This Lens Can't Be This Cheap And This Good

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Get it Here: SONY: geni.us/5618tt or geni.us/5618Eado FUJI: geni.us/5618X or geni.us/5619Xado NIKON: geni.us/5619TTDirect Viltrox 56: Nikon: geni.us/V56NZ Gear Used to Shoot This Video FX30 (affiliate): geni.us/FX30MarkB or geni.us/fx30admrk ZV-E10 (affiliate): geni.us/ZVE10MarkB or geni.us/zve10adoMark Sigma 16 (affiliate) geni.us/Sigma16MarkB or geni.us/sig16adMark Sony 15 (affiliate) geni.us/sony15dealsMark or geni.us/sony15adMark Rode NTG5 (affiliate): geni.us/rodeNTG5Mark Zoom F3 (affiliate): geni.us/ZoomF3Mark ALL LINKS ABOVE ARE AFFILIATE LINKS SO I CAN FINALLY AFFORD TO BUY THAT HOLOGRAM OF THE LADY WHO GIVES ME COMPLIMENTS

[@markwiemels]

It really is hard to believe this lens exists, at the price point.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

that should have been my title!! 🤣

[@puppet_master]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis you can always change and steal it :p

[@JoanCabrol]

I think we should actually be thinking that the other lenses are too expensive for no reason!

[@bizpixvegas7651]

Mark, I bought the lens based on your recommendation. I can't believe how good it is. With the funky hood, the cool factor alone is worth the price!!! I shot with a Sigma 85 f1.4 two weeks ago. The TT56 can go head-to-head with the Sigma anyday! Actually, I am going to charge extra because I am shooting with a "very special" lens!!!

[@sdegio70]

I bought it, and when it was in delivery from China to Italy TTartisan started a campaign with 20/25% discount, I wrote them and in a couple of hours they reimbursed me the discount amount, at the end I paid the equivalent of 125 USD.

[@alfianekafelani940]

battle of the 56mm sigma, ttartisan & viltrox please

[@AllThingsFilm1]

I'm not sure why you would say this lens may not be good for video. It has an 85mm full frame view, which allows you to frame closer to your subject without having to move closer. Minimum focus is 1-1/2 feet, which is no slouch when adding the 85mm full frame composition to the mix. Plus, the clean bokeh without onion rings? Sounds pretty dang good. All of this allows for good closeups for narrative film. Which is where I am focused on most of the time. Thanks for the handsome link. I'm pretty sure I'll be picking up this lens thanks to you.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

yes, I suppose I should hav said that it’s not a “standard” video focal length. Shoudln’t out my own assumptions in there 🤣

[@AllThingsFilm1]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Oh yea, definitely not standard. For the price, a pretty insane deal for the quality. I'm gonna snatch it up pretty quick because I'm betting - like the Pocket 3 - it's going to sell out pretty fast.

[@mrdrgonzo]

Most wedding videographers (in the uk at least) use 85mm throughout the day.

[@nvaudio]

Another great review, Mark! I cannot wait for the comparison between the TT Artisan and the Viltrox! Keep up the outstanding work!

[@daspidermc]

2 camera angles, look at you!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

there are 3 if you look close 🤣

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

Thank you for this Mark! This price is in my budget right now! I have been wanting to add a 56mm lens to sigma 16, and 30mm for my ZV-e10, but I just cant swing it right now with all the other gear I have to review. I can definitely add this to by birthday wishlist from the wife - and she wouldn't pass out buying it for me. lol. 😄😆

[@trdi]

The only thing I'm concerned about is QC. Obviously they inspected the lens before sending it to reviewers and they made sure they had a great sample.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Not always - sometimes I get a defective lens because it’s often preproduction!! I get what you mean, though, but so far TTArtisan seems to be pretty consistent in the quality

[@yawningmarmot]

This lens really is re_mark_able. Ah? Ah? I'll show myself out :D

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣🤣

[@DavidReynolds-l9l]

Wow, this lens performs way better than I expected. The sharpness is perfect, and it feels really well-built.

[@Liam-c9u3r]

I just got this new lens and I'm fond of it for portraits. The sharpness is beyond reality and gives the photos a professional look.

[@keybud_jlm]

this or the new 7artisan 50mm f1.8 STM AF full frame? please review that one too

Bought one yesterday and it's been a very plesant surprise. Very sharp, the bokeh has very plesant character to it and at that price point the build quality is excellent.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Great to hear!!

[@AF99499]

Unrelated but your videos sold me on the ZVE10. Ended up getting a good deal on a used one and I absolutely love it so far. Ty for the amusing and informative videos sir!

[@auroraflash]

I like gummy bears.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

me too

[@godzuks]

Thanks Mark it is an excellent price hope it is as good as your review. Price direct from TT Artisan is $158 USD with free shipping, cheaper than Amazon and Ebay here in UK...doh! forgot to add import charges vat etc

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

nice!! Let us know what you think

[@syed.farhan_7]

Could you tell me sharpest dslr or sharpest lens please?

[@rjcaubalejo]

Is the AF going to be good for casual indoor sports?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

for sure

[@rjcaubalejo]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis oh my God, what a steal, i will definitely sell my Yongnuo 50mm F1.8 and get this instead

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

but remember it's for APS-C cameras

[@rjcaubalejo]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis yup, i own an a6000 and i think my YN50 will eat dust on this one based on your review. Thanks

[@BarryJohnson]

An autofocus lense at this price with more than decent performance, wow! There is no excuse to have bad optics anymore.

[@alexced3923]

Decent? No. I want spectacular performance. There are a lot with "decent performance".

[@BarryJohnson]

@@alexced3923 LOL Alex, likewise and all my lenses are S-Tier quality but it doesn't mean that I can't appreciate Mark's videos and options for others that don't require spectacular performance.

[@alexced3923]

@@BarryJohnson 😏

[@NoobatRacing]

hello sir, how is this compared to FE50/1.8 Sony ? in my country the price difference is around 40usd

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

For and APSC camera - I would go with this lens unless the Sony is cheaper

[@PhilWill903]

Yeah for most people this lens does the job. However, it is so much harder to build a great 1.2 lens in comparison to a 1.8, and it's 1 stop faster. You feel the difference. But in most Situations it doesn't matter. But especially for Fuji, people who can afford it, they want the full experience. It is more interesting for older camera bodies there. I would like to see a comparison between the Fuji, Sigma and Viltrox/Tokina 56mm. Even though they are all faster. Plus the new Viltrox 56mm/1.7. On my side, I am super happy with my Sigma 56mm 1.4 and would never ever give it away. It is a bit faster, sharpness is gorgeous and Sigma really knows who to handle contrast and flaring against bright lights, something Chinese lenses are usually bad. Plus I really love the compact form factor and the rubbery feel. And Sigmas a guaranteed made in Japan under very strict quality control and as environmental friendly as possible.

[@or_not-o8i]

i have the fuji 1.2 and was thinking the same thing ..

[@yellahbe]

I had the Sigma 56mm and you’re right. It’s a marvel. I bought it preowned for just €280. However I didn’t use it that often. I still thought it was expensive to just keep around so I sold it again for the same price. I did order this TTArtisan though because at that price I don’t mind it seeing not much use and it’s a nice to have. Just some choices I needed to make. Up till now I’ve taking portraits with the Sony 55-210mm which is their budget zoom. It’s not an exceptional lens, yet everyone says my headshots look so great. So much BG separation. Haha. Let’s see how this TTArtisan does 😁

[@crapkiller3008]

Nice video thanks.

[@Dikidorus007]

Would you recommend this lens over the TTartisan 35mm F1.8? Or do they perform quite the same, just at the different focal length?

[@NoobatRacing]

Because you said so and I bought it ! Damn it is so sharp ! Thank you for your good info 😊❤

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

So sharp

[@matthewgregory2106]

I use a 85 for street

[@speed_and_motion]

Very odd lens hood. Would make using a polarizer hard.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

you would likely take it off to use the polarizer

[@jmoffitt36]

Very cool lens, unfortunately I mostly shoot on MFT and for portrait/low light a Canon 6D mk1 (I have good set of primes from 35mm to 85mm F1.4 to 2.8). Hopefully these sell well and we get a MFT mount.

[@Neeono]

Mark what are you doing, I just bought the Viltrox 27mm 1.2 because of you, and now I want this lens too T. T Looking forward to the comparison vid though!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

that 27 is arguably the best lens I have ever reviewed. Don’t have any regrets!!

[@DjimmyTrovy]

That's what influencers do. Influence people to do/buy stuff.

[@Anugrah_Amriza]

Will this lense be good for Street Photography and Vlogs?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

not vlogs, no. you will want something much wider like an 11mm for that.

[@Anugrah_Amriza]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Thanks for the feedback! I'll be purchasing this lens soon when I'll get my paycheck:)

[@jmoffitt36]

The Brighten star 10mm f5.6 Fisheye ultra wide would be decent for blogging. It's cheap, lite, compact and gives a action cam like look. The lens is fixed F5.6 It's practically a point and shoot lens. The only time you need to focus is for really up close shots. It's easy to correct the Fisheye warping in Post if you don't like it.

[@yttean98]

Killing the western and Japanese lenses? Looks professional and more so amateurs can use affordable high-quality lenses. Expensive lenses still have their buyers, and the lens market tends to narrow and segmentalized.

[@Image1Nation]

My all time favourite focal length has always been “this lens”mm 1.x but then I found “that lens” and everything changed.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣 I mention the lens 30 seconds in. If you don’t put up a title that gives people a reason to click the video, it will die immediately with a 3rd party lens. I wish it wasn’t the case - but it is.

[@Image1Nation]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis no what I’m trying to say is that I’m 35 and unmarried cause I always click on your videos.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

haha!! Sorry!!

[@Vendetta725]

I went more with the Viltrox. Viltrox 56mm is f1.7 as against f1.8 of TTArtisan. Plus the lens hood of Viltrox is conventional as it can be installed in reverse unlike that of TTArtisan. And Viltrox costs the same if not lower than TTArtisan. 👍

[@TylerGreenR]

this is $183 CAD on prime day!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

wow

[@8qaedi]

is this better than yongnuo 50mm f1.8, i like this cuz its metal build

[@CocoKoi321]

please compare it to the Meikee 50mm f1.8 150$, its FE but still

[@vladimirtalijan]

It would be great if razor sharp was a good thing :D

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Haha - yes - sharpness isn’t everything- but it’s nice to have if you need it and you can always soften in post if you want.

[@John_the_baptized]

Mark, I just want to say I really appreciate you and all that you do here man.

[@southbronxny5727]

How about a real test with some astrophotography. Lets look for some sharpness, aberrations and coma at the edges connected to an apc astro camera.

[@arthurwilliams1969]

I bought this when they had an introductory price of $129. I have really enjoyed shooting with it. You are right about how sharp it is and the fantastic bokeh. I also like that flare is less controlled. That allows for some more creative shooting and giving a film like quality to those shots. Enjoy watching your reviews, and look forward to more!

[@CAMTechChris]

Forget cheap and good. We want cheap and EASY!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

that was my yearbook description

[@CAMTechChris]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis​​⁠cameras, yearbooks - cheap and easy works for pretty much anything! 😎 Thanks for the great lens review!

[@bizpixvegas7651]

Mark, great video and thank you for confirming my decision to get the lens. TT Artisan had a special offer on their site last week and I ended up buying it. This lens is crazy sharp. I shot a wedding with a Sigma 85 f1.4 with my Sony two weeks ago and the TT 56 is just as sharp. Price difference is unreal $130 vs. $1,060! The hood is super cool and the lens is very compact compared to already smallish Sigma 85. On my A7RIV it delivers 26MP APSc files which is plenty. I actually prefer it to 60MP FF files which are huge and not needed in most situations. I shot some portraits of my 2-year-old grandson and the images are beyond fantastic. Tracking is decent. That is one area where the Sigma trumps this lens. Otherwise the TT 56 is a major winner. I can shoot paid gigs with this lens all day long. Wow!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

awesome - thanks for the real world use. Did you get it after Mark Wiemels raved about it?

[@bizpixvegas7651]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis I did. I ordered it literally minutes after I saw his review!! I could not pass up a super good deal. I am still giddy knowing I only paid $130 for this lens.

[@ofthenearfuture]

I saw a review on Sony FF and it looked like you could even crop to 1.2x, but obviously the corners start to get messy and vignetted. Or you can shoot FF and center crop to square if that's your vibe. But even if the bokeh can't hold up, it's really awesome to hear the TTA is just as sharp as a Sigma 85 Art!

[@bizpixvegas7651]

@@ofthenearfuture On FF there is pretty heavy vignetting. Not so much on the sides but the extreme four corners. I am totally happy with an 85mm and APSc 26MP files on my A7RIV. There is still plenty of info to crop even more. The important thing is that the images are razor sharp even at f1.8 and they have a pleasant bokeh. This is perhaps the best lens deal ever. All this goodness for $130!

[@ninofabia6088]

just got mine too. very nice and very cheap

[@IAmAllThatIs]

Is there a full frame version of this lens

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

yes - this one here is a close match for full frame kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ_Xap2ajLainc0si=K3dctIbVIKKtXMNz

[@landonbailey]

It just goes to show that sometimes cheap things don’t cost a lot

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Cheap things have prices that are less than expensive things, I find

[@landonbailey]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis I think we can all agree that we agree

[@davelong6727]

930

[@MelissaB0999]

Bokeh ... what? He said NO jokes?! What's this channel coming to? 😁 Thanks for the video. Loved the landscape shot of the body of water. Those clouds were beautiful. You could really appreciate the color and mood.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

😂

[@saxophonicmusician]

I love this lens once I got it! shoutout to @markwiemels for his video on the lens. It's truly razor sharp and great video and photo capabilities!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Mark is the BEST

[@Iron_Acker]

I have the Sigma 18-50 and the Samyang 75 1.8. The Sigma more or less covers the focal length and product photography, and you can take good portraits with the Samyang. That's why I don't need this lens. Anyways, thanks for this Video!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

you are covered!!

[@Austinite333]

Having picked up a used, like new Z30 and kit lens for $499 I added the Viltrox 561.7 and proceeded to follow my dog around the backyard looking for a few portraits. Focus was fast lens built reasonably well and the bokeh was pleasing. All for $139? Crazy.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes - the Viltrox is a crazy steal

[@JoseOnTheAir]

TTArtisans is really stepping up their AF game from the 27mm 2.8. Having this length at this price is extremely valuable. I'm very curious to see what happens when they go ultrawide. Thinking the ballpark of 10-13mm but still F1.8 and hopefully still under $200

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes - they are starting to evaluate which lenses they will cover next - very exciting.

[@TylerGreenR]

I've been wanting the sigma 56mm for my ZV-E10, but I thought the price was JUST out of reach for how much I would actually use it. This pricing is crazy!

[@TylerGreenR]

Bonus! The filter size is the same as my Sigma 30!

[@karoluscamilius417]

Thanks for inspiring me to purchase one. Got mine over the weekend. First thing you’ll notice out of the box is the build. It feels premium!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

great build for sure

[@mrdrgonzo]

You keep saying 56mm but in reality it’s 85mm, you’ll need a speed booster to get closer to 56mm. The 35mm they sell is a great lens and close to 50mm.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

56mm is the focal length. On apsc cameras you take the crop factor into account to compare to full frame field of view. But it’s a physical 56mm lens on an apsc camera. The reference to 85 (technically 84mm) field of view is only for equivalence. The apertures and focal lengths on lenses are physical measurements and that do not change no matter the sensor size. Sensor size will affect the “full frame equivalence.”. For example, this 56mm lens on a micro 4/3 camera will give the full frame equivalent field of view of a 112mm.

[@eugene_obo]

can i use it for talking head videos... or would you still recommend the sigma 16?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Definitely sigma 16. This lens is way too tight for most talking head situations

[@beru7517]

you're my favourite youtube camera guy! you're so funny po. thank you for these infomative videos

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks!!

[@SuperSamsn]

Using 56mm for video and using the internal mic will lead to a lot of screaming, I think 🤔. So it definitely will not be a major use case...

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣 - you could be behind the camera too - but for interviews - definitely 🤣

[@martonbenko5870]

Good video, but as canon user I must use my trusty old 18-35 Sigma art lens.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

one of the nest ever!!

[@ambition2959]

Apsc lens 😩 anything like this for full frame?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

actually - there is kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ_Xap2ajLainc0si=JMMRf19Hqh6X1Rm6

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video Mark! Thanks for making it. I love a good 50(ish)mm lens. Right now the only one I have is a manual focus, C-mount lens adapted to my a6700, which I love, but it's not without its quirks. Had a full-frame nifty-fifty from Sony back in the day, but I sold that because I couldn't stand the loud motor. Now that I pulled the trigger and bought a full frame camera though, I kind of wish that I had it and the 20mm back in my collection. I'm anxious to see what you have to say about the Viltrox. If it's just as good as this TT Artisan, but with a quieter motor, I may just have to order one. Through your affiliate link of course. Gotta do my part to make you stinkin rich!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The viltrox is silent - but they don't have the E yet

[@zhaiminwei250]

挺喜欢你的风格 语速 和文案

[@adventurepromo]

Good video! Friendly feedback: Might want to put a high pass filter on your audio in the future. Sounds kinda "boomy" through my desktop monitors.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

noted - it's just my manly voice 😂

[@crapkiller3008]

😂​@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis

[@abdelrahman2265]

I have the sigma 56mm f1.4 do I need this?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Definitely not - keep the Sigma

[@lsvideophoto]

puedes comparar el lente que estas mostrando Vs el sigma 56mm apsc?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

i will soon

[@Ra-Hul-K]

you alright man? sensing a dip in energy.. & your voice.. caught something from the kids again? 😅

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I just tried a slightly different pace. Some people have been saying my videos give them anxiety 🤣

[@Ra-Hul-K]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis 😂

[@DjimmyTrovy]

Awesome

[@Igryan8]

How does it compare to a Sony 50mm f/1.8? That's also under $200.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

That Sony is a full frame lens - but on an APSC it would be a similar look for sure. But this TTArtisan is much better than that Sony 50. The autofocus is clunky and loud on the 50 and has many more imperfections. The TTArtisans is sharper and has better CA and LOCA control as well

[@Igryan8]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Oh, okay. Thank you 👍🏻.

[@puppet_master]

If I didn't own the sigma, this would be a consideration

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Can't beat that sigma!!

[@puppet_master]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis I use it professionally when the Viltrox 75mm 1.2 isn't suitable. It's so small it doesn't leave my camera bag.

[@ernstvandijk6342]

Just a bummer it is not a full frame lens.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

there’s something comparable for full frame actually kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ_Xap2ajLainc0si=JMMRf19Hqh6X1Rm6

[@ernstvandijk6342]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Thanks!

[@muehleisenalex]

Canon? 😢

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

hopefully one day

[@ofthenearfuture]

Just picked this lens up on sale for $125 and can't wait to start using it! You took a lot of great images, and thanks for the review! Also 1:45 might be my funniest test shot I've ever seen lol

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

$125!! fantastic

[@ofthenearfuture]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Yeah TTArtisan just had it on sale for $129, but then the site had an additional $5 off coupon lol. I was waiting for more video reviews like yours, especially with a comparison to the Viltrox, but for that price I couldn't pass it up!

[@imagenatura]

Mark, you're a good guy, but have you considered the ethics of pushing a lens that might have been produced using questionable means? I couldn't find anything on their website. Have you looked?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

questionable means? ttartisan have been around for years and there’s nothing to indicate there is any issue I have ever seen or heard about. They are a company in China - which is where the majority of photography related gear is produced. There aren’t very many companies that issue ethics statements like peak design. I’m not sure why you would think such a thing.

[@imagenatura]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis No ethics statement on their website. Made in China. Super, super cheap. You do the math. It sounds suspect to me. Why am I the only one saying this is the real question? Are we just in a race to the bottom as to who can make a good product for super cheap? How are they treating their employees and suppliers? Yes, the same question should be asked to everyone in the photography business. This is precisely why I'd rather buy in Europe or Japan.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@imagenatura These companies are using basic parts, motors and coatings. It can be cheaper the same way a Sony 50mm 1.8 can be really cheap. Parts and labor are of course relatively less expensive in China which one of the reasons so many companies have facilities there. I review all the lenses and cameras and then comment on their performance, objectively. To add in assumptions on things like working conditions based solely on the country they come out of is not something I think is a good idea.

[@imagenatura]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis "working conditions based solely on the country they come out of"- Actually, this is a good reason to buy something if you care about working conditions. Labor laws in Europe and Japan are much higher than in Chana- that's just a fact. Modern slavery is a real thing; and yes, it's VERY unfortunate in 2024. Again, I'm not trying to be conflictual. Why don't you ask TTArtisan about their ethics statement as part of the review? It could be something that your review offers that others do not.

[@CarlosBenjamin]

I haven’t heard of you, what nefarious things are you probably up to? If you can find dirt, dish it. If not, you’re creating drama in a vacuum.

[@cluedo_official]

I think i need to buy this thing 😅

[@Nanovor4444]

How does the sharpness of this compare to the Sigma 18 to 50?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The 18-50 is extremely sharp, but prime lenses like this almost always have a little more sharpness than zooms

[@Nanovor4444]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Thank you very much

[@dasnack]

Way cheaper than the Sigma, but of course, the Sigma 56mm is one of the best if not the best lens for APSC Sony. I wonder if it's not better to ditch the AF and go for the even cheaper TTArtisan 50mm 1.2, it's not the same focal length, but it's close enough and the performance is way better.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The Sigma is amazing for sure. A 1.2 is great if you like manually focusing. Sometimes manually focusing is great, but I really love the option to autofocus

[@dasnack]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Yeah, it's just that 50 to 56 mm is a focal length crowded with cool options for all kinds of budgets, so it's hard to decide sometimes.

[@yellahbe]

I have a 7Artisans 35mm F1.2 and it’s a pain to MF. With a DOF so thin it’s a feat to focus and nail it, even with focus peaking and zooming in. Especially with moving subjects, ppl or kids. Good luck. I have mine up for sale. Don’t get me wrong, I love slow photography but it’s really really hard.