TTArtisan 35mm F1.8 II: a low-cost standard for Fujifilm hybrids

TTArtisan is what we call a third-party optics manufacturer, that is to say it offers photo/video lenses compatible with different brands of housings and therefore in different mounts. Its range includes 100% manual lenses and lenses equipped with autofocus such as this new second generation AF 35mm F1.8 II.

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This lens covers the APS-C sensor format and is therefore equivalent to 52.5mm if we use a conversion coefficient of 1.5X. It is therefore the standard focal length par excellence which can be used in many situations, such as reporting or even portraiture. Its bright f/1.8 maximum aperture with a 9-blade diaphragm ensures great perspectives in terms of depth of field and bokeh effects: a plus for example in portraits!

This lens is currently only available in Fujifilm X mount, but it is a safe bet that it will soon also be available in Sony E and Nikon Z mounts.

Who says second generation, says improvements. We can first mention the size and weight: the lens which measures less than 5 cm high loses 1.5 cm compared to the first generation. Mass level we go from around 200 grams to 176 grams. It is therefore quite compact and light and will normally be forgotten during long handheld shooting sessions. The lens is still made of metal, but is not protected against bad weather.

For autofocus, we find an STM motorization which supports eye, animal and car recognition offered on Fujifilm hybrids. Note that it is possible to update the lens firmware via its rear cap equipped with a connector and a USB-C socket. It offers a minimum focusing distance of 40 cm (versus 60 cm on the first generation) for close-up photography.

On the optical formula side, we find a construction of 10 elements divided into 7 groups with 2 glasses with a high refractive index and 2 glasses with low dispersion.

Availability and price

The new TTArtisan AF 35mm F1.8 II is already available and priced at US$125. We do not yet know its price in France, but for information the first generation was priced below €200 and this second generation is supposed to be cheaper than the first. We can therefore normally expect a price of between €150 and €200.

First opinion

It’s always good news to see new optics from third-party manufacturers arrive. This opens up prospects for users of Fujifilm bodies who have serious alternatives to the brand’s native lenses. This new AF 35mm F1.8 II is therefore positioned, for example, opposite the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary, the Fujifilm XF35mmF1.4 R or the Fujifilm XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR. If the optical performance is there, it will undoubtedly become a must-have.