Lens ReviewMorten ByskovMay 11, 2022TTArtisan, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 review, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 sample images, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 sample photos, TTArtisan 23mm review, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 vs. Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X, TTArtisans 23mm f/1.4 Handling and Specs, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 in Action, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 Image Quality4 Comments

TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 Review

TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X review — The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X mount shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3

TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X-Mount

There has been a lot of buzz around the 23mm focal length for the Fujifilm X mount lately. In February the highly anticipated Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR hit store shelves.

Viltrox has a well-regarded Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF, $299.00, and Voigtländer has announced a promising Cosina Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 for Fujifilm X-Mount as well.

We have a top-of-the-line and a few affordable choices but what about an entry-level option? TTArtisan has filled this gap with the recent introduction of the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4. Let us see how it fits into the mix.

The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4, silver, for Fujifilm X mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro3 — The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X mount, silver, shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3

TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 - Introduction

At $99.00 and released in the spring of 2022 the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 is indeed an entry-level choice. It is currently available for Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M, Nikon Z, Sony E, and micro four-thirds mounts.

The TTArtisan provides a full-frame 35mm equivalent field of view.

With an inexpensive lens such as the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4, how critical do we allow ourselves to be? The cost after all is only a mere hundred dollars. Are there downsides we can live with, does it have unknown strengths or is the whole experience cumbersome?

Two men sit on a log and take in the view at Ambleside Beach in Vancouver. Sample image from a TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 — Ambleside Beach, West Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 @ f/1.4

TTArtisans 23mm f/1.4 - Handling and Specs

The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 comes in a black or silver version. Traditionally I would go for less bling but thought I would see if the silver version would win me over.

I cannot decide if I like this retro look but probably lean toward finding it a tad gimmicky. The silver accent squares on the focus ring look like brushed aluminum with a semi-gloss look. The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 has a nice heft to it, although it is a small lens with a 43mm filter diameter.

My copy weighs 8.4 oz, 238 g, and its dimensions are 2.4 x 1.6", 60 x 40.5 mm. It is a perfect size for a walk-around lens for my X-Pro3 and would make a great fit for smaller cameras such as the Fujifilm X-E4 or Fujifilm X-S10.

The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X mounted on the Fujifilm X-Pro3 — The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X mount, silver, shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3

TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 in Action

I have shot several manual focus lenses lately and use the rear command dial for focus checks. It is an extra step to ensure accurate focus but if you have the time it is well worth it.

I only had one severely out-of-focus shot over the weekend. I am sure my photos are not all one hundred percent in focus but most are certainly usable.

Working a manual focus lens is a lot about muscle memory as you do take a few extra steps before hitting the shutter release.

I do wish companies such as TTArtisan would incorporate electronic contacts transfering EXIF information to the camera but of course, this would add cost and perhaps make the lenses less competitive in this segment.

The new Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 will have this feature and shooting distance and EXIF info will be available. It does, however, mean a much higher price point of $699.00.

A woman walks by a flower display at Meinhardt in Vancouver. Sample image from a TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 — Meinhardt, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4

The aperture range is f/1.4 to f/16 clickable in half stops from f/1.4 to f/4 and full stops from f/4 to f/16. The aperture ring is very narrow but surprisingly easy to work with despite this design. The aperture ring does not feel as refined as the rest of the lens.

The focus ring is well-dampened and sufficiently smooth with about a 45-degree focus throw. I like the look of the concave front element.

The TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 has 8 elements in 6 groups, one LD element, and what TTArtisan calls, three high index elements. A 10-blade diaphragm should ensure good-looking bokeh.

Focus is manual and although the lens has a nice metal mount no electronic contacts or EXIF information are going to the camera.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Sample image from a TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 — Downtown, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4

TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 vs. Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R

I have yet to review the Viltrox 23mm and Voigtländer Nokton 23mm f/1.2 but have recently tested the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR so it was great having this experience fresh in memory.

At $899.00 we are talking about the flagship model compared to the entry bargain option at almost one-tenth of the cost and comparisons are perhaps not entirely fair.

The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR is on all accounts the better lens and has a long list of features that may or may not be important to you.

First of all, it has autofocus with a fast linear motor. It is weather-resistant and features corner-to-corner sharp images, even when shot wide open. The colors produced are accurate, vibrant, and rich with chromatic aberration being very well controlled.

It is also a much larger and more expensive lens and geared toward pro photographers or enthusiasts demanding more from their photography gear.

If you like manual focus lenses, lighter weight, and if you are not super fussy about your image quality the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 is still worth a look, especially if you are concerned about your budget.

You can read my review of the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR here:

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR - Review

Size comparison between the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4, TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4, and Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 - Image Quality

The downside of working with an entry-budget type lens such as the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 is the fact that you will need to spend more time in post-processing to get good results.

Images may come across as somewhat dull and not as sharp and vibrant as with better lenses. Often what you see in the field is poorly translated by the lens.

With proper editing skills, you can, however, come away with photos that are not disastrous by any means. I hope you can see what I mean by checking out the sample images in this review and then perhaps comparing them with my other Fujifilm lens reviews.

In the defense of the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4, we are talking about a significantly lower-priced lens.

Corner sharpness is suffering at f/1.4 and improves only slightly by f/2.8 and f/4. It never really disappears but is not too bad around the optimal settings around f/5.6 and f/8.

Barrel distortion is also apparent and somewhat erratic. For certain types of images, this can be distracting and for others, it will not matter as much. I found the bokeh to be pretty good.

The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger photos.

Conclusion - Tool or Toy?

In my intro, I questioned how critical we can allow ourselves to be when reviewing a $100.00 lens. You can easily argue that the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 is excellent value for the money spent and at the same time add critical questions;

Is this a lens you would want for yourself? How does it fit into your kit and vision of what you want to create?

If you have never dabbled at the 23mm focal length or would like to try out a manual focus lens for the first time, there is little lost venturing out with the TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 at the low price point and in the hand of a skilled photographer you should be able to create some fun and interesting results.

If, however, you strive for something better or want a professional tool that delivers results in a variety of lighting and weather conditions you should be better served by one of Fujifilm's 23mm options.

Pros

Good value for money spent
Decent build quality
Smooth focusing ring

Cons

Sub par image quality but realistic at the price point

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 - Sample Images

Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos, especially Classic Neg. and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.