TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4

Sony E

Review

The TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 lens for Sony E mount is an intriguing option for photographers seeking a wide-angle lens that combines quality with affordability. The design features a compact and lightweight build, making it highly portable and suitable for various photography styles, from landscape to street photography. With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, it allows for excellent low-light performance and background blur, which is particularly appealing for portrait and creative photography.

One of the standout characteristics of the TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 is its impressive sharpness across most of the frame. Even when wide open at f/1.4, images retain a commendable level of detail, though some softness may be noticeable at the very edges. As for color rendition, this lens does a great job of producing vibrant images with good contrast, enhancing the overall quality of your shots.

The build quality is generally solid, with a full metal construction that gives it a premium feel. The manual focus design is smooth and precise, catering perfectly to those who prefer complete control over their focus. However, this comes with the caveat that autofocus enthusiasts will need to look elsewhere, as the TTArtisan is strictly a manual focus lens.

In terms of optical performance, it exhibits minimal chromatic aberration and distortion, which is noteworthy for a wide-angle lens in this price range. Flare control is commendable as well, allowing you to shoot into the sun without compromising color fidelity significantly. Photographers will appreciate the lens's close focusing capability, providing flexibility for creative compositions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent sharpness, especially in the center
• Solid build quality with full metal construction
• Impressive low-light performance thanks to f/1.4 aperture
• Vibrant color reproduction with good contrast
• Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may not suit everyone's style
• Some softness at the edges when wide open
• Limited to a specific niche of photographers who favor manual focus

Verdict

Overall, the TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 is a fantastic choice for photographers looking for a budget-friendly wide-angle lens with quality optics and a sturdy build. While the manual focus may deter some users, the lens’s optical performance and low-light capabilities make it an excellent option for those willing to embrace a hands-on approach. If you’re pursuing creative avenues in landscape, architecture, or street photography on the Sony E mount, this lens is certainly worth considering.