Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 75 reborn? TTArtisan 75mm f/1.5 (Full Frame)

[@amermeleitor]

TTartisan is becoming my favorite brand

[@Rios278]

Mine too, I am loving the 50 mm 1.4 Tilt lens on my Fuji system.

[@PavSZ]

looks really good! I love the vintage vibe this creates

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@PavSZ yes I love the look from this lens! We have too many technically perfect lens so lens like this is fun and very welcome

[@blotafton]

First the Trioplan replica and now this! Keep it up!

[@KNURKonesur]

now time for an Aero Ektar 7" replica :D

[@LukeWorrall-k6w]

I bought this lens a few weeks ago. It has been serving me well. The center sharpness when fully open is satisfactory, and it's superb at f2. This improved replica lens is remarkable in sharpness and craftsmanship. Well worth it.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for this, I've been curious about this lens...

[@TheRealRichardWong]

hey thanks for watching Gordon!

[@cameralabs]

@@TheRealRichardWong always!

[@Broken_Orbital]

there's a lot of soviet lenses that also copied Zeiss designs that you can find on ebay for like $60-100.. I've managed to pick up a Mir-1 37mm, Helios 44 58mm, Jupiter-9 85mm, Jupiter-37 135mm, 3M-5A 500mm, and an MTO 1000mm each for under $100

[@POVwithRC]

I'll take the artisan for a little more. Warranty and returns. Good luck getting your money back from the Soviets for a dud.

[@timekeepermedia5142]

good copies of jupiter 9 generally are $250-350 USD at least, anything less you're taking a H U G E risk.

[@KathyXie]

You can get a serviced helios for like a 100 usd.

[@Broken_Orbital]

@@timekeepermedia5142 I'm perfectly fine with external cosmetic damage and don't mind taking a lens apart to clean mold.. a little bit of effort can save you a ton of money.

[@Broken_Orbital]

@@POVwithRC learn general lens maintenance and repair, it can save you money and rescue "duds"..

[@malekith13]

I'm wondering how good that lense would be against the zenit helios 85mm F1.5, since both are remakes of old swirly lenses for a similar price.

[@CartyCantDance]

Those images are unreal, I think I’m in love with this lens

[@gvz1538]

Excellent review Richard!! I never considered a lens like this until now. Very nice lens with that classic look!!

[@be_kurt]

now they just need to make the 58mm lens

[@Broken_Orbital]

Helios 44 58mm

[@v000000000000v]

clean takumar 50mm f1.4 can be had for ~$50 also if you dont mind cropping a little bit

[@KNURKonesur]

@@v000000000000v Takumar vs Helios are very different lenses with very different bokeh, it's not that simple to just do a small crop

[@KNURKonesur]

technically there is a Biotar 58 but f/1.5, made by Meyer Optik, and it's very expensive

[@v000000000000v]

@@KNURKonesur I'm aware, but you can find them as cheap as an ND filter that everyone would have one

[@SMGJohn]

This is what we need more of, copies of legendary lenses, if everyone makes flat 2D lenses so sharp you get dizzy looking at the images, then the world will be a very boring place indeed.

[@entrigueall2661]

I got this lens recently and having fun with it. Definitely minor purple fringing with the S5II. Thanks for your review.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

yes purple fringing is probably the biggest weakness with this retro optics design.

[@uilifecteau4841]

Kia ora Richard! Great work on these videos mate. ❤❤

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you very much Uili Fecteau!

[@williambanzai1573]

Just ordered one. It’s a no brainer.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Enjoy it!

[@KNURKonesur]

same here

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Looking forward! I love vintage lenses

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Coming soon!

[@Rios278]

Thank you Richard, that video came at a perfect timing. I am fascinated with my Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 for Nikon Z mount, and debating to buy Voigtlanders 75mm offering. The steep price however kept me away from buying it. The TTA might be an interesting and budget friendly choice!

[@bwest6275]

Wonderful comprehensive review. Thank you.

[@Questionsandconsequences]

Great video and superb information... You really do give us the big picture (pun intended!) when looking at the camera / lens / image quality / feel creative experience and shooting experience. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you for your kind comment :)

[@atmospherelight]

Great price. Would love to see more of how this lens flares against different light sources. Probably just pointing at single light in the dark so that we can clearly see how the flare behaves. As of now judging from the footage, its ring flare is not strong enough in character.

[@the_black_douglas9041]

This is so cool Richard! 😎 I love what TTArtisan and Mr Li are doing. I own the 11mm f/2.8 and LOVE that thing. That interview you did with Mr Li was really interesting…deliberately recreating beloved vintage character in a new functional body is his ‘thing’. So clever…and so much cheaper than re-housed vintage. Speaking of swirl, Have you seen the reviews of the DZO PAVO anamorphics? Biotar like swirl monsters! Check out Ed Prosser’s review…

[@SzymonPytel]

I love ttartisan makes it in m42 cuz i have FF, apsc, and m43 system, and i can use one lens i every system :D

[@paulaquipel7472]

What a great review! Exactly what I was looking for straight to the point and honest review. Thank you. Could you recommend any adapters for Nikon Z bodies? I’ve never owned m42 mount. 🙏

[@FixnowVG]

I really love the work of TTartisan, I currently have 4 lenses from them 😅

[@TheRealRichardWong]

That's a lot!

[@olio_benzina]

Excellent review, thank you.

[@azonphoto4197]

Thanks Richard, no doubt it's an enjoyable lens for a bokeh lovers and it's better choice for practical use than original Zeiss versions because of modern coatings and freshness of the elements) Love TTA!

[@fromia1]

Will they release an M-mount version? They released the 100mm f2.8 in M mount shortly after the M42 version.

[@campbells0ups]

great review! it seems like a faithful Biotar clone with lesser coatings. this lens is interesting indeeed

[@matango1979]

Lesser coatings? I would be surprised if modern coatings aren't better than the old ones.

[@dch2896]

Now TTARTISAN need to re-make the legendary Nikon 58mm f1.2

[@sarundayo]

Oh man! Would have been nice if the adapter for your camera would have been included in the box 😢

[@matango1979]

Richard could you tell me if the markings are engraved?

[@Muchtoobizy]

I own this lens and the markings feel painted, not engraved.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

hi @matango1979, sorry i was away travelling and just got back home. As @Muchtoobizy said, it feels more like painted. But laser engraved sometimes could be not very deep and can also feel like painted

[@Muchtoobizy]

@@TheRealRichardWong I stand corrected. Thank you for pointing out my error. There is a thorough review of this lens on the Phillipreeve website and the markings are also stated as being engraved. Apologies for my misinformation, the engraving is very shallow and difficult to feel.

[@dumchidumchi]

Is Leica M-mount version coming soon?

[@frankygamaliano7058]

It’s on its website

[@cameraprepper7938]

How does the TTArtisan 75mm 1.5 compare to the Voigtländer Nokton 75mm 1.5 Aspherical ?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Sorry i haven't got experience with the Voigtlander

[@KNURKonesur]

very different optical designs. - TTArtisan is a copy of a Biotar design, so a classic double Gauss, 6 elements, 3 in front, 3 in back, and the middle groups are symmetrical => strong swirly bokeh with "cat eye" like bokeh bubble and outlines on both sides of the bubble, very artistic/surreal, to a lot of people too busy - the Nokton has 7 elements with 4 in the front and 3 in the back, so it follows a modified design similar to a Leica Summicron, old Nikkor 5.8cm f/1.4, which in general give a much milder and less punchy background without the swirl or pronounced cat eyes (there are other 7 element designs, but the groups are placed the other way around, with 3 in front and 4 in the back, most of the legendary bokeh monsters have that design, Zeiss Planar 50/1.7, 50/1.4, 55/1.4, 80/2, Minolta Rokkor 50/1.4 (in fact most manual 50/1.4 lenses by big names), Olympus 55/1.2, Takumar 50/1.4, Topcor 58/1.4, Nikkor Noct 58/1.2, the original Leica Noctilux 50/1.0)

[@samanafkhami2792]

I own the Sigma 65mm f2. Honestly, compared to that I don't see a point in getting this lense even though I like the look and don't mind the deficiencies. What do you think when looking at those two lenses side by side? (I know about the price difference.)

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I haven't try out the Sigma 65 myself, but if it's anything like the other similar Sigma lenses, it would be technically better, also much smaller and lighter than this lens. But on the other hand, there is something special about this kind of vintage style lenses, from image quality to handling, that modern lenses can't offer. So to me they are just very different lenses despite similar focal length

[@SMGJohn]

Sigma wont give you swirly bokeh and character which is what many photographers want to have, in fact a lot of clients deliberately ask me to use "old lens" because they want an interesting picture, rather than the same old sharp and clean image. Thats why we need more fun lenses like this, so glad that Chinese manufacturers are doing this.

[@DannyChau7]

Placed my order moments ago.... 😆

[@TheRealRichardWong]

enjoy your lens Danny!

[@throughtanlens]

is this lens work with Canon FD mount ( with an adapter of course)? also why does this lens not work with Nikon F mount (with adapter)?

[@4choooKai]

Nikon F's flange-focal distance is longer than M42's. Basically the rear of the lens needs to be closer to the sensor than what the F mount allows.

[@denispelletier4381]

Yes with Canon FD P mount adapter.

[@pdcorlis]

What happens when you put this lens on a smaller sensor camera like an APSC sized sensor? Do you lose the swirly Bokeh?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

unfortunately you would lose most of the swirly bokeh because it will cut off the outside edges where the swirly bokeh balls are, also the background blur would be less intense because of the smaller sensor

[@UP209D]

TTArtisan make a right choice for this lens to be M42 mount, the lens at this size, people doesn't care much about the atheistic or compact looks. So whatever extruding or weight is not a big deal.

[@larsltj]

Awesome 👍

[@BagusTriWibowo]

i love it!!!!

[@PiriyaSambandaraksa]

From the review, this feels like an f2.8 lens that lets you go to f1.5 if you really wanted. If you understand what I mean. 😅 Think I'll get it.

[@LIGHTHUNTER.D]

Whaaaaaaat 🔥😮‍💨

[@frankygamaliano7058]

I’m waiting for Helios 44M version. This is too heavy and still needs to factor in an adapter. Why can’t TTArtisan do away with the adapter, is it due to optical limitation?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

if they use the same optical formula, making it for native mirrorless mounts virtually is the same as attaching adaptor to this lens

[@CartyCantDance]

Because this lens is really nice for people who shoot film as well. An SLR shooter with m42 mount still mostly can’t afford the Zeiss biotar. I have a collection of Zeiss F mount lenses, and it’s wonderful to have a set of lenses that can go on any camera.

[@WILMORENO]

I love the old Jena lenses, unfortunately most of them are radioactive. This is not good for digitals sensors and could destroy them over time. Allegedly. I welcome this lens and will be getting one myself!

[@Trevellian]

Do you know why none of the Chinese manual focus lenses have electronic contacts? Voigtlander's manual lenses for Sony E-Mount all have electronic contacts. It allows reporting of focal length, necessary for IBIS to function properly. It also reports EXIF data like aperture. Perhaps most importantly, it allows features like focus magnifier, which magnifies the image center when the focus ring is turned. Maybe I'm spoiled with the Voigtlanders, but can't see going back. TTartisan's lenses look interesting, but won't be buying any of these manual lenses until they include electronic contacts.

[@Nathan.Klemstein]

I know at least on sony you can set the focal length so IBIS works better. You can program focus magnifier to a button on the body. Also it's M42 so it can work with some film cameras.

[@bailey.nt86]

​@Nathan.Klemstein same with nikon if anyone is wondering. I think you can save up to 10 or 15 lenses. Just go in the menu, set the focal length/ apperature and name the lens. Only thing is wheb you switch lenses you gotta go to the menu and make sure you select the correct lens. Having ibis on these manual focus lenses is great!

[@YUCA525]

I want one!

[@Marvin19661]

Swirly bokeh look silly in my opinion. But each to his own. THanks for the review.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@Marvin19661 thanks for watching :)

[@ricebaron1652]

Sharpness is very bad? I have TTartisan 100mm f 2.8 bubble bokeh, and him Sharpness very very bad. I hope, that lense is good...

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Centre is good, corner is very soft. But you don't really buy this lens for corner sharpness.

[@ricebaron1652]

@@TheRealRichardWong i want this for central portrait, but my 100 mm bubble bokeh is bad in this...

[@robertbirnbach2312]

I have the 100mm. I also have an original trioplan. The trioplan is sharper, but the TT artisan is acceptable; if you think about sharpness, these are the wrong tools for the job. Use a modern lens. I have 2 Helios 40 silver lenses. They have become such an important part of my style that I was afraid that if mine went down, I would have a hard time finding another for a decent price. I just ordered this lens and can't wait to try it.

[@ricebaron1652]

In stock today?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

It will be available for sale once the lens is released

[@ricebaron1652]

@@TheRealRichardWong today?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@ricebaron1652 yes! less than 2 hours time

[@ricebaron1652]

@@TheRealRichardWong nice! Thank you!

[@larsltj]

Cool

[@larsltj]

Ordered 😅

[@ricebaron1652]

Please tell me how is the sharpness of this lens? I watched the review from my phone, it’s not very clear

[@TheRealRichardWong]

wow! so many people ordered it already.

[@larsltj]

​@@TheRealRichardWongwell, after 15 years of adapting classic lenses, this is a must have! One of the big legends is reborn 🎉

[@nocturnal1970]

M42 mount

[@DJBastor]

What about a helios. You can get it cheaper used and it is lighter. F2 58mm

[@GBO76]

Even if I really like TTartisans, I don't really understand what is their strategy behind their lenses releases. Manual lenses is already a tiny market. With a M42 mount, it's even smaller. Add the non conventionnal lens (at least the bokeh), your market is very very small. On the other hand, you have for instance Nikon selling tons of Nikon ZF, which has basically only 2 compatibles lenses (both in style and mount) : the 28mm and 40mm. TTartisans, don't you see an opportunity here ? Any vintage looking lenses, would sell more than this Zeiss copy.

[@KNURKonesur]

You kind of answered your own question. They are tapping into a niche that exists because nobody else fills it. Even if it's a small niche, there is no competition for some of the designs. Also if you read interviews with the TTartisans guy, he says openly that it's not about making the most money, but about making lenses that are exciting to him.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

​​@@KNURKonesurI have several manual lenses from them and it is a market much bigger than you think. I even use them professionally in some shoots because of their character not to mention I only use manual in street photography.

[@TK421-53]

Yeah, people Looking for “quality” should look elsewhere. This is all about recreating the classic look AND feel, without needing to find a good copy original - which come with their own problems, like fungus, stiff helicoid etc. You can have a ton of fun without breaking the bank.

[@Alchimaera]

Disappointed in the price. I just bought their 75mm AF lens because it was so cheap & I was going to get this too, but at $300 it's out of reach for me ☹️ I have the Lensbaby Twist which will have to do for now. Poop as I was looking forward to the release.

[@nocturnal1970]

Honestly this lens with AF would be tempting and get the most from the optics. Otherwise we have Vietnam 1965 blurr .. 😮

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Vintage lenses are not meant to be af

[@miam1074]

many people pay top $ for a second hand copy!!! there are many who are interested in manual lenses. The M42 mount is also a brilliant move, it means it can be adapted to different brands of modern cameras. I kept all my vintage lenses when I moved from Sony to Fuji!

[@carlosandreviana9448]

The weight is a major letdown to me. With the adapter it is almost the weight of a 24-70 2.8. I like light vintage lenses. I don't mind bad corners but the center looks also bad. I'm afraid I'm gonna pass. I was really looking forward this lens

[@nocturnal1970]

That's a U-turn... See I told you it made no sense and that weight 😮 BTW I still have CZ, Helios and others and like I said been there done all the vintage stuff

[@maxhammick948]

Blame Zeiss, the lens design just has really thick elements

[@nocturnal1970]

@@maxhammick948 I don't like the halos around the bokeh balls, always a sign of a meeeh lens IMO, not sure if original CZ had this. Those paying $1000s for an old one are crazy. I got my Helios 44-2 for £4 or something as it was battered but I restored and cleaned it so optics are fine.

[@somboonsaetang6380]

Most Chinese companies don´t need R&D, just copy and make money :-(

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Your point is?

[@愛如潮水1991]

Soviet lens no no no . Bad manufacture😢

[@Cleverconveyence]

What

[@愛如潮水1991]

@@Cleverconveyence I said the Svoiet old lens

[@KNURKonesur]

it was a German lens... the Soviets made a copy that was 85/1.5... and it's not that they had bad manufacture, they had very bad quality control :D

[@愛如潮水1991]

@@KNURKonesur hhh

[@nocturnal1970]

Be better with AF, I had my share of legacy and can't be annoyed with that. AF would make it something good but no let's be Jurassic

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Of course is not. That's the main pleasure of these lenses. I shoot with a lot of vintage and shooting manual is what I most like.

[@nocturnal1970]

@@carlosandreviana9448 Been there done that, if you believe the hype of manual focussing is fun you are drinking the kool aid. Not my idea of fun 😆

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@nocturnal1970 well, your loss. You like boring, I don't 😉

[@nocturnal1970]

@@carlosandreviana9448 The excitement of turning a focus ring, do you have a horse instead of car? 😎

[@mrt_zg]

@@nocturnal1970 You must be real fun at parties. All that self confidence and firm belief that it is only your opinion that matters...