BENOISON vs TTArtisan 7.

Overview of the Lenses

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens for Nikon is a manual focus lens priced at $96.22, while the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0 for Sony is a fisheye lens available for $139.00. Each lens targets different photography styles and camera systems, appealing to specific user needs.

The 85mm f1.8 is designed for portrait photography, providing a natural perspective and stunning background bokeh due to its wide aperture. In contrast, the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0 offers a unique 180-degree fisheye perspective, making it excellent for creative photography, including astrophotography and architectural shots. Thus, while they serve different purposes, both lenses offer distinct features that cater to varying artistic visions.

Price Comparison

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $96.22, making it about 31% cheaper than the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0, which retails for $139.00. This price difference may influence a buyer's decision, especially those on a budget or looking for a high-quality portrait lens without breaking the bank.

The lower price of the 85mm lens does not compromise its quality, as it is designed for Nikon DSLRs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of cameras. Conversely, the TTArtisan lens, while more expensive, offers unique fisheye effects suitable for a niche audience. Therefore, the choice between the two may depend on the photographer's budget and specific needs.

Lens Design and Build

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a classic design for Nikon cameras, emphasizing its suitability for portrait and street photography. It requires manual focusing, which can provide a more hands-on experience for users who enjoy precise control over their shots.

On the other hand, the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0, designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, boasts a compact and lightweight build, allowing for easy handling and portability. Its fisheye design enables a wide-angle view that adds a creative flair to images. Both lenses are crafted to meet the needs of their respective camera systems, but their designs cater to different shooting styles, highlighting the importance of user preferences.

Focusing and Shooting Experience

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens requires manual focus, meaning photographers must adjust the focus ring to achieve sharp images. This lens is ideal for those who appreciate the art of manual photography, as it allows users to fine-tune their shots and engage more deeply with their craft. However, this may pose a challenge for those accustomed to autofocus systems, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve.

Conversely, the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0 also operates on manual focus but excels in creative shooting scenarios. Its minimum focusing distance of just 4 inches enables extreme close-up shots, making it perfect for unique compositions. Photographers using this lens can explore various creative effects in their images, such as exaggerated perspectives and humorous visual results. Thus, the shooting experience differs significantly between the two lenses, catering to distinct photographic styles.

Aperture and Low-Light Performance

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a large f1.8 aperture, which is excellent for creating a shallow depth of field and delivering beautiful background bokeh. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for portrait photographers who want their subjects to stand out against a softly blurred background. However, it’s essential to note that the lens requires manual exposure control, as aperture values will not display on the camera.

In contrast, the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0 offers a slightly wider aperture of f2.0, allowing for better low-light performance compared to typical fisheye lenses that often have an f2.8 limit. This makes the TTArtisan a viable option for shooting in dim conditions, such as during astrophotography sessions. This difference in aperture capabilities highlights how each lens is tailored to meet specific photographic needs, making them suitable for different shooting environments.

Creative Applications

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is particularly well-suited for portraiture, offering a natural perspective and the ability to capture striking close-ups. Its capabilities make it ideal for street photography and detailed shots, where a soft background can enhance the subject's features. Photographers looking to create stunning portraits or engage in street photography will find this lens a valuable addition to their kit.

On the other hand, the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0 excels in creative applications, particularly in capturing expansive landscapes, architecture, and unique portraits. The 180-degree fisheye perspective allows photographers to explore unconventional compositions and deliver dynamic images that stand out. Whether it's crafting a cosmic perspective or capturing grand architectural scenes, this lens offers versatility in creative expression, appealing to photographers who wish to push the boundaries of traditional photography.

Compatibility and Usability

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is designed for a wide array of Nikon DSLR cameras, including popular models such as the D3500, D850, and D7500. This broad compatibility makes it a practical choice for Nikon users looking to enhance their portrait photography without investing heavily in expensive gear.

In contrast, the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0 is tailored for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, including models such as the A7III and A6000 series. While it also offers extensive compatibility, users must ensure their camera settings are adjusted for optimal performance, especially in APS-C mode for full-frame Sony models. This difference in compatibility highlights the importance of choosing a lens that aligns with the camera system, affecting usability and overall shooting experience.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0 depends largely on your photographic needs and style. If you are a portrait photographer seeking a budget-friendly lens with excellent bokeh and depth-of-field control, the 85mm f1.8 at $96.22 is an excellent option. However, if you are drawn to creative photography and require a unique fisheye perspective, the TTArtisan 7.5mm F2.0, priced at $139.00, may be worth the investment. Each lens has its strengths and caters to different audiences, making your choice highly dependent on your specific interests in photography.