TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 II

The TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 II is the redesigned second version of TTArtisan's APS-C standard prime, offered for Fujifilm X, Sony E and Nikon Z. On APS-C the 35 mm focal length gives about 53 mm full-frame equivalent, which TTArtisan describes as close to the human field of view.

Optical design

TTArtisan changed the design from 10 elements in 8 groups to 10 elements in 7 groups, including 2 high-index and 2 ED elements, and says the new structure reduces size while keeping image quality. The diaphragm has 9 blades and runs from f/1.8 to f/16. The angle of view is 45 degrees. The minimum focus distance is now 0.4 m instead of 0.6 m, which makes the lens more useful for close subjects.

Autofocus and handling

An STM and lead screw stepper motor drives the autofocus, with eye, animal and car recognition. The product page mentions image stabilisation for video, which refers to the camera, not to the lens. A Type-C firmware port sits in the rear lens cap, and the filter thread measures 52 mm. A lens hood is included, and the silver version comes with two hoods.

Build and size

The body is made of 5052 aviation-grade aluminium. TTArtisan states 176 to 193 g and says the weight was reduced from 199 g of the first version to 176 g. Dimensions are 65 x 49 mm on Fujifilm X and Sony E and 66 x 51 mm on Nikon Z (diameter x length). The lens comes in black and silver, plus an Orange Pop limited edition for X and E.

Where it fits

The predecessor is the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8. Other APS-C standard primes in the database are the Sony E 35mm F1.8 OSS, the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 and, on Fujifilm X, the Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR and the Fujifilm XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR. These differ in aperture, features and construction.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Lighter and smaller than the first version
• Minimum focus distance of 0.4 m
• ED and high-index elements, f/1.8 aperture with 9 blades
• Metal body with eye, animal and car recognition

Cons

• No optical stabilisation in the lens
• Weight differs between variants (176 to 193 g)
• Image quality claims come from the manufacturer only

Verdict

The TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 II fixes the main weak points of its predecessor: weight and minimum focus distance. It is a compact, metal-bodied standard prime for three APS-C systems with a bright f/1.8 aperture. Users who need weather resistance or a stabiliser in the lens should look at the first-party alternatives named above.