For years, I’ve only used manual focus lenses for my 35mm needs. Since I’m using a crop sensor camera, 35mm is equivalent to 50mm on full frame. Because of that, I’ve always found 35mm a bit tight for the type of photography I do. What I do find it useful for, though, is taking product shots for my blog and the occasional portrait, which isn’t really my forte. That’s why I never really bothered upgrading my 35mm lens.
But I think I’ve finally had enough of using manual focus lenses on digital cameras, which is why I bought the TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II. It’s an affordable autofocus prime lens, and based on my experience, it produces good image quality despite its price.
Lens design and construction
Like all the TTArtisan lenses I’ve used, the TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II has nice build quality, featuring an all-metal body. The lens is also compact, although not quite as compact as the tiny Viltrox 28mm f4.5. It also looks good on my Fujifilm X-E3, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have a physical aperture ring, which is apparently “required” for all Fujifilm users. That’s a joke, by the way. 😉
But to be honest, the simplicity of the lens and its design are exactly what I was looking for in my camera gear nowadays. Simple yet functional. The focus ring is also wide and smooth, which is always nice to have when you need it.
The lens also comes with a tiny lens hood, but I opted to buy a square lens hood instead. It does a better job of reducing flare and also provides better protection for the front glass.
What’s in the box
As simple as the lens is, the packaging is pretty straightforward too. You get a manual that nobody reads, the lens, a lens hood, a lens cap, and a rear lens cap that doubles as a dock when you need to update the firmware.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a USB-C cable for firmware updates. But who doesn’t have one of those lying around the house?
TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II and TTArtisan 17mm f1.8
Side by side with the TTArtisan 17mm, both lenses are similar in height, but the 35mm is wider. The 17mm takes 49mm filters, while the 35mm takes 52mm filters. So, if you plan to use filters, especially CPL or ND filters, you obviously can’t share them between the two lenses. You’ll need to buy one for each, or simply use a step-up ring and get the larger 52mm filter.
Now that I have both the 35mm and 17mm AIR series lenses from TTArtisan, I’m only missing the 23mm. However, based on the reviews I’ve seen online, it seems to be the worst performer of the three, so I don’t think I’ll be getting that one. Besides, I already have a Fujifilm X100S that covers that focal length.
Real world samples
Okay, enough with the yapping. Let’s get down to business. And when I say business, I mean photos taken with the lens.
TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II Autofocus and Image Quality
Overall, I’m satisfied with how the TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 II performs. The images are sharp, and autofocus is fast and accurate in bright conditions. However, the lens does focus more slowly in low light and sometimes even back-focuses. I’m not sure if it’s just my copy, but it doesn’t happen that often and has never really bothered me. Still, it’s something worth keeping an eye on.
But what really bothered me is how slow the lens is to start up. Every time I turn on my camera or return from image playback, the lens has a noticeable hiccup and takes about a second before I can shoot. I think it has something to do with the aperture resetting itself or something.
Other than that, you really can’t ask for much more from a lens that costs less than Php 6,000 (around $100).
