The New SG-image AF 25mm f/1.8 Lens

credits: SG-image

SG-image just announced a new budget-friendly 25mm f/1.8 autofocus lens for APS-C cameras, coming in Sony E and Fujifilm X mounts for $69. It’s a compact lens with fast autofocus, fast aperture, and a classic 25mm focal length, which translates to roughly 40mm in full-frame terms. That’s a pretty sweet all-around focal length, especially for street photography, casual portraits, and day-to-day shooting.

The build is solid too. SG-image has opted for a full metal barrel, and inside you’ll find seven glass elements arranged in five groups. Autofocus is driven by an STM stepping motor, which should offer decent performance for stills and maybe even some light video work, though we’ll have to wait for real-world tests to see just how “fast and accurate” it really is. The lens has a 9-blade diaphragm, which paired with the f/1.8 aperture should help produce smooth, rounded bokeh, assuming the optics hold up. SG-image is also pitching it as a solid choice for close-up shots, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters.

Physically, the lens is small and light — just 32mm long and weighing 145 grams — making it a great match for compact mirrorless bodies. It even comes with a square lens hood and a USB-C port for firmware updates, which is a thoughtful touch at this price. Right now the lens is China only, however worldwide shipping should start soon.