A New 40mm f/2.8 Macro Lens from TT Artisan - but what do we think of this fast, affordable lens?

[@gopirster]

What if you clip on Raynox?

[@Maine_Focus]

I have a few ttartisan lenses and appreciate the bang for the buck experience. I also realize that if you want more bang you need more bucks. I honestly think I have gotten more than my money’s worth from ttartisan. When purchasing a product of any kind one must manage expectations. The build quality, portability and overall sharpness is very impressive for the price. I see people who compare them to lenses costing over $1,000 and missing the point of value for dollar. Hey, Ferrari makes a nice care. More people want one than own one but go about living their lives behind the wheel of satisfactory transportation that they may even brag about. I have reached a point where I shoot for myself and I really enjoy the experience of manual focus. I also enjoy some of the “imperfections” such as occasional flair from ttartisan lenses. You can purchase a lens that make a better image but it won’t make you a better photographer. There is a learning curve to manual focus and learning how to take advantage of imperfections. The ttartisan experience fills my need of keeping photography fun and more exciting. I don’t claim to be a better photographer than anyone but I doubt there are many photographers having more fun taking photos.

[@columjevens4612]

Great review Allan , it can be fun and satisfying to get a great result from a lens with limitations , I suppose its the challenge.

[@hanklevesque426]

Thanks Allan - important that you cater to all pocketbooks when reviewing equipment. Best part is your clinical approach to what you deem important when purchasing a lens. That applies to all budgets.

[@slug1948]

It is what it is. I just bought one, loads of fun for $100 bucks!

[@ronjenkins4257]

Perhaps quality of units varies? Christopher Frost KZbin review finds this lens is very sharp, even at f2.8. I see it in the TT Artisan US store for $113.99.

[@AllanWallsPhotography]

Yes - but some people have been telling me that have found it for $80. I don't know how much variability there is between copies, but I am glad to hear that a respected reviewer disagrees - I wanted it to be tack sharp at 2.8 and 16! But it is perfectly sharp in the middle.

[@lukebadmaster]

Good, informative video, as always!

[@matthewbrian316]

Hi allan awesome vids for an aspiring macro photographer would you recommend the kiron 105 its a vintage lens with a 1:1 mounted on a crop sensor

[@E2MC2]

Another fantastic review. The list price is USD 99.

[@Dstonephoto]

Can you imagine what would happen if these guys were to start cranking out cine lenses or 35mm lenses which could be modded to for medium and large format film and digital cams? Their economic recipe intrigues me. Any chance they're using leaded glass?

[@AllanWallsPhotography]

It does me too. I was genuinely surprised by the heft of this little lens. But I am not sure if the optics would hold up to scrutiny it would get from a full frame camera, let alone a medium format. You get away with a lot more on APSC!

[@Dstonephoto]

@@AllanWallsPhotography Hmmm... Interesting. I've been trying to wrap my head around optics as well as why my APSC images are getting incredible Avedon-esque results vs the same lens on FX. Thankfully, I'll be able to test these out when my new Hasselblad arrives. When did you send it?

[@genemaysonet3558]

Nice video I bought it , never did macro let's see what happens ! TY subscribed

[@carlosandreviana9448]

You are the only reviewer who says is not sharp. And I've seen quite a few

[@AllanWallsPhotography]

And that means my evaluation is wrong? Well, evaluating optics is a fairly subjective process, at least at this level of testing sophistication. Most of my photography is done with the sharpest lenses and microscope objectives in the world, and maybe this set my expectations a little high, but at the end of the day I am giving you one opinion - my opinion - and you can take that or leave it. I told you how I evaluated the lens, I told you what I found, and I provided you with examples to look at. You are smart to balance my findings against those of other photographers, and you are of course free to discard my opinion altogether, because all that really matters is that you determine whether this, or any other, lens is sharp enough for your needs. It is also possible that my copy of the lens was defective and is the only one of these lenses that is not sharp wide open. I have no reason to say a sharp lens is not sharp and that should be a factor to consider. I made the video on my own time and I did it as a service for my audience, to help them, to help you. Maybe you should try it out yourself and see what you think.