7Artisans introduces a redesigned 75mm f/1.25 II manual lens with glow-in-the-dark markings and improved handling, offering photographers a $469 alternative to Leica's $15,615 Noctilux-M.
Photography enthusiasts seeking premium bokeh without premium pricing have a new contender. 7Artisans has unveiled the redesigned 75mm f/1.25 II lens, positioning it as a practical alternative to Leica's iconic Noctilux-M 1.25/75 ASPH. The update brings functional refinements and aesthetic tweaks while maintaining the ultra-wide aperture that defines this portrait-focused optic.
What's New
The II version introduces several tangible improvements over its predecessor. Most visibly, the lens now features glow-in-the-dark lettering on the aperture and focus rings, significantly improving readability in low-light shooting conditions. Build quality sees meaningful refinement with the aperture ring operating more smoothly, while the overall weight drops from 600g to 514g—a noticeable reduction for handheld shooting sessions. 7Artisans claims optical improvements too, specifically mentioning enhanced bokeh rendering compared to the previous iteration.
Performance and Comparisons
While the $469 price point makes it dramatically more accessible than Leica's $15,615 Noctilux-M (representing a 96% cost savings), performance differences are evident. Manufacturer-supplied MTF curves reveal the lens delivers peak sharpness primarily in the central third of the frame, with noticeable softening toward the edges. This optical characteristic makes it particularly suited for portraiture where subjects occupy the frame's center.
Sample images demonstrate slightly lower contrast and less pronounced bokeh compared to the Leica counterpart. The trade-offs continue with manual focus being the only option and a minimum focusing distance of 0.8 meters. However, the aluminum barrel construction maintains solid build quality despite the weight reduction.
Practical Application
This lens targets portrait photographers prioritizing subject isolation over corner-to-corner sharpness. The f/1.25 aperture creates significant background separation even in challenging light, while the optical signature delivers the characteristic soft-focus look popular for artistic portraiture. Manual focus operation requires practice but offers precise control for deliberate compositions.
Photographers should note the optical limitations: edge softness makes it less suitable for landscapes or architecture work where edge-to-edge sharpness is critical. For studio or environmental portraits where the subject dominates the frame however, these limitations become advantages.
Availability
The 7Artisans 75mm f/1.25 II is available directly from 7Artisans' online shop for $469. While shipping to Europe is free, buyers should account for import VAT and customs duties. The lens ships with front/rear caps and a lens pouch.
For portrait specialists seeking shallow depth-of-field rendering without Leica-level investment, this update presents a compelling value proposition—especially given the practical refinements over the original model. The glow-in-the-dark markings exemplify thoughtful design for real-world shooting conditions, while the weight reduction addresses a key pain point for handheld work.
Source: 7Artisans Product Page
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