Chinese lens manufacturers have been innovating in a very saturated photo market. While you have the best lenses from the big players, smaller creators are not shying away from offering something that others aren’t at the moment. SG-image is one such company that has been aiming to offer cost-effective lenses that also excel in their performance. After launching the “world’s first variable aperture” lens, the company is now set to introduce a wide-angle prime for Sony and Fujifilm users. Here’s what it has to offer.
According to Photo Rumors, the new third-party lens, AF 25mm f1.8, was first teased in April, and now, the company has officially launched it. Per the company, the lens features four different color rings, and is available for APS-C users. SG-image does not have an official website, but its lenses can be purchased from eBay and Ali Express. Here is a look at its specs:
- Compatible Mounts: Sony E, Fujifilm X
- Compatible Image Capture Size: APS-C size
- Color Options: Black, Silver, Red, Orange
- Focal Length: 25mm (35mm format equivalent: 37.5mm)
- Focus Mode: AF (Autofocus)
- Aperture Blades: 9
- Lens Construction: 7 elements in 5 groups (including 3 high refractive index lenses)
- Aperture Range: F1.8 – F16
- Minimum Shooting Distance: 0.3m
- Filter Diameter: 52mm
- Size: Φ72mm × 32mm (excluding mount and hood)
- Mass: Approximately 145g
- Accessories Included: Lens cap, rear cap, lens hood, lens hood cap
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 years (covers natural failures)
- Price: $89
Some of SG-image’s features also include soft bokeh, high resolution, compact body, metal build, and a metal lens hood. On an APS-C camera, the lens will be closer to 35mm, making it ideal for everyday use. If you are someone who likes a compact setup for travel or street photography, then this is the lens you can go for. Fujifilm has its own 23mm f2 and also 23mm f1.4, but both are larger and quite expensive. The same goes for Sony’s own 24mm f1.4 G Master, but the size and the price are its challenge.
However, in the third-party lens options, both TTArtisan and 7Artisans have a 25mm f1.8 and f2 options, both costing around $73 and $64, respectively. In that sense, SG-image can lose out on users, since there is a price difference. However, the standout point was the color rings, which some may pay for. Either way, SG-image is trying to offer something different, and this may work out for them.