Canon EF-S 18- vs TTArtisan AF

Overview of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is STM

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is STM lens is a versatile zoom lens that caters to various photography needs, making it a popular choice among Canon users. With a current price of $329.95, it offers a broad focal length range, perfect for shooting everything from landscapes to portraits. This lens features an inner focusing system and supports Canon's Movie Servo AF for smooth video shooting. The refined image stabilization system provides up to four stops of shake correction, making it a reliable companion for both stills and video.

Overview of the TTArtisan AF 27mm F2.8

The TTArtisan AF 27mm F2.8 is designed for Fujifilm X-Mount cameras and comes in at a significantly lower price of $159.99, making it about 51% cheaper than the Canon lens. This compact prime lens is equipped with a stepping motor for smooth autofocus and supports eye-detection autofocus for better subject tracking. Its closest focusing distance is 0.35 m, allowing for detailed close-up shots. With a click aperture ring, it provides a more user-friendly shooting experience, especially for those who prefer hands-on control over their settings.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm excels with its combination of one UD and one PMO aspheric lens. This construction helps to reduce chromatic aberration and ensures high resolution and contrast across the zoom range. The lens also features a seven-blade circular aperture that delivers beautiful bokeh, enhancing the quality of your images. On the other hand, while the TTArtisan AF 27mm offers decent image quality, its performance is largely dependent on the camera body it is paired with and may not reach the same level of sharpness and color accuracy as the Canon lens.

Versatility and Focal Length

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm's focal length range is one of its standout features, allowing photographers to adapt to various shooting scenarios without changing lenses. This versatility makes it particularly ideal for travel and outdoor photography. In contrast, the TTArtisan AF 27mm is a prime lens with a fixed focal length. While it encourages creative composition and can produce stunning images, it lacks the zoom functionality that many photographers find essential in dynamic shooting environments. Thus, if versatility is a key consideration, the Canon lens may be the better choice.

Autofocus Capabilities

The autofocus systems in the two lenses demonstrate distinct advantages. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm features a high-speed inner focusing system, optimized AF algorithm, and Movie Servo AF for seamless video recording. This makes it highly effective for both stills and moving subjects. Meanwhile, the TTArtisan AF 27mm employs a stepping motor and supports eye-detection autofocus, which can be a game changer for portrait photographers focusing on capturing subjects with precision. However, the lack of a zoom capability in the TTArtisan could limit its effectiveness in fast-paced shooting scenarios compared to Canon's lens.

Build Quality and Design

Build quality is another area where these lenses differ. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm is designed to be robust, featuring a zoom ring lock that prevents accidental extension. Weighing 16.9 oz., it feels substantial in hand, which can be beneficial for stability during shooting. The TTArtisan AF 27mm, being a compact prime lens, is lighter and easier to carry, making it suitable for street photography and casual shooting. However, it may not offer the same level of durability as the Canon lens, which has been built for a wider range of shooting conditions.

Price Comparison

In terms of pricing, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is priced at $329.95, while the TTArtisan AF 27mm comes in at $159.99. This makes the TTArtisan lens about 51% cheaper, which could be a significant factor for budget-conscious photographers. However, the price difference also reflects the capabilities and features each lens offers. The Canon lens provides more versatility and advanced features, which might justify its higher cost for professional users.

Which should you buy?

The decision between the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 and the TTArtisan AF 27mm F2.8 largely depends on your specific needs as a photographer. If you seek versatility, robust image stabilization, and the ability to shoot in various environments, the Canon lens is the superior option despite its higher price. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly, compact prime lens that still delivers decent image quality and autofocus capabilities, the TTArtisan lens is an excellent choice. Ultimately, your choice should align with your photography style and the type of shooting you plan to do.