7Artisans 85mm f1.8 vs TTArtisan 75mm f2 for Nikon Zf: Serious Contenders?

[@lamddd]

I never skip a vid! appreciate the amount of effort and wonderful storytelling in each video!

[@BokehTherapy]

Wow thanks so much for reaching out - let me know if there are any topics you’d like me to cover next!

[@IIIM-or1bq]

Yes, I always wondered which of the brands is better, given both have a same artesian background!

[@W00dy_NL]

Me2!

[@BokehTherapy]

@IIIM-or1bq thank you - there’s no definition for artisan they have to meet I don’t think, but the products are getting better and better. Amazing for new shooters starting out

[@lamddd]

@@BokehTherapymight be a stretch, but i’m a canon shooter! a big ask, but would be lovely if you can invest into the canon system as well! 😂

[@HoraceCafe]

I ordered the 75mm and I can't wait to try it with my Nikon Zf. Thank you for this good review and continue your good work.

[@BokehTherapy]

Congrats on the 75mm! I think it’s the more fun option, let me know when it arrives

[@stkuj]

I received mine on Friday! I was shocked that it was 4 days from China to California LOL

[@BokehTherapy]

Ohh good to hear they have it in stock when you ordered @stkuj

[@DirkMenker]

For the first time, the videos seemed a little overloaded... I was wondering why you are talking this fast. But! The lens test was interesting and Saul Leiter did earn his own video I think. Thanks for all your effort, looking forward to the next one!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thank you for the feedback - I think all of my videos tend to be too overstuffed! KZbin view duration is a real killer for smaller channels

[@gshocker77]

Another fun story telling video. Never miss a video even if it is talking about an item that I will not be considering for my collection. The one point that you missed is the second guessing that goes on even after testing the third party lenses. First party lenses tend to give you that comfort level with a decision that unfortunately always comes at an extra cost. Many times when I make a third party lens purchase, I am left with that wonder of what I may be missing from the first party option. Somewhat similar to that feeling of too many options when I bring too many lenses on a shoot. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to your next vid.

[@BokehTherapy]

The price has to be right for third party, I totally agree. I have enjoyed testing out new focal lengths I would never normally try for affordable prices so I think it is a great hack that just wasn’t available 5 years ago. Video coming on this topic next. Your comments are always appreciated!

[@masternickTV]

very underrated channel.. keep up the great work sir.. and thank you for the information

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks so much! More to come

[@EmpireMP]

Under the "Brisbane" sun.... very different light to Melbourne.... Amazing work under such harsh light conditions!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks! Love Melbourne for street work, but Brisbane has its own charm despite the harsh light haha

[@SpudUna]

Good video. No waffle, just the stuff that matters. I’ve chosen the TT 👍🏻

[@BokehTherapy]

Haha thank you. I have a tendency to waffle so glad this one made sense

[@EricWier]

Wow, it is pretty amazing how close these two lenses are to Nikon's 85. I almost cant believe how inexpensive they both are. Hopefully this starts to force Nikon to be more conpetative in the future. Thanks for the detailed look at them!

[@BokehTherapy]

It is kind of ludicrous how cheap and good all these options are. If the S line lenses aren’t so good it would be much cheaper for us to fill out our whole kit haha. Hope you’re well!

[@EricWier]

@@BokehTherapy thanks, I am well! I know you already have a lot of the 1.8s prime lenses, so a lot of these lenses are not something you need. In the future do you envision getting some 3rd party lenses from companies like this, if it is a focal length you are interested in? Or do you think you will stick to Nikon? I admit I have only really purchased first party lenses.

[@BokehTherapy]

For the off kilter focal lengths I am interested in third party - Viltrox has a 16mm f1.8, and a smaller 20mm? But I just bought Nikon’s 26mm f2.8 - I am very surprised at how sharp it is. Did you end up trying the 35mm?

[@EricWier]

@@BokehTherapy oh, I am excited to hear about the 26mm! I rented the 35mm 1.8s and was quite impressed with it, but still have not pulled the trigger on it. Just a matter of time I think though.

[@BokehTherapy]

Great to hear - it will give your sets a different environmental vibe I think, can play with lighting even more.

[@nathangourde162]

Having read another comment and your reply on your videos being overstuffed, I feel like a 15-20minute format would be great to be able to hear more about the story around it. Perhaps have most of the specifics more crammed towards early-video, then more on the story, but I am very unfamiliar with youtube's algorithm and it may be very bad to have a bunch of viewers leave mid-video if you are to cram specs early, for those who like the story less. In any case, being an enthusiast not so much focused on specs, I love learning more about different photographers and their unique ways of shooting, and your videos are the exact format I appreciate, still being able to learn some specs about new lenses coming out and what matters in them. All in all, awesome video once again. Will be getting myself one of Saul Leiter's books, I love his style and approach.

[@BokehTherapy]

Hi Nathan, really appreciate the feedback. I am trying to figure it out and there’s no such thing as the perfect video! If regular viewers don’t engage or don’t watch as long KZbin stops recommending the video. I would like to move away from gear specific videos but that is what most people are interested in. Up to me to find a compelling enough story for everyone to keep the channel alive. Hope you’re well!

[@stkuj]

The Chinese manufacturers are really coming into their own offering these great 3rd party options. I've been on Sony over 4 years and have gone through (almost all) the GM & G lenses. TBH, I only have the 135 GM (now) and the rest are Sigma ART. That being said, I have started to move away from "clinical" sharpness seeking more character in lenses. I've been trying the Viltrox 20, 28 pancake & 40, PolarPro 28 Light Leak, and TTartisans 75 (BTW, personally I like the feel & look of the 75. The one flaw IMO is that the hood doesn't fit when you have a filter on it). All the Chinese lenses offer great affordable lenses that meet the needs of 80%+ of the photography today.

[@BokehTherapy]

I need to try the Viltrox 20mm! There really are a lot of great options and I don’t need clinical sharpness if I am not shooting for clients that demand that. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@thebitterfig9903]

I wish that 75mm was available for Fuji X. The lens is small enough that it wouldn't feel unreasonable on an APS-C body, and I appreciate the rendering and controls.

[@BokehTherapy]

Yep it’s a great lens - maybe there will be an APS-C version that’s even smaller

[@SingleTrack66]

Just discovered your channel and really like your style. Keep up the good work. Subbed.

[@BokehTherapy]

Welcome to the channel! Thanks for watching

[@pr4y]

Hey nice review. I'm shooting pro jobs on z8s with 24 1.8S and 50 1.2S but for my daily and travel photos I do enjoy the Zf so much. Using viltrox 20mm 2.8 and Nikon 40 /2, that 75 F2 AF is on sale in my country (145eu vat included) that is almost half of the 7artisans 85 1.8 (280eu) and same price as the astrhori 85 1.8 (150)

[@BokehTherapy]

I would go for the 75mm f2 from TtArtisan! It is a very charming little lens and keeps the Zf form factor nice and light. Nikon’s S primes are so good but still room in the bag for small retro lenses

[@RWAquariumPages]

great video and love these lens. I really love the metal build of these 3rd party lens. I hope they will make these again for canon in af one day. Recently stumbled one of my childhood lens on cl Contax c/y 85mm 1.4 at a great price, so tempted to pick it up for my collection, keep up the great work!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thank you - third party makers are giving consumers what we actually want quicker than the big brands - more options is good for everyone!

[@MadefromJava]

I’ve never used 7 or TT, but I’ve used Viltrox (also made by Pergear I believe). My only complaint was size and weight (in comparison to Sony lenses). Generally I prefer first party lenses due to peace of mind, warranty and weather sealing.

[@BokehTherapy]

They're great options for beginners looking to try out new focal lengths, but my collection is also 95% first party lenses. We've been in this game for too long lol

[@stkuj]

No, Pergear is a retailer. Viltrox makes their own lenses.

[@MadefromJava]

@@stkuj both owned by SHENZHEN JUEYING TECH CO.,LTD from what I know.

[@BokehTherapy]

Pergear reached out to me as the retailer for all these brands, don’t know if they are involved in production side too? They have an in house line of Pergear lenses that is slowly rolling out too

[@MadefromJava]

@@BokehTherapy cue the Spider-Man meme 😆

[@johnyoung1606]

Hello Jack :) I like the way that You Look at n Assess, Equipment !!!!!!!! AND : I am glad that You made the statement about JOY being the Most Important thing :) :) For Me (at this time I am not producing exacting work) So, I am documenting the things around Me....... I like My Captures to be Sharp, (edges are not important), with decent Contrast (that is it) !!!!! That is the attitude that has stuck with Me, from My early days as a PhotoJournalist !!!!! I have always stayed with the Nikkor Glass for My Nikon Z Cameras..... Unlike My Buddys I still have all of My early (1960's thru to todays Z Glass) For fun I put them on My Z6III n Z8 (that is as close to putting film in My older Nikons) !!!!! Best of All to You n Yours :) :) :)

[@BokehTherapy]

Nikkor glass is amazing, so is a lot of the more affordable options these days. Can’t believe how many options new shooters get, I still have mostly first party Nikon options. I am a Z6III and Zf shooter myself, love that combo. Happy shooting!

[@johnyoung1606]

@@BokehTherapy You are always a Bright Spot in My week :) :) For My ease of working with My cameras that I can pick-up and the controls n menu being very much the same The Z6III, Z8, n (2)Z50 w/ the kit zooms (really Great lenses, shot wide open A control, auto ISO 3200 max for My street work);; MY MENU, I MENU exactly the same on all cameras....... My Best Buddy has a ZF n ZFC (because the controls are the same).... I have always gravitated to, Clever, n Sensitive, n Intellectual People (ThankYou for Sharing Your Inner Workings so Unselfishly :) :) :)

[@BokehTherapy]

Thank for your kind words John! The Zfc is priced very aggressively at the moment, think Nikon are about to update their APS-C lineup. It would be a great travel combo alongside the Zf

[@johnyoung1606]

@@BokehTherapy Who can tell where Nikon May, Might, Go ???? Happily, not sure (of anything, in Life) ,,, I will stop bothering You with My Mental Dithering... Luv Ya Man !! Long, Live , NIKON !!!!!!! :) :) :)

[@BokehTherapy]

Not bothering me at all, great to chat as always. Take care!

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

Good video! Nikon needs to refine those 1.8 S primes in my opinion by adding a additional control ring and the fn-button. There is enough space on the lenses to add this features. The current look of these Nikon prime lenses doesn't look very professional or appealing.

[@BokehTherapy]

I don’t mind the industrial look of the S primes, the newer 35 and 50 f1.4 now have an extra control ring though so maybe Nikon has heard similar feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@fajar13k]

Just hit 2 years of my photography few days ago, and discovered this video after I think I planned to watch but missed it. I too would give character for sharpness nowadays, while I have some lens that are okay that's clinical sharp and perfect, but the environment doesn't justify it for me and my works. I might pick between this two, but I'm glad I traded my 105/1.4 to 105 MC for lighter weight, and anything between these two 7A/TT if I don't need 105mm.

[@BokehTherapy]

2 years in - congrats on the milestone! I like the TTartisan better, it has the better form factor and charm. Nice to hear from you!

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

Awesome video bro! Always like before watching. Saul is a great photographer and I enjoy his work. Thank you for sharing. I am considering a tele lens. I might just get the 75mm af. Can you try the 1.5

[@BokehTherapy]

Do you mean the TTartisan manual focus 75mm f1.5? It’s on the agenda! Thanks for watching as always!

[@ufukkiblat]

Have you tried Sony and Sigma E lenses into Nikon ZF? I particularly interested in the Sigma I series especially 90mm 2.8. It’s very small but if I’m not mistaken Saul Leiter shoot with 90mm and 135mm on Leica.

[@BokehTherapy]

No I haven’t adapted any E mount glass yet! Still holding out hope sigma will release native Z mount offerings lol. Saul shot with a lot of different focal lengths from what I could find, the longer telephoto work looks most interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@ufukkiblat]

@@BokehTherapy yeah me too. The reason I haven’t got the ZF yet is the lack of lenses with aperture ring and hope Sigma will bring their I series to native Z mount. That would be great as their design matches the aesthetic of the ZF. And another reason is I like Rangefinder style more so hopefully Nikon will bring ZF to Nikon S style.

[@BokehTherapy]

Nikon ZS please! If they announce it this year I am preordering on day one. Dreaming of a full frame Xpro for a long time.

[@davidsherry4188]

I love these cinematic reviews! Since you are a young father, I was wondering about your perspective on the right kind of lens to capture squirmy/fast-moving subjects. Does AF help with that versus a prime? What kind of settings on the camera work best to reduce the problems that the camera+lens AF issues may have? (I am a Sony shooter) Thanks!

[@BokehTherapy]

Hi David, a 24 or 35mm prime worked for me as I don’t have to worry about zooming or being too far away from the Bub as they’re running around. Being a Sony shooter you should have no problems with AF! With eye and face detect on you can just set the widest area tracking mode? Let me know how you go!

[@davidsherry4188]

@@BokehTherapy Thanks for the reply, Jack. Keep up the good work!

[@BokehTherapy]

No problems!

[@davemil716]

I work with the APS-c Nikons (Z50 and Z30). I own every DX (cropped sensor) lens Nikon makes. But I still felt my style was lacking as I didn't have a prime in 90-135 equivalent range. Back in the day I used to use a Nikon 100mm E series on my FM's. I recently acquired the TTartisan's 75mm. I could not be happier! I do mostly portraits, headshots and the focal length is perfect on my cropped sensor body. I had wanted to stay with the Nikon brand, this foray to 3rd party lens has been a great choice!

[@BokehTherapy]

Lovely to hear Dave - it really is a fantastic option, even if you ignore the price. Happy shooting!

[@Arcain321]

What’s the reason you use aps-c cameras? Is it price? Or do you have a secret knowledge reason? I would have thought full frame would do better for portraits

[@davemil716]

@@Arcain321 What's the reason to use Full Frame? Almost all my work is shown on the internet. And when I print, upto13x19, it all works. I used to think I had to have FF. But for my work it's just not an issue. Another reason for me to use the Z50's is certainly size, weight and price. it all works for me! The key to gear is finding the right camera for the work you want to do.

[@Liam-c9u3r]

I ordered the TTArtisan 75mm. If you’re looking for an affordable, high-performing portrait lens, look no further. The build quality is impressive, with a smooth focus ring and precision aperture stops. It’s so light yet solidly built, and the image quality rivals that of much more expensive lenses. This is the perfect lens to pair with my Nikon Z5, especially with its quick and silent autofocus in low-light conditions.

[@BokehTherapy]

Glad to hear you like it as much as I do - it’s unbelievable value!

[@bassjason457]

Love these, Jack.

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks for watching!

[@cracked1614]

Can u turn off the autofocus on the 75mm f2 and focus with the focus ring only?

[@BokehTherapy]

You can do this through the camera but not the lens directly? Same goes for Nikon 40mm which has no external switches

[@cracked1614]

@BokehTherapy is that an affirmation or a qustion? Lol thanks for the answer I Just need to know for sure bc i need both af and mf

[@BokehTherapy]

All autofocus lenses on Nikon have manual focus override on by default. Works for this ttartisan too, or you can switch it into manual focus in camera

[@casamino]

Well done Jack!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks for watching! Great to hear from you as always

[@casamino]

@@BokehTherapy Silly question. How do these work in shutter priority? Is the aperture ring bypassed?

[@BokehTherapy]

Really interesting - just did the test again. Aperture ring overrides everything until it’s set to A. Means shutter priority works like manual mode unless aperture ring is turned to A

[@Exposeyourself]

Hi Jack Love your channel mate. Have you looked into the Yongnuo 85mm f1.8z? It has a buzz atm.

[@BokehTherapy]

Oh thanks for the tip - a couple of people have mentioned it but I haven’t tried it yet!

[@JTC1979]

@@BokehTherapy we need your insight on this one Ivery interested by all of them but have a feeling for the ttartisan even if its a 75 just for the bokeh signature.

[@dublbude]

Thanks!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks for watching!

[@sarundayo]

Will you review the TTArtisan's new M42 lens?

[@BokehTherapy]

Yes that’s the plan - I am waiting for the M mount version to see how it pairs with their 6 bit adapter first - hopefully in the next month or so

[@loihpatli]

So, the 75 f2 is better for the videoz right?

[@BokehTherapy]

Both about the same I think?

[@williamng6115]

Very helpful video, thanks you! TT or 7Art, may I know which autofocus is working better on Nikon ZF ? Thanks you

[@BokehTherapy]

Both work about the same? I couldn’t tell a difference in my testing, very similar to Nikon’s 85mm. Thanks for watching!

[@americosequeira8670]

What about the yongnuo yn85mm f1.8?

[@GBO76]

The Yongnuo is very good, had one. But it cost twice the price of the TTartisan. For my ZF, I choose the latter for its kinda vintage look, for that character, and for the price.

[@BokehTherapy]

Haven’t tried the Yongnuo - will look into it too. Thanks for the tip!

[@BogdanNYou]

i discovered saul's work one week ago... what a coincidence! or is this amazing artist just now viral? Love the comparison, wish i had all the money in the world to buy and test every lens there is. So far i have the nikon's 85mm 1.8s

[@BokehTherapy]

Saul is one of my favourites, very understated and elegant compared to a lot of the work out there now. The Nikon 85mm f1.8 S is an amazing lens!

[@andikunar7183]

I never understood, why someone wants an easily accidentally changeable aperture-ring on a Z-mount - I reprogram it on all my Z Nikkors to "no function". The premium old f-mount lenses had a mechanical lock for the aperture-ring, and later Nikon got rid of the ring altogether (which I liked). I had to glue my Viltrox 56/1.4 for my Zfc with a tape, because it moved accidentally way too easily. I only understand aperture rings, if you need it for an "A" position and it is locking, but Nikon has the mode selector / does not really need this.

[@BokehTherapy]

I have come around to the aperture ring less design of the Z mount lenses, but it is quicker to change aperture for street shooting with a dedicated aperture ring? Hard stops on an aperture ring also helps with zone focus muscle memory. Thanks for watching!

[@johnyoung1606]

@@BokehTherapy It is Good to have options :) :) :)

[@andikunar7183]

@@BokehTherapymakes sense, thanks a lot for the insight and the great videos.

[@BokehTherapy]

@andikunar7183 - my pleasure - thanks for reaching out! Always great to get more feedback, I love diving into the weeds

[@ChrisThe1]

I don't think coatings themselves are that expensive, but developing them is

[@BokehTherapy]

Interesting, that makes sense - don’t know much about R&D of optics specifically but R&D in my field sure is expensive

[@kayevang5083]

So which one would you say is sharper? I really cant decide which one to choose and need an opion so i can make my final decision. Thoughts anyone?

[@BokehTherapy]

7Artisans is sharper, but TTartisan is the more refined lens. Better balanced and aperture ring is click. Aberration wise they are about the same, and I find the TTartisan to be sharp enough

[@kayevang5083]

@@BokehTherapy after much thought, I decided to go with the 75mm F/2 since I eventually plan to get the native Nikon 85mm S lens, it wouldn't make sense for me to go with the 7artisan 85mm and later end up with another 85mm lens. Can't wait to experiment with the 75mm and see what it has to offer. I am a bit nervous that it may disappoint me but hope it all turns out fine. Thank you!

[@BokehTherapy]

That’s what I ended up with too. The TtArtisan and the Nikon 85mm f1.8S. Happy shooting!

[@cracked1614]

​@@kayevang5083do u know if u turn off the autofocus on the 75mm f2 and focus with the focus ring only?

[@martindemanable]

What kind of nifty flash did you mount to the camera in this video?

[@BokehTherapy]

It’s a little LED light from TTArtisan. It’s very cute!

[@Keso_o]

Jack the therapist 🫡🔥

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks so much - not officially certified lol but shooting helps me a lot. Hope it helps you too