Last Updated on 04/23/2026 by Chris Gampat
Leica has some spectacular manual cameras that professional photographers love and adore. While they have multiple lenses to work with, some can be far more expensive than many other offerings. If you are someone who is looking to purchase a lens that offers precision but under $500, then the 7Artisans 35mm f2.8 is worth a try. Have a look.
First reported by Leica Rumors, the 7Artisans option comes in different variants: one is a standard lens and the lens is combined with the L39 and M-ring version for maximum compatibility. The lens also features a Dual Gaussian optical structure, which was used during the mid-20th century. The lens weighs just 88 grams, is extremely tiny at just 20mm in profile. There is also a cylinder lens hood, which is another critical addition for Leica cameras.
Specifications
- Optical Design: 7 Elements in 5 Groups (Dual Gaussian)
- Aperture Blades: 7
- Angle of View: 61.8°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.7m–∞ (M-mount); 1m–∞ (some L39 bodies)
- Filter Thread: 34mm
- Focus Type: Manual
- Lens Material: Full metal construction
- Weight: Approx. 88g
- Mount: Leica M / L39 (LTM)
- Price: $428
The 35mm is also compatible with many Leica M-series cameras, from M2 to M-P. It can also work with Leica Barnack models, amongst others. In fact, the L39 + M-ring version also comes with an integrated adapter ring for accurate rangefinder coupling.
The Leica M series lens ecosystem has amazing lenses, including Leica Summicron 35mm f2, which costs over $3500. Voigtlander also has a few options, but they are only available on eBay. In this regard, 7Artisans offering can be more freeing, especially if someone wants to buy a new lens. Moreover, at $428, the 7Artisans 35mm f2.8 arrives at a price that competes directly with Voigtlander’s entry-level options while offering native M-mount coupling without an adapter. This is also the second option from the company, the 35mm f2 being the first. The previous lens performed admirably, and received 5 out of 5 stars in our review. As we said then:
The bokeh from the 7Artisans 35mm f2 is very nice to my eyes. It’s not what the f1.4 lenses that I’ve tested have, but it’s still very beautiful in its own way. This is partially due to the design and how subjects tend to bloom with light if they’re backlit. If you love bokeh, then you’re not going to really complain. Instead, you’re going to be more thrilled that you’ve got an affordable lens that can give you solid quality.
Keeping the previous quality in mind, we only have hopes that the f2.8 will perform just as well. There are plenty of 35mm lenses to choose from today, and no company is doing something out of the box. The 7Artisans option is a new offering for anyone who wants more portability and better adapter quality. Leica M users can use this for street and travel photography, as well as documentary and environmental portraits. Moreover, the use of a Dual Gaussian optical structure is a nod to the character lenses for rangefinder photographers. If you are keen on buying this, then head to the company’s website today.