Canon RF vs TTArtisan Auto Focus

Overview of the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is a versatile medium-telephoto lens designed for Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras. Priced at $589.00, this lens is ideal for portrait and macro photography, providing a maximum magnification of 0.5x and a close focusing distance of 1.15 feet. With its bright f/2 aperture, it delivers stunning bokeh, making it a preferred choice for low-light scenarios and creative photography.

This lens features optical image stabilization with up to 5 stops of shake correction, enhancing its usability in various shooting conditions. Additionally, it includes a control ring for direct setting changes, adding to its user-friendly design. The RF 85mm F2 Macro is a solid addition for photographers looking to expand their creative possibilities.

Overview of the TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II

The TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II is a compact APS-C lens designed for Fuji X-mount cameras, priced at $125.00. This lens offers an equivalent full-frame focal length of 53mm, making it suitable for a diverse range of photography, from portraits to landscapes. Its large f/1.8 aperture excels in low-light conditions and provides beautiful bokeh effects.

Notably, the TTArtisan lens features an improved minimum focusing distance of 0.4 meters, allowing photographers to capture fine details and close-up shots with ease. The lens is also equipped with advanced autofocus technology, ensuring smooth and precise focusing. With its lightweight design of 176 grams, it is an excellent choice for on-the-go shooting.

Image Quality Comparison

When it comes to image quality, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM stands out with its f/2 aperture and macro capabilities. This lens is designed for high image quality, offering beautiful bokeh and excellent sharpness in portraits and macro photography. The optical image stabilization further enhances its performance, especially in low-light conditions.

In contrast, the TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II, with its f/1.8 aperture, also provides impressive image quality, particularly in low-light environments. However, the lens is primarily focused on general photography rather than macro capabilities. Although both lenses deliver great results, the RF 85mm excels in specialized situations like portrait and macro photography.

Versatility in Usage

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is a versatile lens that caters to various photography styles. It is particularly well-suited for portrait photography due to its focal length and bokeh capabilities. The addition of macro functionality allows photographers to explore close-up photography, making it a multi-functional tool for creative expression.

On the other hand, the TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II is designed as a general-purpose lens. Its 35mm focal length offers a natural perspective that is great for everyday photography, including landscapes and street photography. While it may not match the RF 85mm in specialized applications, its versatility makes it a practical option for casual photographers and travelers.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus performance of the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is enhanced by its fast 12-pin communication system, which allows for quick and precise focusing. Although specific autofocus speed ratings are not provided, the lens is built to handle various shooting scenarios effectively.

In comparison, the TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II features the latest STM and lead screw-type stepping motor for smoother and quieter focusing. This design ensures quick autofocus, making it suitable for everyday shooting and travel photography. While both lenses offer reliable autofocus, the TTArtisan lens's advanced technology makes it particularly appealing for those who prioritize silent operation.

Build Quality and Design

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is designed for durability and ease of use. It features a built-in customizable control ring that allows photographers to change settings quickly on the fly. Its compact size and lightweight design enhance portability, making it a suitable choice for photographers on the move.

The TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II is also designed with portability in mind, weighing just 176 grams, which is a notable reduction from its predecessor's weight of 199 grams. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around, catering well to photographers who prefer a lightweight kit. While both lenses are built with usability in mind, the Canon lens offers more advanced features for serious photographers.

Price Comparison

The price difference between the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM and the TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II is significant. The Canon lens is priced at $589.00, while the TTArtisan lens is available for a mere $125.00. This means the Canon lens is about 370% more expensive than the TTArtisan option. For photographers on a budget or those who are just starting, the TTArtisan lens offers excellent value without compromising image quality.

However, the higher price of the Canon lens reflects its advanced features, including macro capabilities and superior image stabilization. Photographers must weigh their specific needs against their budget to determine which lens is the better investment.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM and the TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II ultimately depends on your photography style and needs. If you're seeking a high-quality lens for portrait and macro photography with advanced features, the Canon lens is an excellent choice despite its higher price. However, if you prioritize budget, portability, and general photography, the TTArtisan lens offers remarkable performance at a fraction of the cost. Both lenses have their strengths, making them suitable for different types of photographers.