OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED vs TTArtisan Auto Focus

Overview of the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro lens is priced at $549.99 and is designed for micro four-thirds system cameras. This lens is ideal for photographers who prioritize macro photography, providing a 1:1 life-size magnification. Its weather-sealed design ensures durability, making it suitable for various shooting environments. The lens features a bright f2.8 maximum aperture, which enhances low-light performance, allowing for stunning detail capture even in challenging lighting conditions.

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

The TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II lens is significantly more affordable at $125.00. This APS-C lens is designed for Fuji X-mount cameras and is versatile for a range of photography styles, including portraits and landscapes. With a 35mm focal length equivalent to 53mm on full-frame cameras, it offers a comfortable field of view. The f1.8 aperture excels in low-light situations and produces beautiful bokeh effects, making it a solid choice for portrait photographers looking for a compact option.

Price Comparison

When comparing prices, the OM SYSTEM Olympus lens is priced at $549.99, while the TTArtisan lens costs $125.00. This means the TTArtisan lens is about 77% cheaper than its competitor, making it a more accessible choice for budget-conscious photographers. The significant price difference reflects the specialized nature of the Olympus lens, designed specifically for macro photography, versus the more general-purpose design of the TTArtisan lens. For those just starting or with a limited budget, the TTArtisan lens presents a compelling option.

Focal Length and Versatility

The OM SYSTEM lens features a 60mm focal length, which is ideal for macro photography, allowing for intricate detail capture at a minimum focusing distance of 7.4 inches. In contrast, the TTArtisan lens has a 35mm focal length, making it versatile for various photography styles including portraits and landscapes, with a minimum focusing distance of 1.31 feet (0.4m). While the Olympus lens excels at close-up detail, the TTArtisan lens offers a broader application range, catering to photographers who wish to capture both close-ups and wider scenes without needing to switch lenses frequently.

Aperture Performance

Both lenses offer impressive aperture capabilities, but they serve different needs. The OM SYSTEM lens has a maximum aperture of f2.8, which is quite bright for macro photography, ensuring good performance in low-light settings. The TTArtisan lens, however, boasts a larger maximum aperture of f1.8, which not only enhances low-light photography but also allows for more pronounced bokeh effects, particularly useful in portraiture. This difference in aperture size can significantly impact the look and feel of the images produced, with the TTArtisan lens providing a softer background blur compared to the OM SYSTEM lens.

Autofocus and Usability

The OM SYSTEM lens incorporates High-Speed Imager AF (MSC) technology, ensuring quick and accurate focusing, particularly crucial for macro photography where precision is key. Additionally, it features a focus limit switch that speeds up the autofocus process. On the other hand, the TTArtisan lens features an upgraded autofocus mechanism with a lead screw-type stepping motor, which offers a smoother and quieter focusing experience. This makes the TTArtisan lens user-friendly for everyday shooting and travel photography, catering to those who may prioritize ease of use over the specialized features of the Olympus lens.

Build Quality and Durability

The OM SYSTEM lens is built with a weather-sealed design, providing resistance against dust and splashes, which enhances its durability for outdoor photography. This is particularly important for macro photographers who often work in diverse environments. In contrast, the TTArtisan lens, while compact and lightweight, does not emphasize weather resistance. At 176 grams, it is designed for portability and convenience, making it suitable for casual photography and travel, but it may not withstand harsher conditions like the OM SYSTEM lens.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro and the TTArtisan Auto Focus 35mm F1.8 Mark II ultimately depends on your photography needs and budget. If you are a dedicated macro photographer seeking high-quality detail and durability in various environments, the OM SYSTEM lens is worth the investment at $549.99. However, if you are looking for a versatile, affordable lens for general photography, the TTArtisan lens at $125.00 offers excellent value without compromising on performance. Each lens has its strengths, so your choice should align with your specific photography goals.