TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4

Leica L-Mount

Review

The TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 is an intriguing addition to the Leica L mount ecosystem, especially considering the growing interest in wide-angle lenses among photographers. This lens offers a unique blend of capabilities that cater to landscape, architecture, and street photography enthusiasts looking for a compact and versatile option.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of construction, the TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 feels solid in hand. The all-metal body provides a premium feel that’s complemented by a sleek finish. The focus ring is smooth and well-dampened, making it enjoyable to use, especially for those who prefer manual focus. One notable feature is its compact size, which makes it a great companion for travel photography – you won’t feel burdened carrying this lens around.

Optical Performance

When it comes to image quality, the TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 does not disappoint. The lens exhibits excellent sharpness, especially in the center, and maintains good clarity even towards the edges. This is particularly impressive for a wide-angle lens, where distortion can often be an issue. At f/1.4, the lens provides a beautiful shallow depth of field and lovely bokeh, perfect for isolating subjects in your compositions.

However, there are some caveats to consider. While the lens performs well in well-lit environments, it may struggle in low-light situations, especially towards the corners where some softness becomes noticeable. Additionally, flare can be an issue when shooting against bright light sources, which could be a concern for landscape photographers capturing sunrises or sunsets.

Usability

One of the standout features of this lens is its fast f/1.4 aperture, allowing for low-light shooting and creative depth-of-field control. The lens does not come with weather sealing, so photographers who often work in adverse conditions may want to proceed with caution. Additionally, due to its manual focus design, it may not be ideal for those who rely heavily on autofocus, particularly in fast-paced shooting environments.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a compact design.
• Fast f/1.4 aperture for low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
• Good optical performance with impressive sharpness.

Cons

• Noticeable softness in the corners if shooting wide open in low light.
• Manual focus may not suit everyone, especially those who prefer autofocus.
• Lack of weather sealing could be a drawback for outdoor photography.

Verdict

Overall, the TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 is a remarkable lens for those in the Leica L mount community seeking quality, compactness, and creative versatility. It excels in many areas, particularly in build quality and sharpness, but may not be the best fit for every photographer, especially those who prioritize autofocus or robust weather sealing. If you can work with its limitations, this lens can certainly elevate your wide-angle photography experience.