Lenses in the affordable range often make compromises, but the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 II aims to strike a balance between price and performance. With a focal length equivalent to about 50mm on full frame, it offers a versatile standard view suitable for various shooting styles.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this detailed video takes a close look at the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 II. At just $125, it’s significantly cheaper than most alternatives, but Frost examines whether its performance matches its promise. The lens is small and lightweight, weighing only 176 grams, with a robust metal body and a USB port for firmware updates. However, it lacks weather-sealing, which might be a concern in certain shooting conditions. Its autofocus system is quiet and fairly accurate, although it has a slight hesitation before locking focus. Frost highlights the manual focus mechanism, which is functional but not very precise—something to consider if you rely heavily on manual adjustments.
At f/1.8, the center of the frame delivers solid contrast, though the edges show softness and chromatic aberrations. Stopping down to f/5.6 improves sharpness across the frame. In close-up shots, contrast and detail drop at f/1.8 but improve significantly at narrower apertures. While the lens handles distortion well, it exhibits strong vignetting at wide apertures when shooting in raw. Frost advises paying attention to these issues if you plan to use the lens for uncorrected images.
Key Specs
- Focal Length: 35mm (equivalent to 52.5mm on full frame)
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Lens Mount: Fujifilm X
- Minimum Focus Distance: 15.7" (39.9 cm)
- Dimensions: 2 x 1.9" (52 x 49 mm)
- Weight: 6.2 oz (176 g)
The lens’ bokeh is another highlight, with smooth, attractive background separation at f/1.8. However, specular highlights in the corners can appear as pronounced cat’s-eye shapes. Flare control is a notable weakness, with abundant, varied flaring visible against bright lights. Using the lens hood mitigates this but doesn’t eliminate the issue.
Overall, Frost notes that the lens offers good value for its price. Its improvements in size, weight, and contrast over its predecessor make it a compelling option for budget-conscious photographers, though it’s not without flaws. Issues like flaring, vignetting, and occasional overexposure hint at limitations inherent in a lens at this price point. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
