TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 for Nikon Z combines a classic focal length with a fast aperture, making it an appealing option for both street photographers and portrait enthusiasts. This lens is part of a growing trend of manual focus lenses that cater to photography purists who appreciate the tactile feedback and control that comes with manual focusing.

Build Quality and Design

Right out of the box, the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 impresses with its all-metal construction, giving it a rugged yet elegant feel. The lens is relatively compact and lightweight, which makes it an excellent choice for photography on the go. The smooth focus ring is well-damped and allows for precise adjustments, which can be particularly beneficial when shooting in lower light conditions or when you want to control your depth of field meticulously. The aperture ring is also fully click-stopped, further ensuring that you have tactile feedback as you move between apertures.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 performs admirably at various apertures. Wide open, it delivers sharp images with a pleasing background blur (bokeh) that makes subjects stand out beautifully. As you stop down, sharpness across the frame improves, revealing details that will satisfy even the most discerning photographer. However, some users have noted that there can be slight softness at the extreme edges when shooting wide open, which may be a concern for landscape photographers who need corner-to-corner sharpness.

Optical Performance

The lens features a simple yet effective optical design, which includes several high refractive index elements aimed at minimizing aberrations. While chromatic aberration is generally well-controlled, some users might observe minor fringing in high-contrast situations. Additionally, flare can be present when shooting towards bright light sources, although this is not uncommon in lenses of this type. Overall, though, the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 holds its own against its more expensive counterparts, offering excellent performance at a reasonable price.

Focus and Usability

As a manual focus lens, the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 requires more engagement from the photographer compared to autofocus lenses. This can be a pro or con, depending on your shooting style. For those who revel in the art of focusing, this lens will be a joy to use, especially with its long focus throw that allows for precise adjustments. On the other hand, if you find yourself often needing to shoot quickly, the lack of autofocus might prove challenging in fast-paced scenarios.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Robust, all-metal construction adds to durability.
• Fast f/1.4 aperture creates beautiful bokeh.
• Sharpness is impressive throughout most of the aperture range.
• Great value for the price.

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit all photographers, particularly in fast-paced scenarios.
• Some minor softness at the edges when shooting wide open.
• Potential for chromatic aberration and flare in certain lighting conditions.

Verdict

In conclusion, the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 for Nikon Z is a strong contender in the realm of manual focus lenses. It offers excellent image quality, a solid build, and a fast aperture, making it particularly well-suited for street photography, portraits, and low-light scenarios. While it may not be the best choice for photographers who prefer the convenience of autofocus or those needing extreme edge-to-edge sharpness, it certainly shines in creative hands. If you're looking for a lens that enhances your photographic experience through tactile engagement and visual quality, the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 would be a worthy addition to your kit.