TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II Vs TTARTISAN AF 27mm F2.8 Lens Comparison
Choosing the right lens is crucial for any photographer, as it directly impacts the image quality, creative possibilities, and overall shooting experience. Among the myriad of options available, the TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II and the TTARTISAN AF 27mm f2.8 stand out as compelling choices, particularly for photographers who appreciate compact designs, excellent image quality, and affordability. Both lenses cater to different needs and preferences, making a detailed comparison essential for making an informed decision. This comprehensive guide will delve into the specifications, image quality, autofocus performance, build quality, handling, and unique features of each lens, providing you with the insights needed to determine which lens best suits your photographic style and requirements.
Introduction to TTArtisan Lenses
Before diving into the specific comparison, it’s important to understand the brand behind these lenses. TTArtisan has gained significant recognition in the photography community for producing high-quality, manual focus lenses at affordable prices. Their lenses often feature classic optical designs and solid build quality, appealing to photographers who enjoy the tactile experience of manual focusing and aperture control. The TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II is a prime example of this philosophy, offering a fast aperture and excellent image quality in a compact package. On the other hand, TTArtisan has also ventured into the realm of autofocus lenses with the TTARTISAN AF 27mm f2.8. This lens combines the brand’s commitment to quality optics with the convenience of autofocus, targeting photographers who need speed and accuracy in their shooting. Understanding this dual approach helps contextualize the strengths and target users of each lens.
Key Specifications
To begin our comparison, let's examine the key specifications of both lenses. The TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II boasts a classic 35mm focal length, which is highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of photographic genres, including street photography, portraits, and landscapes. Its fast F1.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh). Being a manual focus lens, it provides a traditional, hands-on shooting experience. The TTARTISAN AF 27mm f2.8, in contrast, offers a slightly wider field of view due to its 27mm focal length, making it ideal for everyday snapshots and environmental portraits. Its F2.8 aperture is still quite bright, although slightly slower than the 35mm F1.8, and it features autofocus capabilities, making it a more convenient option for capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in dynamic environments. The table below provides a concise overview of the specifications:
| Feature | TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II | TTARTISAN AF 27mm f2.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm | 27mm |
| Aperture | F1.8 | F2.8 |
| Focus | Manual | Autofocus |
| Lens Mounts | Various | Various |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Filter Thread | Typically 43mm | Typically 39mm |
| Weight | ~200g | ~100g |
The differences in focal length, aperture, and focus mechanism highlight the distinct purposes of these lenses. The 35mm F1.8 Mark II is geared towards photographers who prioritize image quality and creative control through manual settings, while the 27mm F2.8 is designed for those who value convenience and speed with its autofocus feature.
Image Quality
Image quality is paramount when choosing a lens, and both the TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II and the TTARTISAN AF 27mm f2.8 deliver commendable results, albeit with their unique characteristics. The 35mm F1.8 Mark II is known for its sharpness, particularly in the center of the frame, even at its widest aperture. It produces images with excellent detail and clarity, making it a great choice for photographers who demand high resolution. The lens also exhibits pleasing bokeh, thanks to its fast aperture and well-designed optical formula. This makes it ideal for portraits and subjects where a blurred background is desired. However, like many fast aperture lenses, it can exhibit some softness in the corners and edges, especially at F1.8. Chromatic aberration (color fringing) may also be noticeable in high-contrast situations, though this can often be corrected in post-processing.
In contrast, the 27mm F2.8 offers a different set of strengths. While its maximum aperture is slower, it still provides good sharpness across the frame, even at F2.8. The lens is particularly sharp in the center, and the edge-to-edge performance is generally more consistent than the 35mm F1.8 Mark II. This makes it suitable for landscapes and architectural photography, where sharpness across the entire image is crucial. The bokeh produced by the 27mm F2.8 is smooth and pleasing, although it may not be as pronounced as the 35mm F1.8 due to the narrower aperture. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled in the 27mm F2.8, making it less of a concern in high-contrast scenes. Overall, both lenses offer excellent image quality for their price point, but the 35mm F1.8 excels in low-light performance and bokeh, while the 27mm F2.8 provides more consistent sharpness across the frame.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus performance is a critical differentiating factor between these two lenses, as the TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II is a manual focus lens, while the TTARTISAN AF 27mm f2.8 features autofocus. For photographers who enjoy the tactile experience of manual focusing and have the time to carefully adjust the focus, the 35mm F1.8 Mark II offers a rewarding experience. Manual focusing allows for precise control over the focus point and can be particularly useful in situations where autofocus systems struggle, such as in low light or when shooting through obstacles. However, manual focusing can be slower and more challenging, especially when capturing moving subjects or in fast-paced environments.
The AF 27mm f2.8, with its autofocus capability, provides a significant advantage in terms of speed and convenience. The autofocus system in this lens is generally fast and accurate, making it well-suited for capturing candid moments, street photography, and other situations where quick focus acquisition is essential. The autofocus motor is also relatively quiet, which is beneficial for video recording. However, the autofocus performance may not be as advanced as that found in higher-end lenses from major manufacturers. In challenging conditions, such as very low light or with fast-moving subjects, the autofocus may occasionally hunt or struggle to lock on. Despite these limitations, the autofocus system in the 27mm F2.8 is a valuable feature for photographers who need the speed and reliability of autofocus in their shooting.
Build Quality and Handling
Build quality and handling are important considerations for any lens, as they affect the overall shooting experience and the lens's durability over time. The TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II is known for its solid build quality, featuring an all-metal construction that feels robust and durable in hand. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise manual focusing. The aperture ring clicks positively, providing tactile feedback when changing aperture settings. The lens is also relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for extended periods. This combination of solid construction and compact size makes the 35mm F1.8 Mark II a pleasure to use.
The AF 27mm f2.8 also boasts a commendable build quality, although it is even more compact and lightweight than the 35mm F1.8 Mark II. The lens features a metal lens mount and a durable plastic exterior, which helps keep the weight down. The focus ring, while primarily used for manual focusing override in autofocus mode, is smooth and responsive. The aperture is controlled electronically via the camera body, which some photographers may find less tactile than a traditional aperture ring. The compact size and lightweight design of the 27mm F2.8 make it an excellent choice for travel and everyday carry. Both lenses offer a premium feel for their price point, but the 35mm F1.8 Mark II has a slightly more robust feel due to its all-metal construction, while the 27mm F2.8 prioritizes compactness and portability.
Unique Features and Use Cases
Both lenses have unique features that cater to specific shooting styles and preferences. The TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II excels in low-light photography and situations where a shallow depth of field is desired. Its fast F1.8 aperture allows for capturing bright images in dim environments and creating beautiful background blur, making it ideal for portraits, street photography, and creative compositions. The manual focus design appeals to photographers who enjoy the tactile experience of manual focusing and the precision it offers. The lens is also a great choice for photographers who use vintage lenses and appreciate the classic rendering style.
The AF 27mm f2.8, on the other hand, shines in situations where speed and convenience are paramount. Its autofocus capability makes it well-suited for capturing candid moments, street photography, and everyday snapshots. The slightly wider 27mm focal length is versatile and suitable for a variety of subjects, including landscapes, environmental portraits, and general photography. The compact and lightweight design makes it an excellent travel companion, as it won't add much bulk to your camera bag. The 27mm F2.8 is also a great option for photographers who are new to prime lenses and want a versatile and easy-to-use lens for their everyday shooting needs.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, let's look at the pros and cons of each lens:
TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II
Pros:
- Fast F1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and bokeh
- Solid all-metal build quality
- Smooth manual focus ring
- Classic rendering style
Cons:
- Manual focus only
- Some softness in the corners at wide apertures
- Potential for chromatic aberration
TTARTISAN AF 27mm f2.8
Pros:
- Autofocus capability for speed and convenience
- Compact and lightweight design
- Good sharpness across the frame
- Well-controlled chromatic aberration
Cons:
- Slower F2.8 aperture
- Autofocus performance may not be as advanced as higher-end lenses
- Electronic aperture control
Conclusion: Which Lens is Right for You?
In conclusion, both the TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 Mark II and the TTARTISAN AF 27mm f2.8 are excellent lenses that offer great value for their price. The choice between them depends largely on your shooting style, preferences, and the types of subjects you typically photograph. If you prioritize low-light performance, beautiful bokeh, and enjoy the tactile experience of manual focusing, the 35mm F1.8 Mark II is an excellent choice. It's perfect for photographers who appreciate a classic rendering style and are willing to take the time to manually adjust focus for precise results.
On the other hand, if you value speed, convenience, and a compact design, the 27mm F2.8 is the better option. Its autofocus capability makes it ideal for capturing candid moments and fast-moving subjects, while its lightweight design makes it a great travel companion. The 27mm F2.8 is also a good choice for photographers who are new to prime lenses and want a versatile and easy-to-use option for everyday shooting. Ultimately, the best lens for you is the one that fits your needs and allows you to capture the images you envision. Consider your priorities, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the lens that will inspire you to create your best work.
