TTArtisan has recently announced a 500mm f/6.3 lens for Sony E Mount, Leica L Mount, Nikon Z Mount, and Canon RF Mount, and it is only $329! So, what is the catch? In this video by Olle Nilsson, he reviews this lens and explains the positives and negatives.
Let us address the big elephant in the room: this lens is a 500mm prime for a fraction of the cost of normal lenses in this focal range. Why? Well, because it is a manual focus lens with no electronic contacts, so your camera will not be able to communicate with this lens at all.
For most, let us be honest: this will be a problem. Trying to focus on a fast-moving bird manually will be an enormous challenge even for the most experienced of wildlife photographers. However, you are not just limited to wildlife with this lens.
However, in this video from Nilsson, he sure gives it a go and manages to capture some nice, sharp photos of small birds. One thing Nilson is impressed with is how the lens does have nice sharpness and certainly benefits from the feel that prime lenses offer their images.
One thing not really mentioned in the video is that you could use this lens in astrophotography such as photographing the Orion Nebula, the Moon, or other amazing targets in the night sky.
The TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3 is a nice, budget-friendly option available to pre-order currently in four different mounts. Sure, it is no 400mm f/2.8 with amazing autofocus, but it could still be worth a punt!
Very sensitive, precise focus peaking would be a great way to compensate for this lens' lack of autofocus.
Absolutely. Mirrorless cameras often have that feature, but may be best to also invest in an external monitor for best practice
Olle Nillson says in the video that the focus is very stiff. Perhaps a cheap follow focus puller like this one could help: https://www.ebay.com/itm/144587706013
External monitor? I am not familiar with that. What is it? And would it work out in the field when stalking through the woods and over the mountains to photograph wildlife?
You can pick up 7" or bigger monitors, which are just better versions of the lcd monitors you get on your camera typically. Some you can put on your hot shoe, or use a smallrig cage to attach it to your camera body. Many filmmakers will use external monitors, and if say your camera is on a tripod and you are in a hide or something, it is a good option to have for filming or photographing wildlife
Are they kinda like when you pair your camera to your phone and use the phone screen in lieu of the LCD?
It would be attractive to me if was a 600 f/4 manual or a 300 f/2.8 other than that I'm already covered.
Yes, it's combination of focal length and aperture does seem to be less than what many of us already own and use on a regular basis. But I suppose for a newbie who doesn't already have a true supertelephoto, and can't afford one, it could be a fun addition to their kit.
I think for the price point and those looking for a good cheap alternative which will help people learn about manual focusing, it is a good buy for sure.
Depending on the popularity of this lens, they may look at others in the future
Looks to be better than my old Cambron 500mm f8 or Spiratone 400mm f6.3. Might get you by until you can afford an autofocus lens around that focal length.