Pergear has announced a new 25mm f/1.7 manual focus lens for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. Better still, the lens is only $75 ($69 until May 17), making it one of the most affordable and accessible lenses on the market.
The lens is available for Fujifilm X, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Micro Four Thirds mounts. In the case of E, Z, and RF cameras, it is worth noting that the Pergear 25mm f/1.7 has an APS-C image circle. So, while it will work on full-frame cameras, users will need to activate an APS-C/DX crop in their camera or crop during post-processing to eliminate a significant vignette. Speaking of full-frame, with the 1.5 times APS-C crop factor, the Pergear 25mm f/1.7 is equivalent to a 38mm lens in full-frame terms.
Pergear says its new lens is well-suited to various subjects, including portraits, street photography, and landscape photography. Thanks to its fast f/1.7 maximum aperture, it should also work well in low-light conditions.
The manual focus lens can focus as close as 7.9 inches (20 centimeters). While not in macro territory, it should offer decent close-up performance.
As for its design and form factor, the lens sports retro-inspired aesthetics. The lens is a mere 1.2 inches (37 millimeters) long, and its diameter is 1.4 inches (44 millimeters) at its maximum. And yes, despite its narrow diameter, the lens does accept front filters (37mm). The lens weighs 5.8 ounces (165 grams).
In terms of optics, given its small stature and low price, it isn’t surprising to learn that the Pergear 25mm f/1.7 has a small amount of glass inside. The lens includes seven elements across five groups, and Pergear says the lens includes a multi-layer coating on individual elements to reduce flare and ghosting.
The Pergear 25mm f/1.7 Manual Focus APS-C lens is available to order now for $75 in X, E, Z, RF, and M43 mounts. The lens comes in black and silver colorways. By the way, the lens is available with an 8% discount to bring its price down to $69 until May 17, 2024, using the code “8%OFFPergear25mmF1.7”.
Photography is an expensive hobby, so it’s always great whenever a new lens appears on the market that makes photography a bit more accessible for people.
Image credits: Pergear