In this video I will be reviewing the Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens using the Lab and Real World testing via the my Sony A6400 camera body. I was interested in this lens because I enjoy using manual lenses, it’s crazy affordable at only $69 US, and also wanted a fast aperture fairly wide angle lens for my Sony A6400 to complement my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Lens.
So with this lens being fully manual, you will need to turn the aperture ring and focus ring “manually” in order it get your desired settings. In addition Sony cameras like the A6400 have tools built in like focus peaking and magnify zoom, which really help ensure you get accurate focus.
I created a tutorial on how to use manual lenses on your Sony camera, so I encourage you to check that out below:
My initial thought on this Pergear 25mm f/1.8 lens was how similar it appears to the 7artisans 25mm f/1.8 lens, but after a closer look at the specs, they are significantly different lenses..
For example, the 7artisans cost more at $80 US, it also has a slightly closer minimum focus distance of ~7″ or 18 cm, it has more glass elements (7 glass elements in 5 groups), has a larger 46mm filter thread, and weighs less @ 5.04 oz / 143 g… I have not used the 7artisans 25mm f/1.8 Lens, so I can’t speak of it’s optical quality compared to the Pergear, but I would imagine it’s fairly similar based on the experience I had with the other 7artisan lenses I have reviewed…
Key Features:
- E-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
- 37.5mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Fully Manual Lens
- Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
- Multi-Layer Coating
- 5 elements in 3 groups
- 12-blade aperture diaphragm
- 43mm filter thread
- Included lens hood
- Minimum Focus Distance = 7.8” or 20cm
- Full Metal Body
- Weight 6.8 oz or 195 g
- Price = $69 US
Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens Review – $69 US, Worth It??
REVIEW GEAR:
- Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens – https://amzn.to/31qmuBt
- 10% OFF CODE = 05VT85182
RECOMMENDED LENS ACCESSORIES:
- 43mm ND Filters: https://amzn.to/2VrExnd
- 43mm Polarizing FIlters: https://amzn.to/2YDZRHZ
- 43mm Filter Kits: https://amzn.to/31lkcDX
- Front Lens Cap: https://amzn.to/2BjblYz
- Rear lens Cap: https://amzn.to/3dko4aJ
- Lens Care and Cleaning kits: https://amzn.to/3edgDmX
MY GEAR USED TO CREATE THIS VIDEO:
- Sony A6400: https://amzn.to/2Ya34Pk
- Sony A7R: https://amzn.to/2UWGqb9
- Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC Lens: https://amzn.to/2UVB53P
- SDXC Memory Card: https://amzn.to/3hBqrZU
- Manfrotto Tripod: https://amzn.to/2AQplsL
- MacBook Pro: https://amzn.to/2UWItvR
- WD Portable 5TB Hard Drive: https://amzn.to/2UVJKnb
- Neewer 660 LED Light: https://amzn.to/2YbKZAm
- Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone: https://amzn.to/3hH2CQk
- Zoom H5 Recorder: https://amzn.to/2UVxe73
Sample Photos
Lab Testing – Full Scene
Here is the full scene which is on the left side, and 100% Crops from the lower left corner and center area for your detailed scrutiny.. Be sure to click on the photos for a better look!
Lab Testing – Minimum Focus Testing
Here are the minimum focus distance test shots on the left and 100% Crops from the center area.. Be sure to click on the photos for a better look!
Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/1.8 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/1.8 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/2 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/2 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/2.8 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/2.8 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/4 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/4 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/5.6 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/5.6 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/8 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/8 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/16 Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens @ f/16
Real World
Closing Remarks
So to wrap things up the Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens is really a great value for the dollar as far as real world image quality is concerned. Using a fully manual lenses is a bit harder than an auto focus lens for sure, but honestly I find the challenge a lot of fun and I encourage you to try using manual focus to see what I mean if you have not.
For $69 US this lens is a steal in my opinion, and I highly recommend it for those looking for a fast fairly wide prime lens. It’s good for all sorts of photography like you saw in the sample photos, but it can clearly be used for street, landscapes, and portraits for that matter.
I really enjoyed the Pergear 25mm f/1.8 Lens and other than the little bit of focus play when at the minimum focus distance, I was very impressed by the build quality.
That is pretty much it for this review and I really hope you got what you were looking for. Please feel free to ask questions and comment below as always 😉
I will catch up with you next time, take care! Jay