TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4

Sony E

Review

The TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 for Sony E mount is an exciting addition to the realm of prime lenses, striking a balance between performance and affordability. Designed with enthusiasts and professionals in mind, this lens positions itself as a versatile option for a variety of photographic styles—ranging from street photography to portraiture.

Build Quality and Design

TTArtisan has managed to present a lens that feels solid in hand, with a full metal construction that ensures durability without adding excessive weight. The lens features a classic, compact design, making it easy to carry around while contributing to a streamlined look on both cameras and during shoots. The focus ring is smooth and adequately dampened, allowing for precise adjustments, which is crucial for achieving perfect focus in manual mode. The lens incorporates a 10-blade diaphragm, leading to aesthetically pleasing bokeh that enhances the overall look of your images.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optics, the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 performs admirably. At f/1.4, it delivers impressive sharpness across the frame, though slight vignetting is noticeable at wider apertures. As you stop down to f/2.8 and beyond, sharpness improves significantly, making this lens a solid choice for landscape photography as well. Color rendition is vibrant and true to life, exhibiting minimal chromatic aberration. This is particularly beneficial for those who wish to maintain high fidelity in their images without extensive post-processing.

However, one must be cautious of distortion, especially when shooting architectural subjects. It's manageable in most cases, but worth noting for those who require perfectly straight lines.

Usability and Compatibility

With its manual focus design, the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 may not cater to the needs of every photographer, especially those who rely heavily on autofocus. However, for those comfortable with manual focusing, this lens can be a joy to operate. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it a recommendable companion for long street photography sessions or when travelling. Additionally, it pairs well with the high-resolution sensors of Sony's E mount mirrorless cameras, making it a reliable choice in diverse shooting conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High build quality with full metal construction
• Excellent optical performance at f/1.4
• Smooth manual focus with a well-damped focus ring
• Attractive bokeh quality
• Lightweight and compact, ideal for street and travel photography

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit every photographer
• Slight vignetting at wider apertures
• Some distortion present, especially in architectural shots

Verdict

The TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 for Sony E mount is a robust and worthy contender in the manual focus lens market. Its combination of sharpness, solid build quality, and vintage charm makes it an appealing option for photographers looking to expand their lens collection without breaking the bank. While it may not suit everyone due to its manual focus design, those who embrace it will find a capable lens that holds its own across various shooting scenarios. Whether capturing the hustle of street life or the serenity of nature, this lens proves to be a delightful companion for creative photographers.