TTArtisans 25mm f2 lens review: is this lens right for you? Should you buy it?

Like many other very inexpensive lenses that have appeared on the market over the least few years, this one is bound to attract the question: "Is it any good?"
In this enthusiast's review we'll explore the capabilities of this lens, where it works and where it doesn't.
If you have considered buying this lens, this review will answer your questions as to whether or not this lens is right for your photography.
#fujifilm #nikon #canon #sony #leica #voigtlander #sigma #tokina #tamronlens #pentax #ttartisans #7artisans #viltrox
#learnphotography #photographybasics #beginnerphotography #betterphotography #photographybypetercharles

[@swagonman]

You can fix your focus problem easily by adjusting the infinity stop of the focus ring. Loosen the three tiny set screws. After that, it may or may not require some effort to break the ring loose due to variations in how much thread lock is in there. But once the ring is decoupled from the lens focus, you can turn it and then tighten a screw to adjust the infinity focus point. With multiple trial and error attempts, you will be able to get actual focus at infinity lined up to the infinity stop. I did it on my copy of this lens, as well as their 50mm f1.2 lens. It's a nice feature from TT Artisan. Also, I find most all the Fuji focus aids to not be precise enough. The one that works is 10x zoom. On a manual lens without any electronics like this, you have to invoke 10x via the rear dial. But with 10x, I get precise focus. Last thing: you have a lot of other issues with your copy. Perhaps you have a bad copy. I have the soft extreme corners, as do all reviewers of this lens. But I don't have as much of a contrast problem as you. My copy makes reasonably good images.

[@photographybypetercharles9939]

Thanks for the reply, I was aware of that. However, these lenses should be correct when they leave the factory. The fact that they have used a thread lock (Locktite) suggests that the factory does not see this as a user adjustable feature.

[@swagonman]

@@photographybypetercharles9939 I somewhat agree and somewhat disagree. Having it adjustable is a good feature compared to almost all manual focus lenses where they focus past infinity. If I take the time to adjust it, I can use the infinity stop and know it works. Other lenses don't even offer that. And it would cost them a lot to build it with perfect infinity-stopped focus, which is why nobody does that in the whole industry, to my knowledge. Also, thread lock is appropriate for set screws; however, with poor tolerances, too much thread-lock can make it difficult to break free the focus ring. So that would be a manufacturing tolerance issue on an ultra-cheap $50 lens. Hmmm. Are you surprised? No. Can you overcome it? Yes. By comparison, you can't fix the soft corners and some of the other optical issues, so for those, you have to decide how you feel vs. what you spend.

[@FT__Photography_____-dh8he]

Thank you for actually sharing the defects and limitations of the lens. So many people say "wow it is great for $55".

[@lwwells]

I have this lens and enjoy it. So thank you for this video because now I can convince myself that I deserve a Voigtländer 27 mm ultron.

[@malcolmtice175]

I have this lens and this review is spot on. Loads of reviews online that gloss over the problems. Looks great and well made but avoid

[@jungleboy1]

sooo, old fuji sensor + this lens = vintage...... cool!

[@EddieInzauto]

I think you should try a different copy of the same lens. I got a veeeeery nice one.

[@photographybypetercharles9939]

Which is the problem with cheap lenses - sample variation. The problem when buying one - are we getting a good one?

[@brownwallet942]

I can't always get it to focus with my XE1

[@photographybypetercharles9939]

Is this when trying to focus to infinity? BTW, the X-E1 doesn't have the best manual focus support as the peaking is hard to see. Make sure you have the manual focus magnification enabled.

[@brownwallet942]

@@photographybypetercharles9939 I have the switch to manual mode. The focus peaking is a hit and miss, but mostly miss. A few days ago, I bought myself a 16mm f2.8. I set it to continuous mode and I almost never got any out of focuse shot. The TT Artisan takes good black and white photos though

[@cassiofonte8172]

He is unaware you can adjust infinity focus in this lens. Basically pretty much all ttartisan.

[@photographybypetercharles9939]

Which is moot. A lens should come out of the factory with the correct flange distance. It shouldn't be left up to the customer to figure out how to correct a manufacturing error.

[@swagonman]

@@photographybypetercharles9939That is true. But regardless, you can fix it easily for no money. And you paid less for it than most people spend on coffee in a month. I got my copy for $52. It focused to infinity very slightly early (like most competing lenses), but then I adjusted it to exactly the infinity stop. It took me 10min total. But I’m mechanically inclined due to my father’s genetics.

[@dualsport-travelercom]

Hello Mr Charles, thanks for the nice review.
When I saw the first pictures I had an idea of a "lomo" camera. Definitely nothing for me as a street lens. I started with slide film and all manual. Therefore I try not to do anything in post and I love the Fuji cameras for this exact feeling.
But your idea to keep it as a 1910s lens for certain applications makes sense.
I guess that I will go for one. With this price it is actually a no-brainer.
Thanks, I love your quiet and thoughtful reviews. Please carry on.