BENOISON vs Altura Photo

Overview of the Products

In the realm of camera lenses, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens - F Lens for Nikon and the Altura Photo 58MM 0.43x HD Wide Angle Lens with Macro cater to different photography needs. While the former excels in portrait and close-up photography, the latter offers versatility for wide-angle shots. Understanding their unique features and applications can help you choose the right lens for your camera setup.

Price Comparison

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $96.22, while the Altura Photo 58MM Wide Angle Lens retails for $36.98. This places the Altura Photo lens at about 61% cheaper than the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens. For those on a budget or looking to explore wide-angle photography without a significant investment, the Altura Photo lens presents a compelling option. However, the higher price of the 85mm lens reflects its specialized design aimed at portrait photography.

Compatibility and Functionality

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is designed explicitly for various Nikon DSLR cameras, including models like the D3500 and D850, ensuring a perfect fit for Nikon enthusiasts. In contrast, the Altura Photo 58MM Wide Angle Lens is compatible with a range of Canon and Nikon lenses that feature a 58mm filter thread. This broad compatibility makes the Altura Photo lens versatile, but it requires users to verify their lens thread size before purchase. If you own a Nikon camera, the 85mm lens provides a seamless experience tailored to Nikon's systems.

Lens Type and Focus

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens, meaning it does not offer auto-focus capabilities. Users must switch to Manual (M) mode on their cameras to utilize this lens effectively. This can be beneficial for photographers who prefer hands-on control over their focus, allowing for precise adjustments. On the other hand, the Altura Photo 58MM Wide Angle Lens can easily screw onto the front of compatible lenses, expanding the field of view for wide-angle shots. Its detachable macro lens feature also allows for high-resolution close-up photography, providing added flexibility that the 85mm lens does not offer.

Aperture and Image Quality

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens boasts a large f1.8 aperture, making it ideal for creating stunning background bokeh and achieving a shallow depth of field. This is particularly useful in portrait photography, where separation from the background is often desired. In contrast, the Altura Photo Wide Angle Lens primarily functions to widen the field of view, which can sometimes compromise image quality at the edges. While it may be great for landscapes or large group shots, it does not match the specialized capabilities of the 85mm lens in terms of depth and focus control.

Ideal Use Cases

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is perfect for half-body and full-body portraits, as well as detailed close-ups. Its design is tailored for street photography, allowing photographers to capture subjects with a natural perspective. Conversely, the Altura Photo Wide Angle Lens is geared towards those looking to capture expansive scenes, such as landscapes or architectural photography. It also serves well in close-up situations due to its macro capabilities. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize portrait work or wide-angle versatility.

Brand Reputation and Customer Support

BENOISON, the brand behind the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens, is known for producing specialized photography equipment that meets the demands of serious photographers. The Altura Photo brand, meanwhile, is recognized for providing accessible photographic accessories that enhance the capabilities of existing lenses. While both brands have their strengths, those looking for dedicated portrait lenses may find BENOISON's offerings more aligned with their needs, whereas Altura Photo might appeal to the casual photographer seeking broad functionality.

User Experience and Ease of Use

Using the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens requires some familiarity with manual focus techniques, which can be a learning curve for beginners. The lens must be set to Manual (M) mode to function correctly, and users may encounter a 'Lens not attached' error if not set up properly. This may deter new photographers who prefer automatic settings. In contrast, the Altura Photo Wide Angle Lens provides a more straightforward user experience, easily attaching to compatible lenses without the need for manual adjustments. This ease of use makes it a more beginner-friendly option.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the Altura Photo 58MM Wide Angle Lens ultimately depends on your photography style and requirements. If you're focused on portraiture and demand high-quality images with beautiful bokeh, the 85mm f1.8 lens is worth its higher price at $96.22. Alternatively, if you seek a versatile, budget-friendly option for wide-angle shots and macro photography, the Altura Photo lens at $36.98 is an excellent choice. Consider what type of photography you enjoy most and choose accordingly.