The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 lens has garnered attention among photographers seeking an affordable, compact prime lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Available for Fujifilm X, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts, this lens offers a 40.5mm full frame equivalent focal length, making it versatile for various photography genres, including street, travel, and everyday shooting.
I got my hands on an X-Mount copy out of a desire to transform my aging Fuji X-T1 into a pocketable “point-and-shoot” of sorts. Something I could let bang around on the floor of my car and have on hand when the situation calls for something light-duty but requires better image quality than a cell phone—like taking a portrait to accompany an article in the newspaper I work for.
At just $149 brand new, the lens is a clear value competitor to the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8, which typically runs about $300–$400 on the used market. The lenses have a similar size, although the Fuji weighs about 16 grams less than the TTArtisan lens. Don’t even start to compare it to the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2. It may share the same focal length, but the two lenses couldn’t be more different overall, with the Viltrox suited more for serious professional work.
Build and Design
Despite a budget-conscious price, the TTArtisan f/2.8 lens is constructed with a fairly robust metal exterior, allowing it to exude a sense of durability while maintaining a lightweight profile, weighing approximately 93 grams. Its pancake design ensures a slim form factor, allowing for easy portability and discreet shooting. The lens features a dedicated aperture ring with third-stop clicks ranging from f/2.8 to f/16, providing tactile feedback and facilitating the intuitive exposure adjustment so many of us Fujifilm shooters already know and love. However, the aperture ring is relatively narrow, which may require acclimatization for those accustomed to broader rings.
Autofocus Performance
Equipped with a stepping motor, the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 delivers reasonably fast and near-silent autofocus performance. In well-lit conditions, the autofocus system is quick and accurate, effectively locking onto subjects with minimal hunting, even on my aging X-T1. However, in low-light scenarios or when focusing on low-contrast subjects, the lens may exhibit some focus searching. It's worth noting that autofocus performance can vary depending on the camera body used; newer models with advanced autofocus algorithms may yield better results. The lens performed better on my XS-10 and X-T5 than on my X-T1.
Image Quality
I took the lens with me to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah to stretch its legs, and after spending a day in the park, it became easy to see that the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 offers commendable image quality, especially considering its price point. Center sharpness is impressive across all apertures, with peak performance observed between f/5.6 and f/8. Edge sharpness is slightly softer at wider apertures but improves upon stopping down. The lens exhibits noticeable vignetting at f/2.8, which diminishes as the aperture is closed down but never completely disappears. This characteristic can be creatively utilized or corrected in post-processing.
Chromatic aberrations are well-controlled, and the lens produces minimal distortion, maintaining straight lines effectively. Flare resistance is moderate; shooting directly into strong light sources may introduce flare artifacts, so using the included lens hood is advisable to mitigate this effect. The bokeh, or quality of out-of-focus areas, is generally pleasing, with a smooth rendition that enhances subject isolation, particularly at closer focusing distances.
Handling and Usability
The compact size and lightweight nature of the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 make it an excellent companion for photographers like myself who prioritize portability. Although my initial tests were more landscape-oriented, the unobtrusive design is ideal for street photography, allowing for candid shots without drawing attention. The manual focus ring is smooth and well-damped, providing a satisfying experience for those who prefer manual focusing. Additionally, the lens includes a small screw-in metal hood, which offers some protection against flare and physical damage.
One unique feature is the rear lens cap equipped with a USB-C port, enabling firmware updates to improve lens performance over time.
Value Proposition
The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 offers significant value, providing features and performance that do not embarrass itself against more expensive counterparts such as the aforementioned Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8. While it may not match the optical excellence of the Fuji variant, it delivers satisfactory results for everyday photography needs. For budget-conscious photographers or those seeking a compact prime lens without a substantial investment, the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 is a compelling option.
Conclusion
The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 lens stands out as an affordable, compact, and versatile prime lens suitable for various photography applications. Its solid build quality, decent autofocus performance, and commendable image quality make it a practical choice for photographers using APS-C mirrorless systems.
While it has minor shortcomings, such as vignetting at wider apertures and occasional autofocus hunting in challenging conditions, these are offset by its attractive price point and overall performance. For those in search of a budget-friendly prime lens that doesn't compromise significantly on quality, the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 is worth considering.
