Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogNovember 01, 2023TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 Review, TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 sample images, TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 sample photos, TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 review, TTArtisan 35mm f1.8 sample images, TTArtisan 35mm 1.8 review, TTArtisan 35mm 1.8 image quality, TTArtisan AF 35mm for Fuji, TTArtisan AF 35mm for Fuji X Mount4 Comments

TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 Review

The TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 X Review — The brand new TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X-Mount

A Hands-On Review of the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X-Mount

I will admit when TTArtisan offered to send me their new AF 35mm f/1.8 X lens for a review, I thought to myself; What can they possibly come up with to complement the excellent lens choices we have from Fujifilm in this focal length range? ‘

This is only the second autofocus lens for Fujifilm X-Mount from TTArtisan, but considering that the AF 27mm f/2.8 was quite likable at an affordable price point, perhaps the new AF 35mm f/1.8 would continue this trend.

I took it out for a spin on a fall weekend here in Vancouver and have a few points to share with you, along with several sample images.

The TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X-Mount seen here on the X-Pro2 — TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 X-Mount, seen on the Fujifilm X-Pro2

Introduction

The TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 was announced earlier this month. In this review, we take a look at the Fujifilm X-mount version. The lens will also be available for Sony E and Nikon Z-mounts.

TTArtisan provided this lens for my review, but has not dictated or suggested a narrative in any way.

At the time this review was posted, the price of the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 was unknown, but the review has now been updated to reflect the affordable price point of $149.00.

A woman is hiking at Whytecliff Park in Vancouver. Sample image from a TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8. — Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 @ f/2

TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 - Handling and Specs

Weight: 7.9 oz (225 g) on my kitchen scale. The official numbers state 199-205 g, depending on which version you have.
Filter size 52 mm
Minimum focusing distance: 23.6" / 60 cm
10 elements in 8 groups, including two high-index elements and one ED element
9-blade diaphragm
53mm full-frame equivalent focal length
The rear lens cap has a USB-C interface, which can be used for firmware upgrades

There is no mention of weather sealing.

The first thing that stands out with the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 is its sleek, minimalist design, featuring an almost all-black look that is edgy yet well-rounded, with a snugly fitting, tapered lens hood.

The lens hood is undoubtedly inspired by the Leica Q or many of the options offered by Squarehood, a Swedish lens hood manufacturer making classic-looking hoods.

If you cover the markings on the lens barrel with a few pieces of black tape, you would indeed have a very discreet-looking setup.

It's worth mentioning that the AF 35mm f/1.8 does not have an aperture ring, and you need to adjust it using a command dial on your camera.

With the metal mount, the lens feels solid without being too heavy. Overall, I find this to be a good-looking lens with a nice feel.

The TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X-Mount — TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 X-Mount, seen on the Fujifilm X-Pro2

TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 in Action

It is a familiar feeling that sets in when you mount the AF 35mm f/1.8, especially if you already have the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R. The two lenses are almost identical in size and weight. The XF 35mm f/1.4 R does, however, have a dedicated aperture ring.

This similarity translates into a near-perfect balance and weight ratio for my X-Pro cameras, and I imagine it would be the same for any Fujifilm camera; even smaller X-Series cameras would not be dwarfed by the AF 35mm f/1.8.

The autofocus speed is okay, but not particularly fast. I had no problems getting sharp images at the race track, and I also used it at a private family gathering for our Canadian Thanksgiving. It also performed okay in a dimly lit room.

Sunset on a beautiful October day at English Bay Beach. Sample image from a TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8. — English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 @ f/5.6

Image Quality

I was pleasantly surprised by the image quality from the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8, and I hope my sample images will tell the story.

Sharpness is excellent when stopped down slightly and remains very decent when shot wide open. To boot, it has a bit of character which I quite like, especially with black-and-white photos.

The colors look decent, too, but may not fully rival Fujifilm lenses when put under scrutiny. There is noticeable field curvature, which is somewhat surprising, as you mostly would see this in wide-angle lenses.

The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger images or pinch-zoom if on your mobile phone.

A photographer with the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 and Fujifilm X-Pro2 camera — TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 Fujifilm X-Mount, seen on the Fujifilm X-Pro2

Conclusion

The absence of an aperture ring on the AF 35mm f/1.8 is often a reason for some Fujifilm photographers to skip this lens. It is, after all, one of the hallmarks of the Fujifilm experience. I am slightly torn on this issue.

It's a wonderful tactile feeling to change the aperture on a lens, and something I've been doing for years on film cameras and later on with Fujifilm cameras.

It is, however, not a monumental deal. I have used command dials on Canon digital SLRs for several years, and most lately while testing a range of full-frame cameras.

The new Nikon Zf, which I just got, and native Nikkor lenses don't have aperture rings, but I still manage to get by.

One advantage of setting your aperture on a command dial is that you are less likely to bump it out of position inadvertently.

A young man is playing beach volleyball at English Bay Beach. Sample image from a TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8. — English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 @ f/1.8

As a value proposition in comparison to Fujifilm’s 35mm lenses, I will save some space here at the bottom of this review until we know the price of the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8. I will make sure to come back to this later. I will, however, take a quick guess at the price, which I think will be around $249.00. Please note that I have no inside knowledge on this.

Without knowing the price but assuming it will be considerably less than the Fujifilm counterparts, the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 looks to complement a crowded field of lens options at the affordable end of the scale. Autofocus speed is decent, but keep in mind it won’t be as snappy as Fujifilm lenses.

The AF 35mm f/1.8 has stealthy looks with decent build quality, and so far, I’ve been impressed with the images it can produce.

Update, January 2024

Now that we know the retail price of the TTArtsan AF 35mm f/1.8 is $149.00, it is, without a doubt, a good value proposition.

Pros

Stealthy good looks
Decent build quality
Surprisingly good image quality

Cons

Lacks weather sealing but at the low pricepoint this should not be expected
Does not have an aperture ring

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 AF 35mm f/1.8 XF - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 - 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. Some of the photos have been cropped slightly.

Please click to view larger images.