TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 for Nikon Z is a compact and versatile wide-angle lens that caters to photographers who need a fast lens for landscape, architecture, or street photography. With a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4, it promises excellent low-light performance and the ability to create beautiful background blur, which is engaging for certain artistic styles.

This lens showcases solid build quality with an all-metal construction that gives it a premium feel. The focus ring is well-damped, allowing fine adjustments when manually focusing, and the lens offers precision in ergonomics. Its lightweight and compact nature make it a great companion for mirrorless shooting, particularly for those who favor a portable kit without sacrificing performance.

In terms of optical performance, the TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 delivers sharp images across most of the frame, especially when stopped down a bit. This lens offers impressive corner-to-corner sharpness at f/5.6 - f/8, which is ideal for landscape shots where detail is paramount. However, at f/1.4, there can be some noticeable softness in the edges, which is common for fast wide-angle lenses.

A common concern with wide-angle lenses is distortion, and while the TTArtisan manages to control barrel distortion quite well, it is still present, but usually correctable in post-processing. Flare resistance is decent; however, shooting directly into harsh light sources can lead to noticeable flare and loss of contrast, so care is recommended in such scenarios.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture for low-light capability
• Excellent build quality with all-metal construction
• Lightweight and compact design
• Good center sharpness even wide open, improving significantly when stopped down
• Affordably priced for a prime lens of this caliber

Cons

• Edge softness at maximum aperture
• Some barrel distortion that may require correction in post
• Performance can be affected by strong light sources causing flare

Verdict

The TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 for Nikon Z is a solid choice for photographers seeking a fast, wide-angle prime lens without breaking the bank. Its combination of build quality, optical performance, and portability makes it a compelling option for those who specialize in wide-field photography. While it does have some limitations in edge sharpness and distortion, the advantages and overall affordability make this lens worthy of consideration for both enthusiasts and professionals who often shoot at wide angles.