Pros:
* Price: This is the biggest selling point. It's significantly cheaper than Nikon's own 85mm options or offerings from Sigma/Tamron.
* Aperture: f/1.8 is excellent for portraiture, allowing for shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.
* Autofocus: Having autofocus at this price point is a significant advantage, especially for moving subjects.
* Sharpness: In the center of the frame, the lens can be acceptably sharp, especially when stopped down a bit (f/2.8-f/4).
* Size and Weight: Relatively compact and lightweight, making it easier to carry around compared to some other 85mm lenses.
* Metal Construction: The lens typically feels well-built for the price.
Cons:
* Autofocus Performance: This is where it's likely to fall short for many users. Reviews often describe the autofocus as:
* Slow: Not ideal for fast-moving subjects or action shots.
* Noisy: The AF motor can be quite audible.
* Inconsistent: Accuracy can be hit-or-miss, especially in low light. It might hunt for focus.
* Sharpness (Edge/Corner): Sharpness tends to drop off towards the edges and corners of the frame. This is less critical for portraiture where the subject is usually centered.
* Chromatic Aberration (CA): Prone to noticeable chromatic aberration (color fringing), especially in high-contrast areas. This can be corrected in post-processing.
* Vignetting: Some vignetting (darkening of the corners) is common, especially at wider apertures. Can be corrected in post.
* Build Quality (Variability): While generally well-built, there can be some sample variation in build quality.
* No Weather Sealing: Not suitable for use in harsh weather conditions.
* No Image Stabilization (VR/IS): Lacks image stabilization, so you'll need to rely on in-body stabilization (if your camera has it) or a steady hand, especially in low light.
* Compatibility: While it's designed for Nikon Z mount, it's essential to verify compatibility with your specific camera model, especially with firmware updates.
Who is it good for?
* Beginners: If you're just starting out with portrait photography and can't afford a more expensive lens, this can be a good way to learn and experiment with the 85mm focal length.
* Hobbyists: If you're not a professional who relies on perfect autofocus and image quality, this lens can be a fun and affordable option for casual portrait sessions.
* Manual Focus Enthusiasts: Even though it has AF, you might find yourself using manual focus more often due to the AF's limitations. If you enjoy manual focusing, this lens can be a good choice.
* Controlled Shooting Environments: Best suited for situations with good lighting and relatively still subjects, where the autofocus limitations are less of an issue.
Who should avoid it?
* Professionals: If you need reliable, fast, and accurate autofocus for professional work, this lens is unlikely to meet your needs.
* Action/Event Photographers: The slow and inconsistent autofocus makes it unsuitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
* Perfectionists: If you demand exceptional image quality and sharpness across the entire frame, you'll be disappointed.
* Those Who Dislike Post-Processing: The chromatic aberration and vignetting may require more post-processing work than some users are willing to do.
Alternatives to Consider:
* Used Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S: A much better lens in terms of autofocus and image quality, and can often be found used for a reasonable price.
* Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8: Similar price point, might offer slightly better autofocus in some cases.
* Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 AF: Often considered a step up in terms of build and autofocus performance compared to 7artisans, but still budget-friendly.
* Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: A significantly more expensive lens, but offers exceptional image quality and autofocus.
* Tamron 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD: Another excellent choice with image stabilization.
Final Verdict:
The 7artisans 85mm f/1.8 AF is a *compromise lens*. You get autofocus and a fast aperture at a very low price, but you sacrifice autofocus performance, image quality consistency, and some build quality refinements. It can be a "good" lens *if* you understand its limitations and are willing to work around them. If you prioritize autofocus speed and accuracy, or demand the highest image quality, you should look at other options. Read reviews specific to your camera model before purchasing. It can be a fun and affordable way to learn the 85mm focal length, but don't expect professional-grade performance.