Altura Photo vs lightdow EF

Overview of the Products

The Altura Photo 58MM 0.43x HD Wide Angle Lens is priced at $36.98, making it a budget-friendly option for photographers looking to expand their lens capabilities. In contrast, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $77.59, which is about 110% more expensive than the Altura lens. Both products cater to Canon DSLR users but serve different photographic purposes, with the Altura lens focusing on wide-angle capabilities and the EF 85mm lens specializing in portrait photography.

Purpose and Usage

The Altura Photo 58MM Wide Angle Lens is designed for photographers wanting to capture expansive scenes or landscapes. Its wide-angle feature allows for a broader field of view, making it ideal for group photos or landscape shots. The lens also includes a detachable macro lens for close-up photography, adding versatility to its use. On the other hand, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is tailored for portrait photography, offering a focal length that flatters subjects and creates a beautiful bokeh effect. This lens excels in capturing fine details and sharp images, making it a favorite among portrait photographers.

Compatibility

The Altura Photo lens is compatible with a range of popular 58MM lens models, including Canon and Nikon cameras. It specifically lists compatibility with Canon EOS models such as T7, T7i, T6i, and 90D, among others. Conversely, the EF 85mm lens is designed for Canon's DSLR lineup, including the Rebel series and higher-end models like the 5D Mark IV and 6D II. This wide compatibility makes both lenses appealing, but users should verify their camera's lens thread size and mount type before purchasing.

Image Quality

While the Altura Photo 58MM lens offers an impressive field of view, it does so without the same level of optical quality that the EF 85mm f1.8 lens provides. The EF 85mm lens boasts features like hybrid aspherical lenses and ultra multi-coating technology, which reduce aberrations and glare. This results in superb image quality with striking clarity and detail, particularly in portrait settings. The Altura lens, while versatile, may not match the optical excellence needed for professional-quality portraits.

Focus Mechanism

The Altura Photo lens features a simple screw-on attachment, making it user-friendly and easy to install. However, it lacks advanced focusing capabilities, relying more on the camera’s autofocus system. In contrast, the EF 85mm lens is fully manual and does not support autofocus, which may intimidate beginner photographers. However, this design allows for precise focus control, enabling skilled photographers to capture creative shots with great detail. The manual focus experience can significantly enhance a photographer's technical skills.

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two lenses is noteworthy. The Altura Photo lens is priced at $36.98, while the EF 85mm lens costs $77.59. This makes the Altura lens about 52% cheaper than the EF 85mm lens. For photographers on a budget or those who are just starting out, the Altura lens presents a more economical option. However, for those seeking higher image quality and specialized portrait capabilities, the investment in the EF 85mm may be well worth the additional cost.

Build Quality and Design

The Altura Photo lens is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it an excellent choice for travel photography. Its straightforward design is user-friendly for those new to photography. In contrast, the EF 85mm lens features a more robust build quality, which may be preferable for professional use. The manual focus ring and the overall design cater to serious photographers looking for durability and precision in their equipment.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Altura Photo 58MM Wide Angle Lens and the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens largely depends on your photography needs and experience level. If you're looking for an affordable option that offers versatility for wide-angle and close-up shots, the Altura lens is a great choice at $36.98. However, if you are a serious photographer focused on portraiture and are willing to invest more for superior image quality and control, the EF 85mm lens priced at $77.59 may be the better option. Ultimately, both lenses cater to specific needs, and your choice should align with your photographic goals and budget.