lightdow EF vs TTArtisan

Overview of the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and TTArtisan 40mm F2 L

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is priced at $77.59, making it significantly more affordable compared to the TTArtisan 40mm F2 L, which retails for $168.00—about 117% more expensive. While both lenses are designed for specific photographic needs, they cater to different preferences and styles. The EF 85mm lens focuses on manual photography, ideal for photographers who relish creative control, while the TTArtisan 40mm lens offers versatility with its autofocus capabilities, suitable for everyday use.

Design and Build Quality

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a fully manual design, emphasizing a hands-on approach to photography. This manual focus allows for precise control, making it a great tool for those looking to enhance their skills. It is compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLRs, ensuring that photographers can use it with various camera bodies.

On the other hand, the TTArtisan 40mm F2 L is built with a compact and lightweight design, weighing just 167-176g. This makes it an appealing option for travel and street photography, where portability is key. The lens combines ED and aspherical elements to control chromatic aberration while maintaining clarity, showcasing a thoughtful design aimed at delivering excellent image quality.

Focal Length and Aperture

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features an 85mm focal length with a large aperture of f1.8, providing stunning bokeh effects that are particularly appealing for portrait photography. This lens excels in isolating subjects from their background, producing images with artistic depth.

Conversely, the TTArtisan 40mm F2 L has a versatile 40mm focal length, making it suitable for a wider range of photography styles, including street and documentary photography. With a maximum aperture of f2.0, it allows for good low-light performance and faster shutter speeds, although it may not create the same level of background blur as the EF 85mm lens.

Autofocus Capabilities

The TTArtisan 40mm F2 L boasts a quiet and fast autofocus system, utilizing an STM stepping motor for smooth and precise focusing. This feature is particularly beneficial for capturing spontaneous moments without the noise typically associated with autofocus lenses.

In contrast, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a fully manual focus lens, which means it lacks any autofocus capabilities. While this may seem like a disadvantage for some, it allows for complete creative freedom and encourages photographers to develop their focusing skills. This manual system can be a double-edged sword, enhancing artistic expression while potentially challenging those who prefer quicker shooting setups.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens offers superb clarity with reduced aberrations and glare, thanks to its hybrid aspherical lens and ultra multi-coating technology. The combination of these features ensures that photographers can achieve high-quality images with rich colors and excellent contrast.

The TTArtisan 40mm F2 L also emphasizes image quality, effectively controlling chromatic aberration and maintaining clarity. The lens’s design allows for vibrant colors and sharp details, making it a reliable choice for various shooting scenarios. However, the EF 85mm lens may appeal more to those specifically looking for artistic portrait shots.

Compatibility

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is designed exclusively for Canon EOS DSLRs, offering wide compatibility across numerous Canon models, including the Rebel series and 5D Mark IV. This extensive compatibility makes it an excellent choice for Canon users looking to expand their lens collection.

In contrast, the TTArtisan 40mm F2 L is specifically designed for L-mount system cameras, such as the Sigma FP and Panasonic S series. This limits its use to photographers who own compatible camera systems, which may be a consideration for those looking to invest in a versatile lens for multiple camera bodies.

Price Comparison

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is currently priced at $77.59, making it a budget-friendly option for photographers seeking a quality lens without breaking the bank. In contrast, the TTArtisan 40mm F2 L is available at $168.00, which is significantly higher and approximately 117% more expensive. The price difference could be a decisive factor for those on a tighter budget, especially if their primary focus is on portrait photography.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the TTArtisan 40mm F2 L ultimately depends on your photography style and needs. If you are a Canon shooter looking for an affordable, high-quality lens that excels in portrait photography, the EF 85mm f1.8 is an excellent choice. Its manual focus design fosters creativity, although it requires a learning curve.

However, if you prefer a versatile lens with autofocus capabilities for everyday photography and you own an L-mount camera, the TTArtisan 40mm F2 L would be the better option despite its higher price. Each lens has unique attributes that cater to different types of photographers, making your choice a reflection of your individual photographic preferences.