TTArtisan 7.5mm F2 Fisheye Review (APS-C)

[@AndrewsGuitarChannel]

I just got one... You get what you pay for. Make sure to always focus at the aperture you will be shooting at. If you focus at F/2 and then stop down to F/4 you will notice a dramatic infinity focus shift. Your picture will be out of focus if you do not re-adjust. If you are bracketing your shots with the aperture always always readjust your focus for every different aperture.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair.

[@Blah-blah-sure]

Perhaps it’s b/c it’s a manual focus lens. We just have to keep that in mind.

[@fotografalexandernikolis]

@@Blah-blah-sure That's not how it works. There is no difference to an AF lens in that sense, it's not like the aperture mechanism itself moves the focus group. It's called "focus shift" due to spherical aberration, and is a purely optical phenomenon.

[@Blah-blah-sure]

@@fotografalexandernikolis thanks

[@acouragefann]

Thank you very much for your detailed review and all the best for Loki's recovery. On a side note - a photoshop plugin called "fisheye hemi" uses a rather complex destretching and sharpening algorithm that can do a surprisingly good job at defishing along one axis without making images appear unnatural or mushy (as is the case when fixing in lightroom). If you end up keeping one of the ttartisan fisheyes, it may be worth a look. Not necessarily for the sake of turning it into a normal lens in general but just as another option to have.

[@arpitkumargahlot]

Yeah, Marc at sonyalpha.blog shows its usage.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I demonstrated Hemi in my last TTArtisan review. As for Loki - he was just getting neutered, so he's already bounced back.

[@HR-wd6cw]

Just got one these and I have to say, for $150, not bad.... Of course many naysayers are going to claim the $1000 fisheyes from Nikon and Canon, and others, are better, and they are, but they're also $1000. This is $150 USD. Glad I saw this overview. I came to the same conclusions myself -- not really sharp up close and at f/2 but as you move away and shoot at smaller apertures, that's where the lens seems to shine the most. My only gripe is that the lens cap feels like it could slip off the lens when in a camera bag or something. Would be nice if it was maybe a twist-on cap or had some sort of clip but I'll just use rubber bands and/or a small neoprene lens pouch with a drawstring on it to close the top to keep the lens cap from falling off. But other than that, nice little lens for $150 and the build quality feels excellent (solid metal).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There's no question the high end fisheyes are better...but who wants to spend $1000+ on a fisheye? And yes, the lens cap is not a great fit.

[@Wabajak13]

As a fisheye aficionado, I'm so excited for my 7.5mm to get here. Thank you for the wonderful review as always. Edit: an update with astro samples would be amazing. Still havent seen anyone use it for that

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi there, thanks for the support.

[@bhastro9959]

It's become my favorite Milky Way lens! Even better than the Laowa 15 mm f/2!

[@BethBuelow]

Thanks for this thorough review - I feel I learned as much about generally what to look for in a solid lens as I did about this specific lens! I'm a Lensbaby fan, so quirky niche lenses are always interesting to me. That said, I hadn't thought seriously about a fisheye before now, but found you looking for reviews on the TTArtisan 11mm F2.8. RE: this lens, I would have been tempted, except I shoot on a Canon EOS R, and I don't like the automatic circular vignette. That's a deal-breaker for me. But if I have any money left after I attend a photography conference next week, I'm going to pick up the 11mm. Your balanced and informative review was extremely helpful. Thanks, and glad to be a new channel subscriber.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure. Glad to help out

[@dummatube]

Thanks for this review! My 7.5mm f2.8 7Artisans is a little wider for some reason but this is a much more refined product. Time for a swap and add yet another TTArtisan lens to my collection!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy. It’s quite a good little lens.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

Given my photography limitations, this type of very reasonably priced lens, is really a fun factor type of potential addition. I have both an Olympus Pen F and a Sony a6400. Given the x 2 cropping factor on MF3 bodies, my inclination would be to purchase a lens for the a6400, thereby retaining the much wider field of view that is one of the primary attractions of this type of lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed. The crop factor on the M43 body does take away a lot of the visual intrigue.

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

It's nice to see even budget lenses subjected to your usual exhaustive review. I currently use a 7Artisans 7.5 mm F/2.8 for occasional astrophotography e.g. aurorae or Milky Way shots. It's a bit soft at the edges, but well suited for this particularly niche application. However, I am upgrading to an RF mount, and this lens is tempting for price point, image quality, and the extra stop. I'm curious, though: Since you posted, have you or any of your viewers had an opportunity to use it specifically in astrophotography? Thanks again.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I only used it during the time of my review, so perhaps someone else can chime in.

[@kornasteniker3939]

Nice review, Dustin 👍. I'd love to see TTArtisan supporting the rear filter mount with more options like a filter for infrared photography.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be an interesting application.

[@sofija7363]

How i can get that circle image at 16:48 like that in the video, i have 7artisans 7.5mm on fuji xe2s

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I got that by shooting it on a full frame camera.

[@JugularFilmes]

Thank you for this excellent video. If I may ask you something, how would you compare this lens to the Rokinon 7.5mm, in terms of sharpness? Thank you so much.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven’t tested the Rokinon, so unfortunately I don’t have an informed decision to give to you.

[@JugularFilmes]

@@DustinAbbottTWI No problem, dear Dustin. Do you have, by any chance, some sample images taken with this lens, in full resolution size, so I can have a look? (preferably with 5.6 with focus set to infinity)? Thank you :)

[@felipefaria2052]

Which of these two do you recommend: Ttartisans7,5 2.0 or 7artisans 7,5 2.0? Both fisheyes lens. Thanks for the content!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't reviewed the 7artisans version.

[@cruzinthru8285]

I bought Both at the same time, and Returned the TTArtisan after Testing Both at the Sane Scenes, Same Camera on a Tripod. The 7Artisans was the Clear Winner for Sharper Images. $139.00 on Amazon.

[@AlanJakins]

What size are the filters

[@AlphaCygni]

Superb review - I wonder if this lens is "suffering" from focus shift when stopping down. I just received mine and if I focus on a subject and then stop the lens down, the center of the image softens unless I refocus the lens with the particular aperture.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s interesting. Depth of field is so deep you wouldn’t think that was a factor, but perhaps it is

[@AndrewsGuitarChannel]

Yup I have the same issue. Always focus at the aperture you will be shooting at. The depth of field will not help at smaller apertures.

[@photo-markus]

Compared to Voigtlander 10 full frame linear lens how does it perform? Is there any other ultra wide with circular nd filters???

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't tested that Voigtlander, so I can't say

[@santiagorios2669]

Thanks for the nice review. I'm wondering if it's possible to use a regular filter in the front of the lens, using the cap thread, even if we must accept the circular shape result. As a niche lens, not for everyday's use, this option can make it more attractive to people interested in more artistic or "special" pictures. Has any of you tried this possibility ? Is the cap thread standard or not ? Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think you can do what you suggest. I don't have the lens in front of me, but I thought the threads looked like normal threads.

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

Thanks for another excellent review, Dustin. The F2 for astrophotography sounds great at this price, and I think I'm persuaded. As for the question of using the front lens cap threads for ND filters, it is discussed at kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2moZptmgcqGrMk

[@StephenStrangways]

It seems like you missed the point of screwing out the center part of the lens cap and leaving the rest attached to create a circular vignette: that's meant to be used on full frame cameras, with the top and bottom of the circle not being cut off.

[@HuFilms]

Nice rewiew Justin. The fisheye look was never really that cool I thought. You're right about the price too, no point paying much for something that leans towards a gimmick / fx type result.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For many photographers it is a bit gimmicky, but that's why I think this is a good way to add that if someone were interested in dabbling.

[@sergioconceicao2774]

hello, I bought the TT artisans 7.5mm for the Canon R and the lens makes a black circle around it. I wanted one that didn't make that circle. Is it normal to do? I think this is for the hood, but isn't there a version with a detachable hood for the Canon mount R?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You bought an APS-C lens and are putting it on a full frame camera. The TTArtisan 11mm is the one you want.

[@ernieojeda]

Always come here for professional reviews even if I’m not buying the lens lol

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@fromia1]

Would you recommend this lens or the 11mm f2.8 for a FF camera? I use an A7IV.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would go with the 11mm.

[@cruzinthru8285]

Unless you want a Circular Round Image form the 7.5mm You need to shoot in APS-C mode. You need to buy the 11mm version made for FF Cameras.

[@cgoodwin256]

Are the filters stackable being on the rear of the lens?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don’t think so. I don’t think there is room for that.

[@przybylskipawel]

Great review! It made me buy one. Do you happen to know how to get ND64 filter for this lens?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’m traveling so don’t have access to the lens. I would just search by the filter size, though. I suspect someone makes one.

[@cruzinthru8285]

There is No Filter that you can Attach to the Lens in front of that Large Front Element. There are also No Threads to hold one. Anything you try would Vignette... You could Try the Square Sheet Filters that are Designed for use with Medium Format Cameras. The 100mm filters are not big enough. They would have to be mounted in a way that would be almost Touching the Lens Hood on that TTArtisan Lens, and then it may not Vignette, or see the edges of the Filter.

[@przybylskipawel]

@@cruzinthru8285 I was talking about the back-mounted filter that is supposed to be added by TTArtisan. I got only the ND1000 and I need both.

[@cruzinthru8285]

@@przybylskipawel ... Ahhh. OK, I have not heard of any Other Filters available aside from the ones supplied with the Lens. I also have not heard one person say anything good about those filters supplied with this lens. You may want to try the Square Sheet Filters as I mentioned, but the larger ones made for Medium Format Cameras. Good Luck.

[@adrianfpv]

I have a Sony A7C, would you get this lens or the 11mm lens you talked about?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely the 11mm. APS-C mode on the A7C is far too low of resolution to be genuinely useful for the 7.5mm

[@adrianfpv]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for the quick reply!

[@robertcudlipp3426]

As usual, excellent review, even though am not looking to purchase a lens with this focal length.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you

[@odemata87]

How are the ends when you de-fisheye?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not too bad, though often they aren't as resolved as if the distortion weren't there.

[@odemata87]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you

[@boetschge]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad I could help!

[@hughoconor]

Thanks for this great review! I got this for my full frame Lumix S5, and while I get a full image on the movie setting + APS-C, when I try stills I get the mechanical circle with black around it, and I can't seem to get a full image. I'm sure I'm being an idiot, but do you know is there a way to crop in for a full frame still image? Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, it doesn't sound like you are in APS-C mode. This lens only covers the APS-C image circle. I'm not familiar with the settings for your Lumix, though.

[@cruzinthru8285]

Fish Eye Lenses like TTArtisans, 7 Artisans and even Rokinon 8mm are Designed for APS-C Sensors. The older version of the Rokinon, with Removable Lens Hood, is able to be used on a Full Frame Camera, but will give you a Round Image. This is called a Circular Fish Eye, and it is how ALL Fish Eye Lenses worked on a 35mm Film Camera. They produce a Circular Image inside the Frame of the 35mm film plane, or a Full Frame Digital Sensor. Which IS one of the Really Nice things About these Fish Eye Lenses, made for APS-C sensors. They give you a Beautiful Rectangular Image, that covers the Full APS-C Sensor, which is also So Much Nicer than the same lens on a MF3 Camera. Set your Full Frame Camera to APS-C mode, and Image Aspect to 16x9 for he Best Results on your Full Frame Camera.

[@royskateforlife]

How the 7,5mm would work with the 7RIII?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Only in APS-C mode.

[@royskateforlife]

@@DustinAbbottTWI damn thank you, for full frame would you recommend the 11mm 2.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be the better choice.

[@wschaffrinski]

Is this lens any good for 360 Photographien?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not an application I've tested.

[@cruzinthru8285]

I Hate to Burst Anyone's Bubble here, but I have Owned Both the TTArtisan and the 7Artisans 7.5mm lenses, at the same time. The 7Atrisans is For Sure the Better of these Two Lenses. Not an "opinion" this is a Fact... From the Tests I have made. Do what I did. Buy Both Lenses, and return the one that doesn't seem Sharp Enough. Both Lenses are Cheap Enough to do this. I kept the 7Artisans as it was easy to see it was the Sharper Lens. Shooting the Same Scene with the Same Camera, on a Tripod. I think that TTArtisans just Gave Away a Lot of Lenses to KZbin people to give a Favorable Review. Lots of Reviews!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't think I tested the 7Artisans 7.5mm, but I can tell you that my review is certainly not the result of some kind of "bribery". I'm not even personally interested in a fisheye lens.

[@cruzinthru8285]

@@DustinAbbottTWI - That's why they sent You and Dozens of Other Gear Reviewers on KZbin Free Lenses, and Not Just the 7.5mm either... and You Reviewed it. Nuff Said.

[@kbruff2010]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure

[@frank26080115]

If I had a cat, you would've sold this to me immediately at that pic

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL :)

[@robertbirnbach2312]

is that a shelf of Ice Skates in your garage? So Canadian :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is. As a guy who was born in California and raised in Arizona, I never dreamed I would have a shelf of ice skates...

[@ikariuswings]

LOVED THE REVIEW... I'M SOLD...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@8827180]

great job

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@RM-ud2cm]

when objective is to design fisheye lens. it is not distortion, it is fisheye projection, and has strict mathematical formula.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair enough

[@bryanbarajasBB]

Wow NDs...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a nice touch

[@bryanbarajasBB]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Can you screw in a stepdown or step up ring to place an nd filter in that front end when you remove that portion of the lens cap?

[@befordeath]

Why is there so much talking, I had to skip just to not a get a result,

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Apparently I like to talk.