)
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Thanks to Photogallery Brussels , I could test the 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x

All photos , taken with Sony A7RV are available in full size (61Mpix) in the following Flickr album suivant : 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x

Buy me a Coffee – Donation

Help me to run this site and continue testing new lenses and products with a small donation

$3.00

Grâce à Photogallery Brussels , j’ai pu testé le 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x

Toutes les photos de l’article, prises avec le Sony A7RV sont disponibles en pleine résolution (61Mpix) dans l’album flickr suivant : 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x

Offrez moi un café – Donation

Une petite donation de votre part m’aidera à maintenir ce site et à continuer à vous proposez des tests d’objectifs

€3.00

1 Presentation

1.1 Specifications

  • Weight : 1034g
  • Price : 629 euros
  • Aperture : T2.9- T22
  • Length : 165mm
  • Filter : 82mm
  • 13 blades aperture
  • Geared rings
  • Aperture ring clickless
  • Minimal focusing distance : 30 cm

The Lens is very big and heavy, it is really meant for macro work and not very usable for eg portrait 

Build quality is very good. The focusing throw is around 270°, the aperture throw is 90°

There is a strong focusing shift which force you to refocus each time you change the aperture

Macro 2X will always require some focus stacking to have sufficient depth of field so not of practical use for video where a 1:1 is already a challenge to use

This lens is part of the 7 Artisans Spectrum family that I have already tested here

Front view of the 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x lens showcasing its sleek black design and focusing rings.
Close-up view of the 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x lens, showcasing its black cylindrical body with measuring scales and focus rings.
Image of the 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x lens, showcasing its build and design.

  • Poids : 1034g
  • Prix : 629 euros
  • Ouverture : T2.9 – T22
  • Longueur : 165 mm
  • Filtre : 81mm
  • Diaphragme à 13 lamelles
  • Bague crantées pour unités de follow focus
  • Bague d’ouverture sans clics
  • Distance minimale de mise au point : 30 cm

L’objectif est assez lourd et imposant. La qualité de construction est très bonne. La bague de mise au point tourne sur 270° et celle d’ouverture de 90°.

Il souffre d’un focus shift important qui impose de refaire la mise au point à chaque changement d’ouverture

La Macro 2X requiert systématique de faire du focus stacking pour avoir suffisamment de profondeur de champ , donc je ne vois pas d’utilité pratique en vidéo ou le rapport 1:1 est déjà un challenge

J’ai également testé les autres optiques de la série Spectrum

A Sony A7R camera attached to a 120mm macro lens, showcasing the lens's large front element and detailed markings.

2 Optical performances / Performances Optiques

The tests were mainly made on a Sony A7RV, with its 61 Mpix

Les tests ont été effectués principalement sur un Sony A7RV avec ses 61Mpix

2.1 Sharpness / Piqué

Table showing sharpness ratings for the 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x lens at various apertures.
  • In the centre : the sharpness is good wide open but lacks contrast , you need to close to T8 for optimal performances
  • The corners are quite bad and only become very good at T16 !
  • A Poor performance
  • Compared to the other Spectrum it is the least good one
  • Au centre : le piqué est juste bon à pleine ouverture et manque un peu de contraste; Il faut fermer T8 pour des performances optimales
  • Les coins sont assez mauvais et il faut fermer à T16 pour avoir de bonnes performances
  • Une performance décevante pour une optique macro
  • Comparé aux autres optiques Spectrum c’est la moins bonne
A comparison chart displaying the performance ratings of various 7 Artisans lenses including the 14mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and the 120mm T2.9 macro 2:1 Spectrum across different aperture settings.

Centre / Centre

A close-up view of a shelf filled with various cooking and recipe books, alongside a €20 note placed prominently on the shelf.
  • T2.9
  • T4
  • T5.6
  • T8
  • T11
  • T16

Corners / Coins

A close-up image of a bookshelf displaying a variety of cookbooks and culinary literature, with a decorative golden object in the foreground.
  • T2.9
  • T4
  • T5.6
  • T8
  • T11
  • T16

Close subjects / Sujets proches

  • In the centre we need to close to T5.6/T8 to get the best results
  • Corners are weak
  • Au centre il faut fermer vers T5.6 T8 pour les meilleurs résultats
  • Les coins sont faibles
A close-up view of a collection of cookbooks with titles in French, including 'Fruits et Légumes,' 'Cuisine aux Légumes,' and 'La bise du Bar.'
  • T2.9
  • T4
  • T5.6
  • T8
  • T11
  • T16

Sharpness for portraits / Piqué pour les portraits

  • We don’t have very good results for portraits whatever the aperture and colors are faded
  • Pas de très bons résultats en portraits et couleur fades
A close-up portrait of a woman with long hair, wearing a white shirt, standing in a city street with buildings and greenery in the background.
Close-up of a human eye showing eyelashes and detailed skin texture.
A portrait of a woman with long brown hair, wearing a white top and sunglasses on her head, with a blurred background showing people and buildings.
Close-up of a human eye, showcasing intricate details such as eyelashes and eyelid texture.
Portrait of a woman with long hair wearing a white top, standing outdoors with a blurred background.
Close-up image focusing on a human eye, highlighting the intricate details of the iris and eyelashes.
Portrait of a woman with long hair, wearing a white top, standing outdoors with blurred background showing a street scene.
Close-up image of a human eye showing eyelashes and skin texture.

2.2 Vignetting , chromatic aberrations , distortion, flare, sunstars

  • Vignetting is visible wide open and disappears at F8 only
  • Distortion is very low 
  • Chromatic aberrations are low but LoCA are medium 
  • Resistance to flare is bad
  • At F16 we can get some sunstars

2.2 Vignettage, aberrations chromatiques, distorsion, flare, effets d’étoiles

  • Le vignettage est bien visible à pleine ouverture et disparait seulement vers F8
  • La distorsion est très faible 
  • Les aberrations chromatiques sont faibles , les AC longitudinales sont moyennes
  • La résistance au flare est mauvaise
  • Des effets d’étoiles peuvent être obtenus vers F16
Books and a 20 Euro banknote displayed on a shelf.
not corrected
Books lined up on a shelf along with a 20 Euro banknote.
corrected
Close-up of an open book page showing text with a blurred background.
LoCA T2.9
Close-up of a page from a book, focusing on the text with a shallow depth of field.
Crop 100%
Sunlight shining through green foliage, creating lens flare effects and a soft blur in the background.
T2.9
A close-up image showing lush green plants illuminated by sunlight, creating a bright and flaring background effect.
T4
A backlit image showing green leaves with a bright sun in the background, creating a lens flare effect.
T5.6
Sunlight shining through leaves creating lens flare and starburst effect against a clear blue sky.
T16

2.3 Bokeh / Color rendition – Bokeh / Rendu des Couleurs

  • The Bokeh balls are very good wide open and even when you close down to T8 thanks to its 13 aperture blades : well circular bokeh balls in the centre but ovals in the borders.
  • The background blur is very nice and soft
  • Color rendition is good but very sensitive to incident light outside
  • Contrast is good as of T4. 
  • Le Bokeh est très bon à pleine ouverture et meme en fermant à F5.6 grâce aux 13 lames de diaphragme: ronds bien circulaires au centre ovales sur les bords de l’image, bords des ronds de bokeh doux, pas de tranches d’oignons
  • Le flou d’arrière plan est trés doux 
  • Le rendu des couleurs est bon en intérieur mais très sensible à la lumière incidente en extérieur
  • Le contraste est bon à partir de T4
Close-up of a smiling Playmobil figure with brown hair and a suit.
T2.9
Close-up image of a Playmobil figure with brown hair and a colorful shirt, set against a blurred background.
T4
A close-up image of a smiling plastic figurine with brown hair and a colorful shirt, set against a blurred background.
T5.6
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair and a smiling expression, set against a soft blurred background.
T8
A close-up image of a playmobil figurine in formal attire with a blurred colorful background.
T2.9
A Playmobil figure dressed in a suit, standing in front of a blurred background with colorful bokeh effects.
T4
A Playmobil figurine with curly brown hair, wearing a vest and a blue tie, stands in focus against a soft, colorful bokeh background.
T5.6
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with a blurred colorful bokeh background.
T8
  • T2.9
  • T4
  • T5.6
  • T2.9
  • T4
  • T5.6
  • T2.9
  • T4
  • T5.6
  • T2.9
  • T4
  • T5.6
  • T2.9
  • T4
  • T5.6
Close-up of a vibrant purple flower against a soft green background, highlighting the details of the petals.
A close-up of vibrant purple flowers with a blurred green background, showcasing the intricate details of the flower petals and stems.
A colorful display of faux fruits and vegetables at a market stand, featuring pink raspberry-shaped items, orange and yellow designs, and various shapes labeled with prices.
Colorful display of pink raspberry-shaped soaps arranged on a table with price tags.
A close-up photograph featuring a postcard display with a scenic view of Brussels, showcasing historical buildings under a colorful sky.
Several colorful stainless steel bottles displayed on a wooden shelf, featuring a variety of brands and designs.
Close-up of ivy leaves showcasing their texture and veins.
Close-up of green leaves with soft focus background, showcasing a natural and vibrant plant detail.

3 Video

The results in video , which is the main purpose of that lens are average for me. Good for internal controlled video but the high sensitivity to incident light that influence the color rendering is a problem. The very long focusing throw is nice for a precise focusing

The focus breathing like for all macro is very important

Les résultats en vidéo , qui est le but principal de cette optique sont moyens. Ils sont bon pour de la vidéo dans des environnement controlés en intérieur mais en extérieur la forte sensibilité à la lumière incidente qui influence fortement les couleurs est un problème. La longue plage pour la mise au point permet une mise au point précise

Le focus breathing est assez important comme sur toute les optiques macro

Focus Breathing

A close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair and a blue and black suit, characterized by a cheerful facial expression, with blurred book spines in the background.
A shelf filled with various books in French and a blurred figure in front of it.

4 Macro

  • Here are few examples of macro work with focus stacking assembled with Helicon Focus
  • Good results but lacking a bit of contrast and punch

  • Quelques exemples de macro avec du focus stacking assemblé avec Helicon focusL
  • Bon résultats sans plus manquant un peu de punch
A close-up of a silver decorative piece resembling a leaf, adorned with small sparkling stones. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the intricate details and shine of the jewelry.
A close-up image of a silver brooch designed in the shape of a leaf, adorned with sparkling gemstones.
1X stacked
Close-up of a diamond or crystal, showcasing intricate details and reflections.
crop 100%
Close-up image of a silver jewelry piece designed as a leaf, decorated with small gemstones.
Close-up of a silver leaf-shaped brooch adorned with sparkling stones and a large clear gemstone at the tip.
2X stacked
Extreme close-up of sparkling gemstones set in metal, showcasing intricate details and reflections.
crop 100%
Close-up of a butterfly wing showing yellow and orange patterns on a dark background.
Close-up of a butterfly wing showcasing vibrant yellow and orange patterns.
1X stacked
Close-up image showcasing a textured surface with shades of yellow, black, and small particles, possibly grains or fibers.
crop 100%
Close-up of a butterfly wing, featuring intricate patterns of yellow and brown colors.
Close-up of a butterfly wing displaying intricate patterns and vibrant colors with shades of yellow and brown.
2X stacked
Close-up macro image showcasing a vibrant texture with yellow and black patterns, revealing intricate details.
crop 100%
Close-up of a printed circuit board showing various electronic components and connections.
Close-up view of a printed circuit board (PCB) showing various electronic components, including resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits.
1X stacked
Close-up view of a circuit board showing soldered components and a detailed micro pattern on the surface.
crop 100%
Close-up view of a circuit board, featuring various electronic components and printed circuit traces. A component with the label '4R7' is prominently displayed.
A close-up image of a printed circuit board (PCB) featuring various electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, and an inductor labeled '4R7'. The green background is visible with intricate copper traces.
2X stacked
Extreme close-up of a textured surface showing a partially visible number with granules and a rough finish.
crop 100%

5 Comparison with other macro 2X / Comparaison avec d’autres macro 2X

The closest competitors are / Les concurrent directs sont

The Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art does not reach the 2:1 but is certainly the best macro lens For Sony E mount

Le Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art n’atteint pas le rapport 2:1 mais est certainement la meilleure optique macro pour la monture Sony E

Others classical 100mm macro lenses are

Les autres 100mm macro classiques sont

A Sony A7R camera mounted with a 120mm macro lens on a white background.
7 Artisans 120mm T2.9
A Sony A7R camera with a 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro lens attached, showcasing the lens design and camera body.
AstrHori 120mm F2.8
A Sony A7R camera with a 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 macro lens attached, showcasing the lens's detailed markings and sleek design.
TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 macro 2:1 Tilt Shift
Two macro lenses side by side: a Laowa 90mm f/2.8 on the left and a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 on the right, showcasing different designs and features.
Comparison of two macro lenses: Laowa 90mm F2.8 on the left and Sigma 105mm F2.8 on the right. Both lenses are shown from the front, highlighting their design and features.

4.1 Specifications

7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 macro 2:1AstrHori 120mm f2.8
Macro 2:1		TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 Macro 2:1 Tilt & ShiftLaowa 90mm F2.8 Macro 2:1Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro 2:1Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art
Price / Prix629 Euros459 euros400$ / 499 euros499$ / 659 euros600 euros830 euros
Weight / Poids1034g930g895g576g692g715g
Length / Longueur165mm165mm150mm115mm155mm134mm
Magnification / Grossissement2:12:12:12:12:11:1
Aperture ring / Bague d’ouvertureclicklessclicksclickssoft clicksclicksclicks
Lens extension / allongement en macroNoNoNoNoNoNo
Focusing Throw / Course de mise au point270°120°100°200°120°N/A
Min focusing distance / Distance min de mise au point30cm30cm25cm20,5cm24.5cm29,5cm
Build Quality / Quality de construction+++++++++++++++
Aperture blades / Lames de diaphragme 13
131213139
Filter / Filtre82mm72mm67mm67mm67mm62mm
Weather sealed / Protection tout tempsNoNoNoNoNoYes

  • The AstrHori is the cheapest but also one of the heaviest and the longest
  • The 7 Artisans is very similar in term of specs as the AstrHori but cost 33% more and is the heaviest
  • The TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 Macro 2:1 Tilt & Shift is the 2nd one in term of size and weight with the less good build quality due to tis very stiff rings. The weight is also mainly due to the tilt shift mechanism
  • The Laowa 90mm F2.8 Macro 2:1 is significantly smaller and lighter than the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art or the Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro
  • The Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art (750 euros) is 40% more expensive but it offers performances the best performances possible for a max of 1:1 magnification
  • Le AstrHori est le moins cher mais aussi un des plus lourd et le plus long
  • Le 7 Artisans est très similaire au AstrHori en terme de spécifications mais coute 33% en plus et est encore 100g plus lourd
  • Le TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 Macro 2:1 Tilt & Shift est le second en terme de taille et de poids avec la qualité de construction la moins bonne avec ses bagues très dures. N’oublions pas non plus tout le mécanisme de tilt &Shift qui participe au poids de cet objectif
  • Le Laowa 90mm f2.8 Macro 2:1 est significativement plus léger et moins grand que le Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art et le Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro
  • Le Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art (830 euro) est 40% plus cher , mais il a les meilleurs performances que l’on puisse avoir en macro 1:1

4.2 Sharpness / Piqué

Comparative chart showing macro lens performance ratings including Samyang 100mm, Pergear 100mm, Laowa 100mm, and others against various aperture values.

4.3 Macro Samples images / Image d’exemples Macro

  • All the lenses offers excellent image quality except the Pergear / 7 Artisans / AstrHori
  • The Sigma is above the others with super crisp images but it does not reach the 2:1 ratio (possible via extension tube)
  • The Laowa 90mm F2.8 is the best for 2:1 shoot with excellent results
  • The TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 Macro 2:1 Tilt & Shift provide every good to excellent results but with is small focusing throw and hard focusing ring + some flare sensitive is the least practical one , but if you need the tilt in macro , it is the only one providing it
  • Toutes les optiques offrent une excellente qualité d’image et une bonne colorimétrie sauf les Pergear / 7 artisans / AstrHori
  • Le Sigma est au dessus des autres avec des images très croustillantes et avec un contraste exceptionnel mais il n’atteint pas le rapport 2:1 sans l’utilisation d’un tube allonge
  • Le Laowa 90mm F2.8 est le meilleur en rapport 2:1 avec d’excellent résultats
  • Le TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 Macro 2:1 Tilt & Shift donne de très bons à excellents résultats mais il est celui avec la course de bague de mise au point la plus courte et la bague la plus dure et celui le plus sensible aux lumières parasites donc le moins bon, mais c’est le seul avec une fonction de bascule si vous avez besoin en macro
Close-up of a silver leaf-shaped brooch adorned with sparkling gemstones and a prominent triangular diamond.
7 Artisans 2X stacked
Close-up view of a jewelry piece showcasing intricate details of multiple sparkling gemstones set in metal.
crop 100%
Close-up shot of a silver brooch designed as a stylized feather, embellished with sparkling stones, displayed against a neutral background.
AstrHori – 56 photos stacked 1.5X
Close-up macro image showcasing crystal-like objects and a fine red thread, highlighting intricate details and reflections.
Close-up of a silver jewelry piece designed as a leaf, adorned with sparkling gemstones and a prominent triangular diamond at one end.
TTArtisan 1.5:1
Close-up view of a macro photograph showcasing intricate details of a metallic surface with reflections and textures.
crop 100%
Close-up of a silver jewelry piece designed as a leaf, adorned with sparkling stones.
Laowa 90mm f2.8 Macro
Close-up macro image of various clear, sparkling jewels and bubbles highlighting intricate details and reflections.
Laowa 90mm F2.8 Macro – crop 100%
Close-up image of vibrant red flower petals with yellow highlights, showcasing intricate details of the flower's structure.
Laowa 85mm F5.6 stacking of 131 photos
Close-up of yellow pollen on a red flower petal, showcasing intricate details and textures.
crop 100%
Close-up view of a circuit board featuring various electronic components, including capacitors and resistors.
AstrHori – 154 photos stcaked 2X
Close-up of a macro image showing a small dark hole on a green surface, highlighting details and texture.
crop 100%
Close-up image of a circuit board showing various electronic components including microchips and other circuitry.
TTArtisan 60 photos stacked 1:1
Close-up of electronic components on a circuit board, showing two small rectangular capacitors and a solder joint.
crop 100%
Close-up image of a printed circuit board (PCB) displaying various electronic components, including resistors, capacitors, and an integrated circuit.
Laowa 90mm F2.8 macro 1:1
Close-up image of a circuit board showing intricate details of its components, including solder joints and traces.
crop 100% Laowa 90mm f2.8
Close-up of a printed circuit board showing various electronic components, traces, and a microchip in detail.
Laowa 85mm F5.6 stacking of 75 photos
Close-up image of a printed circuit board showing components, solder joints, and traces.
Laowa 85mm : crop 100%
Bright red flower with prominent petals and dark markings in the center, captured against a pale background.
TTArtisan
Close-up of pink flower petals with intricate details and textures.
crop 100%

F5.6, Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro- ISO 1000-1-15 s 047
Laowa 100m mf2.8 @F5.6 single image
F5.6, Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro- ISO 1000-1-15 s 047-2
crop 100% Laowa 100m mf2.8 @F5.6 single image
Close-up of a key showing intricate details and grooves against a neutral background.
Sigma 105 – 50 photos stacked
Extreme close-up of textured metallic surface, showcasing intricate details and reflections.
Sigma 105

4.4 Distortion / Resistance to flare / CA – Distorsion / Résistance au flare /AC

  • The Distortion of the Laowa 90mm , AstrHori , 7 Artisans & TTArtisan are almost null whereas the Sigma and Laowa 100mm F2.8 suffers from pincushion distortion
  • The Sigma is better in term of AC, resistance to flare and sunstars vs the 3 Laowa
  • The 7 Artisans, AstrHori, TTArtisan are the more sensitive to flare
  • La distorsion du Laowa 90mm F2.8 , AstrHori, 7 Artisans, et du TTArtisan sont quasi nulles , les Sigma et Laowa 100mm F2.8 souffrent d’une distorsion en coussinet assez marquée.
  • Le Sigma est le meilleur en terme d’AC, de résistance au flare et d’effet d’étoiles par rapport aux 3 Laowa
  • Les 7 Artisans , AstrHori et TTArtisan sont les plus sensible au flare
A photograph showing bright sunlight shining behind foliage, creating lens flare and a soft-focus effect.
7 Artisans T2.9
Sun shining through green leaves with lens flare effects.
7 Artisans T16
Close-up photograph of sun rays filtering through green leaves, creating a soft bokeh effect.
AstrHori F2.8
A bright sunlight shining through green leaves, creating lens flare and starburst effects.
AstrHori F16
A close-up view looking up through a leafy tree with sunlight filtering through the branches, creating a starburst effect.
TTArtisan F2.8
View of a tree from below, with sunlight filtering through the green leaves and creating a starburst effect.
TTArtisan F16
A close-up image of green leaves with sunlight filtering through, creating a soft bokeh effect and lens flare.
Loawa 90mm F2.8 @F2.8
A view of sunlight shining through green leaves, creating lens flare effects and highlighting the vibrant colors.
Laowa 90mm F2/8 @F16
F16, Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro- ISO 100-1-500 s 063
Laowa 100mm F2.8

F16, Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro- ISO 1600-1-250 s 062
Laowa 100mm F2.8
Bright sun star shining through lush green leaves.
Sigma 105
Sunlight filtering through green leaves, with lens flare and highlights visible.
Sigma 105
A collection of various cookbooks arranged on a shelf, featuring titles in French and some with colorful covers. A 20-euro banknote is partially visible on the shelf.
AstrHori
A bookshelf filled with various cookbooks in French, featuring titles related to cooking, diet, and culinary techniques, with a 20 Euro bill placed prominently on one of the shelves.
TTArtisan
A bookshelf filled with various books and a 20 euro note visible. Some books are focused on cooking and gastronomy, while others cover different subjects. The shelf is white with a wooden door.
Laowa 90mm F2.8 Macro 2:1
Bookshelves filled with a variety of culinary and lifestyle books, with a decorative item hanging on the right side.
Sigma 105
F2.8, Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro- ISO 100-1-10 s 001
Laowa 100mm F2.8

4.5 Bokeh – Background blur – Portrait – / Bokeh – flou d’arrière plan – portraits

  • The Loawa 90mm F2.8 has very good bokeh balls but the Sigma is the best in term of bokeh balls and background blur smoothness for portraits. The TTArtisan is the one with the least good bokeh balls and less soft background blur and less natural colors (more vintage)
  • Le Laowa 90mm F2.8 a de très beaux ronds de bokeh mais Le Sigma reste le champion en portraits point de vue bokeh et douceur du flou d’arrière plan. Le TTArtisan est celui avec les moins bons ronds de Bokeh et le flou d’arrière plan le moins doux , ainsi que le couleurs les moins naturelles (plus vintage)
A close-up photo of a Playmobil figure dressed in a suit, with a blurred blue bokeh background.
7 Artisans 120mm T2.9
Focus on a toy figurine with brown hair and a suit against a blurred bokeh background.
AstrHori F2.8
A Playmobil figure stands in front of a blurred, colorful bokeh background with blue and yellow tones.
TTArtisan 100mm F2.8
Close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair, smiling face, and a formal outfit, set against a soft blue background.
Laowa 90mm F2.8
A close-up of a Playmobil figure with brown hair and a black suit against a softly blurred background with colorful bokeh.
Sigma 105 @ F2.8
F2.8, Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro- ISO 640-1-125 s 036
Laowa 100mm f2.8
Portrait of a smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing a denim jacket, set against a blurred street background.
TTArtisan
Portrait of a young woman wearing a blue headscarf and earrings, smiling confidently at the camera with a blurred background of people and buildings.
Laowa 90 mm F2.8
Portrait of a young man with curly hair, wearing a navy hoodie, standing in a busy city square with blurred background.
Sigma 105mm F2.8

F2.8, Laowa 100mm F2.8 Macro- ISO 100-1-200 s 088
Laowa 100mm f2.8

4.6 Conclusion

The Laowa 90mm F2.8 is the best macro lens you can get for 2:1 ratio , for 1:1 then the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is the best one For Sony E mount and the AF will offer more versatility

The AstrHori is the cheapest of the 2:1 and one of the worst of them

The 7 Artisans is the worst and quite expensive

Le Laowa 90mm f2.8 est le meilleur objectif macro 2:1 disponible en monture E , pour le rapport 1:1 , la meilleur optique macro dans l’absolu est le Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art et disposant d’AF il sera plus polyvalent

Le AstrHori est le moins cher des macro 2:1 mais un des moins bon

Le 7 artisans est cher est le moins bon du lot

A close-up image of a silver padlock secured by a chain against a wooden post, adorned with green ivy leaves.
A close-up photograph of fresh strawberries displayed in plastic containers at a market, showcasing their vibrant red color and green leafy tops.
Close-up of a delicious waffle topped with whipped cream, red strawberries, and chocolate sauce, with a second waffle partially visible in the background.
A brightly colored wall with various bins of LEGO pieces, with the sign 'Pick & Build' prominently displayed. In the foreground, a few people are interacting, engaged in selecting or building with LEGO.
Close-up image of green ivy leaves showing detailed texture and veins.
Des bouteilles thermos en acier de la marque Waterdrop, exposées sur une étagère, présentées dans des couleurs variées comme bleu, vert et rouge.
A busy street scene featuring people walking in front of a modern glass building with various storefronts, including a telecom company. The sky is partly cloudy.
A bustling indoor market scene with people dining and walking. Tables are set with patrons enjoying meals, while others navigate through the vibrant corridor lined with shops and eateries.
A lively street scene in a gallery featuring a large checkered sculpture, surrounded by people walking and enjoying the ambiance.
A bustling indoor gallery with tables set for dining, where people are enjoying coffee and meals. The architecture features arched windows and a high glass ceiling, providing natural light.
Two women standing side by side in a corridor, both smiling. One is wearing a white crop top and black pants, while the other is dressed in a yellow jacket and brown pants. The background shows a busy walkway with people and decorative elements.
View of a public square featuring a large white 'BXL' sign, with colorful buildings and a construction site in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

6 Conclusion (English)

The 7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 macro 2:1 (629 euros) is an expensive average macro lens : it is heavy long, has average contrast wide open, only very good at T5.6 /T8 and not on the entire field.

There are much better options like the the Laowa 90mm F2.8 (659 euros) is the best macro lens you can get for 2:1 ratio , for 1:1 then the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is the best one for Sony E mount and the AF will offer more versatility

Not recommended

Buy me a Coffee – Donation

Help me to run this site and continue testing new lenses and products with a small donation

$3.00

Pros

  • Very good Bokeh balls
  • Smooth blurry background
  • Very good build quality
  • Good ergonomics
  • Low CA

Average

  • Good results only in macro
  • Good color rendition 
  • Contrast in general
  • Sharpness only excellent as of T8 in the centre
  • Focus breathing
  • Some LoCA
  • Price

Cons

  • Very long
  • Very heavy
  • Poor corners sharpness until T8
  • Lack of contrast wide open
  • Resistance to flare
  • Focus shift
A Sony A7R camera mounted with a 120mm T2.9 macro lens from 7 Artisans, showcasing the lens's sleek design and markings.

6 Conclusion (Français)

Le 7Artisans 120mm T2.9 macro 2:1 (629 euros) est une optique macro très moyenne : longue, lourde, contraste moyen à pleine ouverture et seulement excellent à T5.6 / T8 et pas sur tout le champ

D’autres alternatives existent comme Laowa 90mm F2.8 (659 euros) qui est le meilleur objectif macro 2:1 disponible en monture E , pour le rapport 1:1 , la meilleur optique macro dans l’absolu est le Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art et disposant d’AF il sera plus polyvalent

Pas recommandé

Offrez moi un café – Donation

Une petite donation de votre part m’aidera à maintenir ce site et à continuer à vous proposez des tests d’objectifs

€3.00

Pour

  • Beau ronds de Bokeh à toutes les ouvertures
  • Flou d’arrière plan très doux
  • Très bonne qualité de construction
  • Bonne ergonomie
  • AC faibles

Moyen

  • Bon résultats sans plus en macro
  • bon rendu des couleurs 
  • Contraste en général
  • Excellent piqué au centre seulement à T8
  • Focus breathing visible
  • AC longitudinales visibles
  • Prix

Contre

  • Taille
  • Poids
  • Contraste à pleine ouverture
  • Resistance au flare
  • Piqué dans les coins mauvais jusque T8
  • Piqué au centre à pleine ouverture
  • Important focus shift

2 responses to “7 Artisans 120mm T2.9 Macro 2x”

  1. Bruce Avatar
    Bruce

    Any plans to look at the Sigma 17-40mm f1.8 DC Art?

    Reply
    1. Marc Alhadeff Avatar
      Marc Alhadeff

      busy on it, the YouTube sample is already available as well as the Flickr photo sample
      so within 1 Week

      Reply

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