BENOISON vs TTARTISAN

Overview of the Products

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens - F Lens for Nikon is priced at $96.22, making it a budget-friendly option for portrait photography. In contrast, the TTARTISAN 40mm f2 Lens for Z Mount is significantly more expensive at $168.00. The price difference of about 75% reflects their different features and intended uses. While one is designed for manual focus and traditional DSLRs, the other caters to modern mirrorless systems with autofocus capabilities. Understanding these distinctions is essential for making an informed choice.

Intended Use

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is particularly tailored for portrait photography, well-suited for half-body and full-body shots. Its large aperture of f1.8 creates beautiful background bokeh, enhancing shallow depth-of-field effects. Conversely, the TTARTISAN 40mm f2 Lens presents a versatile option for various photography styles, including street photography and low-light conditions. With its full-frame perspective and a minimum focus distance of 0.4m, it captures authentic textures and details, making it a strong competitor for photographers seeking broad functionality.

Build Quality

In terms of build quality, the TTARTISAN 40mm f2 boasts an ultra-portable design made from premium 5052 aerospace aluminum, weighing only 167g. This lightweight construction makes it easy to carry for long shoots without compromising durability. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens, while not explicitly detailed in its build materials, is designed to be compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, emphasizing functionality over compactness. This difference in build may influence photographers’ preferences based on their shooting style and needs.

Focus Mechanism

A significant distinction lies in the focus mechanism of each lens. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens operates solely on manual focus, requiring users to turn the focus ring until the subject appears sharp in the viewfinder. This can be challenging for some, especially in fast-paced shooting situations. In contrast, the TTARTISAN 40mm f2 Lens features advanced autofocus technology, including an STM motor and face/eye tracking capabilities. This means users can achieve smooth focus transitions effortlessly, making it more suitable for dynamic environments, particularly for video and portrait work.

Aperture Performance

The aperture performance is another vital area of comparison. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens has a maximum aperture of f1.8, which is excellent for achieving a shallow depth of field and creating stunning background bokeh. However, the TTARTISAN 40mm f2, while slightly less wide, still provides a bright aperture that excels in low-light situations. This lens is designed to deliver clarity and vivid color reproduction, transforming challenging lighting into high-quality images. Photographers focusing on low-light environments might find this feature particularly appealing, even if the maximum aperture is not as wide.

Compatibility

When considering compatibility, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is specifically designed as an F mount lens for Nikon DSLRs, making it incompatible with Z-series mirrorless cameras. This limits its use for those who have transitioned to Nikon’s newer systems. On the other hand, the TTARTISAN 40mm f2 is compatible with a broad range of Nikon Z-mount cameras, including models like Z50, Z6, and Z9. This versatility allows users to take advantage of modern camera features, making the TTARTISAN a more future-proof investment for Nikon users.

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two lenses is substantial. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $96.22, while the TTARTISAN 40mm f2 Lens costs $168.00, making the latter about 75% more expensive. This price gap reflects not only their different features but also the technology advancements present in the TTARTISAN lens. For photographers on a budget, the 85mm option provides an attractive entry point into portrait photography without breaking the bank, whereas the TTARTISAN lens justifies its higher price with its autofocus capabilities and build quality.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the TTARTISAN 40mm f2 Lens ultimately depends on your photography style and equipment. If you are focused on portrait photography and already own a compatible Nikon DSLR, the 85mm lens offers great value at $96.22, with its impressive bokeh and shallow depth-of-field. However, if you are looking for a versatile, modern lens that works with Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras and includes autofocus features, the TTARTISAN lens, despite its higher price of $168.00, may be the better choice. Choose based on your specific needs, budget, and camera system compatibility.