7Artisans launches first AF lens

7Artisans, the lens company traditionally known for its ultra-cheap manual focus lenses, has launched its first autofocus lens, a 50mm f/1.8 for Sony E mount.

The 7Atisans 50mm f/1.8 STM for Sony E mount supports Face and Eye Detect AF, and uses a newly-designed stepping motor (STM) to power its autofocus. It also has a manual aperture ring, a nice touch on a 'budget' lens. 

Made up of 11 elements in nine groups, the 50mm f/1.8 STM features five 'special' glasses, two High Refractive (HR), two Aspherical (APSH) and one Extra Low dispersion (ED) glass elements.

The lens takes a 62mm filter, and weighs 463g, or 421g - we can't tell which as 7Artisans have listed both weights. 

The 50mm f/1.8 STM will set you back $228USD ($347 AUD), and is available from 7Artisans direct.