This guest post on using the 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 lens for Nikon Z-mount (order at B&H Photo in the US and the 7Artisans store for international shipping) for wildlife photography in the Manu National Park, Peru, is by the Spanish professional wildlife photographer Francis De Andrés (Website | Instagram):
Wildlife photography with the 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8: a different perspective by Francis De Andrés (Professional Wildlife Photographer | Nikon Z Expert from Spain)
If you ask any wildlife photographer what lens they would take on an expedition to the Peruvian Amazon, the answer will almost always be the same: a 400mm, a 500mm or perhaps a 600mm super-telephoto. After all, wildlife photography has traditionally relied on long focal lengths that allow us to keep a respectful distance while still filling the frame with our subjects.
For my recent two-week expedition to Manu National Park, Peru, I packed those lenses as usual—but I also decided to bring something very different: a 135mm f/1.8 prime lens.
The goal was never to replace my trusted super-telephoto lenses. Instead, I wanted to challenge myself creatively and explore a different way of photographing wildlife. A shorter focal length forces you to think differently about composition, perspective and storytelling. Rather than isolating an animal from its surroundings, it allows you to create more intimate environmental portraits while taking full advantage of the beautiful background separation that a fast f/1.8 aperture can provide.
This article is the result of that experiment. Over two weeks in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, I discovered that a 135mm lens can become far more than a portrait lens—it can also be a surprisingly capable and inspiring tool for creative wildlife photography.
Before we begin, I would like to clarify that this copy of the 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z mount was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. However, the loan of this lens has in no way influenced my opinions or the conclusions of this review.
Those who follow my work know that my approach to gear evaluation is based exclusively on real-world field experience. All the assessments in this article reflect my personal use of the lens in actual shooting conditions.
Real-World Field Testing
For two weeks, I tested this lens in one of the most demanding environments imaginable: Manu National Park in Peru, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
Although a 135mm f/1.8 is not, on paper, the most common focal length for wildlife photography, precisely for that reason it was interesting to put it to the test under real field conditions. I used it to photograph squirrel monkeys, tropical birds, and various species of hummingbirds, including fast flight sequences where autofocus speed and accuracy are critical.
Unless otherwise noted, all photographs featured in this review were captured with a Nikon Z8 and the 7Artisans AF 135mm F1.8 during a two-week expedition to Manu National Park, Peru.
Build Quality and Construction
The first impression, straight out of the box, is unmistakably positive. This is a lens that immediately feels like a premium product.
The barrel is fully constructed from high-quality machined metal, with precise tolerances, excellent rigidity, and no noticeable play. Both the focus ring and the external controls operate smoothly and with excellent precision.
The mount features dust sealing and weather resistance, which is especially important for wildlife photographers working in humid or dusty environments. During my time in the Amazon rainforest, the lens was exposed to extreme humidity without any issues.
Another noteworthy detail is the stepless multi-function control ring, specifically optimized for the Nikon Z system. Its operation is smooth and allows different camera parameters to be assigned directly, integrating naturally into the Nikon ecosystem.
Optical Performance
The most surprising aspect of this lens is its performance at maximum aperture.
With very fast lenses, some loss of micro-contrast at f/1.8 is expected. However, the 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 delivers strong detail and contrast even wide open, with a very convincing rendering for its class.
Sharpness has been consistently excellent throughout my wildlife photographs, allowing for strong subject separation without compromising focus-plane quality.
The bokeh is one of its strongest points. Transitions between in-focus and out-of-focus areas are smooth and natural, producing a very pleasing aesthetic, especially in complex jungle backgrounds.
The lens also features Nano Multi-Coating, which effectively reduces internal reflections, flare, and ghosting. Even in harsh backlight conditions within dense vegetation, it maintained good contrast and clean image rendering.
Autofocus: The Big Surprise
The autofocus system has been one of the biggest surprises of this lens.
Based on an STM (Silent Stepping Motor), it delivers silent, fast, and accurate operation.
During testing with wild squirrel monkeys and multiple hummingbird species in flight, AF performance proved highly reliable in both speed and subject tracking.
While it is not intended to replace dedicated wildlife telephoto lenses, its responsiveness comes surprisingly close to some optics I regularly carry in my wildlife kit.
Integration with the Nikon Z8 has been excellent, with stable subject tracking and consistent communication between camera and lens throughout the expedition.
Finding this level of autofocus performance in a 135mm f/1.8 lens was one of the biggest surprises of the entire field test.
Minimum Focus Distance
Another very strong point is the minimum focusing distance.
The 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 focuses as close as approximately 0.68 meters, which is remarkably short for this focal length.
For comparison, the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art has a minimum focusing distance of 0.87 meters, while the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena focuses down to 0.82 meters.
This advantage significantly expands creative possibilities, allowing tighter framing and higher magnification without the need for extension tubes or additional accessories.
Areas for Improvement
The main consideration is weight.
At approximately 1,100 grams, this is not a lightweight lens. However, it is still reasonable for this category.
The Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art weighs around 1,130 grams and requires the FTZ adapter when used on Nikon Z cameras, increasing its overall carrying weight.
The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is lighter at approximately 995 grams, but belongs to a significantly higher price and market segment.
Overall, the weight of the 7Artisans is acceptable considering its build quality, optical performance, and price point.
Conclusions
After two weeks of intensive field use in the Peruvian Amazon, my overall impression of the 7Artisans AF 135mm F1.8 is clearly positive.
What impressed me most was the balance it achieves between solid construction, weather sealing, excellent optical performance at f/1.8, a remarkably short minimum focusing distance, and autofocus performance that exceeded my expectations for a lens in this category.
Its greatest strength, however, is its character. The combination of outstanding sharpness wide open, smooth focus transitions, and beautifully rendered bokeh gives the lens a distinctive visual signature that is both creative and highly engaging.
Although the 135mm focal length is traditionally associated with portrait photography, my experience in Manu National Park demonstrated that it can also be a compelling choice for wildlife photography. In situations where environmental context, artistic rendering, and subject isolation are more important than maximum reach, this lens offers a refreshing alternative to conventional super-telephoto approaches.
After working with it for two weeks in one of the world’s most demanding natural environments, I can confidently say that the 7Artisans AF 135mm F1.8 not only met my expectations—it exceeded them in several key areas, particularly in wide-open sharpness, bokeh quality, and autofocus performance.
For photographers willing to look beyond the traditional use of a 135mm lens, the 7Artisans AF 135mm F1.8 opens the door to a different way of seeing wildlife. I returned from the Peruvian Amazon convinced that this lens deserves to be considered not only as an excellent portrait lens, but also as a remarkably capable creative tool for wildlife and nature photography.
About the Author
Francis De Andrés is a professional wildlife photographer, Nikon Z Expert (Spain), international workshop leader, and photographic expedition guide specializing in wildlife photography. More of his work can be found at:
Pictures used in this post:
- Photo 1 Peruvian Squirrel Monkey – f/2 – 1/2000 – Iso 1400
- Photo 2 Many-spotted Hummingbird – f/1.8 – 1/1250 – Iso 1400
- Photo 3 Pale-tailed Barbthroat – f/2 – 1/1600 – Iso 4000
- Photo 4 Violet-fronted Brillant – f/2 – 1/640 – Iso 400
- Photo 5 Great-billed Hermit – f/2.5 – 1/1000 – Iso 2200
- Photo 6 Rufous-booted Raquet-tail – f/1.8 – 1/250 – Iso 900
- Photo 7 Gray-breasted Sabrewing – f/2 – 1/1600 – Iso 1100
- Photo 8 Many-spotted Hummingbird – f/1.8 – 1/1250 – Iso 2500
- Photo 9 Chestnut-breasted Coronet – f/2 – 1/800 – Iso 1600
- Photo 10 Golden-tailed Saphire – f/1.8 – 1/1000 – Iso 320
- Photo 11 Many-spotted Hummingbird – f/2.2 -1/1600 – Iso 4500
- Photo 12 Violet-fronted Brillant – f/2 – 1/640 – Iso 640
- Photo 13 Gray-breasted Sabrewing -f/2 – 1/1600 – Iso 1250
- Photo 14 Andean Guan – f/2 – 1/640 – Iso 800
- Photo 15 Pale-tailed Barbthroat – f/2 – 1/1600 – Iso 2500
- Photo 16 Golden-tailed Saphire – f/2.2 – 1/1600 – Iso 560
- Photo 17 Golden-tailed Saphire – f/2 – 1/1600 – Iso 1400
- Photo 18 White-necked Jacobin – f/2.2 – 1/1600 – Iso 1800
- Photo 19 Chesnut-breasted Coronet – f/2 – 1/1600 – Iso 320
- Photo 20 Gray-breasted Sabrewing – f/2 – 1/1600 – Iso 1100
- Photo 21 Ameiva – f/2 – 1/800 – Iso 90
The original review was originally published here.
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Additional information on the 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 lens for Nikon Z-mount can be found here (order at B&H Photo in the US and the 7Artisans store for international shipping):
7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 full‑frame lens for Nikon Z-mount released
