Review of TTArtisan AF 56/1.8 ED (for APS-C, FujiFIlm X, Sony E, Nikon Z)

Navigation

1. In short
2. Main Specifications
3. Assembly
4. Focusing
5. Firmware Upgrade
6. Image quality
7. Examples of photos (+source files)
8. Price
9. My experience
10. Video review
11. Results
12. User Comments
13. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review I will refer to the TTArtisan AF 56/1.8 ED lens as the 'TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF'.

It's important: This review shows the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF version for Sony mirrorless cameras with bayonet mount Sony e-mount and with firmware version v1.02. At the same time, there are modifications of this lens for mirrorless cameras APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) и APS-C FujiFilm X.

It's important: This review shows the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF version with a silver body color. At the same time, the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF is also available with a classic black body color.

In short

TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF is a modern lens for mirrorless cameras with a cropped APS-C sensor (the coefficient crop factor Kf=1.5x or more). In terms of its parameters, the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF is a very attractive solution. First of all, the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF is designed for creative photo and video shooting. In particular, the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF can act as a portrait lens, its EGF (equivalent focal length) for cameras with crop factor Kf=1.5x equals 84 mm, which almost completely corresponds to the classic focal length of 85 mm, which is considered well suited for portrait photography.

Automatic focusing is carried out using a stepper motor. The image quality is at a very high level.

TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF is an alternative to the original autofocus similar lens Sony E 1.8 / 50 OSS (Optical Steady Shot, SEL50F18, E-mount, 2011).

System APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) as of the end of autumn 2024 (the time of this review) remains poorly developed and does not have any similar lenses of the 50/1.4 class, and therefore the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF for APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) is a very interesting and in demand solution.

In the case of a system fujifilm x The new TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF is an alternative for FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XF 50mm 1: 2 R WR (2017). Perhaps those users who consider the original high-aperture models like 50mm 1:1 XF R WR, 56mm 1:1.2 XF R, 56mm 1:1.2 XF R APD, 56mm 1:1.2 XF R WR will turn out to be too expensive.

The price of the new TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF is the lowest of all possible similar autofocus solutions and is approximately $130.

It's important: when searching and choosing autofocus optics for Sony E-mount APS-C Use these very useful links:

• All autofocus lenses for Sony E / Sony NEX (original and from third-party manufacturers)
• All TTArtisan lenses

Alternatives

All similar autofocus lenses (“fifty kopecks” and “about fifty kopecks”) for cropped mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor for mounts X, E, Z, L, Ef-m, RF-S:

1. Sony E 1.8 / 50 Health Care [IS]
2. FujiFilm 50mm 1:1 XF R WR [X]
3. FujiFilm 50mm 1:2 XF R WR  [X]
4. FujiFilm 56mm 1:1.2 XF R [X]
5. FujiFilm 56mm 1:1.2 XF R APD [X]
6. FujiFilm 56mm 1:1.2 XF R WR [X]
7. Viltrox 56/1.4 (overview) [X, E, Z, EF-M] (video)
8. Viltrox 56/1.7 (overview) [X, E, Z] (video)
9. Sigma C 56 / 1.4 [X, E, Z, L, EF-M, RF-S]
10. TT Artisan 56/1.8 (overview) [X, E, Z] (video)
11. Tokina 56 / 1.4 [X, E]
12. Yongnuo 50/1.8 PRO [X, Z]
13. Yongnuo 50/1.8 (overview) [X, E, Z] (video)
14. Yongnuo 50 / 1.8 II [IS]
15. Yongnuo 56/1.4  [X, E, Z]
16. Meike 55 / 1.4 [X, E, Z]
17. Sirui 56/1.2 [X, E, Z]
18. Brightin Star 50/1.4 (overview) [X, E, Z] (video)

Main technical characteristics of TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF

Review Instance Name	On the lens barrel: AF 56/1.7 ED Viltrox + data plate Near the front lens: TTArtisan AF 56/1.8 ED 0.5m/1.64ft Ø52mm On the box: TTArtisan AF 56mm f1.8
Basic properties	E (E-mount) - designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras AF (Auto Focus) - the lens supports auto focus STM (Scarpets Motor) - focusing stepper motor IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus DMF (DDirectly MAnnual Pass Focus) - direct manual focus ED (Extra Low Dispersion) - low dispersion elements in the optical scheme H.R.I. (High Refaction Index) - elements with an ultra-high refractive index in the optical scheme Special Coated optics, with protection of the front lens from water and dirt USB-port to update the firmware on the rear lens cap Electronic focus ring Included hood Important: lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its use
Front Filter Diameter	52 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length	56mm Equivalent Focal Length Sony E APS-C / APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) / APS-C FujiFilm X is 84 mm
Zoom ratio	1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by	for cropped mirrorless digital cameras. Theoretically, the lens is suitable for all digital mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses and mount SONY E/FE и APS-C Nikon Z (Nikon DX) и APS-C FujiFilm X
Number of aperture blades	9 rounded petals
Tags	bayonet mount mark hood attachment mark
Diaphragm	from F/1.8 to F/16 without aperture control ring
MDF	0.50 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:7
The weight	233 grams without lids according to my measurements (version under Sony e-mount) 282 grams with two caps and a lens hood according to my measurements
Optical design	10 elements in 9 groups. Elements used ED (Extra Low Dispersion, low dispersion elements) and H.R.I. (High Refaction Index, ultra-high refractive index)
Lens hood	Bayonet-type lens hood included in delivery
Manufacturer country	MADE IN CHINA (Made in China)
Period	Since 19 April 2024 years
Instructions	Included in delivery, pdf
Price	About $130, see current prices on Aliexpress at TTARTISAN official store View on AMAZON

The actual aperture ratio (T-stage) is quite high, and is at the T/1.9 level.

Aperture F/1.8 approx. three stops wider aperture of F/5.6, which is used in some 'dark' standard lenses. Each stop gives a doubling of the light-gathering power: 1.4 -> 2 -> 2.8 -> 4 -> 5.6. In numerical terms, this means that the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF should be 10 times lighterthan stock lens Sony 16-50mm f / 3.5-5.6 PZ OSS or Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS II, which at 50 mm focal length can use a maximum relative aperture of only 1:5.6. Calculating the difference in relative apertures (count aperture ratio) is done in an elementary way: (5.6*5.6)/(1.8*1.8)=10. The creative potential of such a lens is difficult to overestimate. Amateur photographers often use it as a portrait lens. Many people simply want a fast prime to complement their kit lens.

Assembly

The lens came for review new in its original box. The package does not include a USB cable for updating the firmware.

TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF has metal mountThe lens body (including the focusing ring) is also metal.

The TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF weighs about 230 grams. The build quality is very high. The lens feels great in your hands. The markings are engraved (most likely with a laser).

The package includes a durable metal lens hood. The lens hood is a bayonet type and snaps into place. reliably. The hood cannot be installed in the reverse direction (transport mode).

The front and rear protective caps are plastic, massive, and inconvenient to use. The front cap is very thin and difficult to snap on near the front lens. The front cap cannot be installed with the hood installed.

The rear protective cover has contacts for the lens microprocessor and a USB port for updating the firmware, folds like a DOC station. Because of this, the rear cover can only be installed with the compatibility marks, and not in any position of the lens.

The aperture consists of 9 blades. At values ​​of F/1.8-F/4 the hole takes a fairly round shape. The aperture works quickly, does not stick, but creates excessive noise from frequent opening/closing.

Focusing

The lens has a built-in STM stepping motor for focusing. The motor is a little noisy.The noise is similar to a hum.

Auto focus speed average, closer to high. The focusing speed is sufficient for comfortable work in most photo tasks.

The focusing ring is metal, wide, with veins. Electronic focusing ring, rotates very easily, has no extreme positions. The ring can be rotated with only one finger. There is virtually no lag in the electronic focusing ring.

During auto focus focus ring remains stationary.

Lens has internal focus, the front and rear lenses remain stationary during focusing. It is possible to use various filters without any problems.

The minimum focusing distance is 50 cm and the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 7.

Focus Features:

1. Important: The focusing performance of the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF is highly dependent on the camera used.
2. TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF has a strong 'Focus Breathing' effect (changes in the angle of view during focusing). When focusing towards the middle focus area, the angle of view decreases.
3. Focus Shift (focus shift, changing focus distance due to iris)
4. TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF does not have a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) that allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens to infinity under any external temperature conditions. For precise focusing to infinity, you cannot simply bring the focusing ring to the extreme position. This is a common problem with lenses with an electronic focusing ring.
5. Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.

Firmware Upgrade

The lens comes with a special rear protective cap, which also serves as a station for manipulating the lens firmware. The cap is equipped with a port USB TYPE-C 2.0 (a common port used by many smartphones and other devices). When connected to a computer, the lens is recognized as a 'TTArtisan' drive with a capacity of 1.96 MB. The drive contains a DeviceInformation.txt file - a text file with information about the lens and firmware, as well as the firmware file itself UserProfile.dat.

To update you should download the firmware file from the official website and copy it to the 'TTArtisan' drive, wait 5 seconds, then make sure the text file shows the new firmware version. You may need to update the drive and/or connected devices. At the time of writing this review, there was no firmware update for this lens. It is worth noting that Viltrox constantly updates firmware for its lenses.

Image quality

Overall, the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF's image quality is quite good, but there are some drawbacks.

Resolution

• in the center of the frame at F/1.8 the lens is wonderful in terms of resolution
• there is a drop in sharpness to the edges of the frame at f / 1.8
• after about F/8 the corners and edges of the image return to normal

Distortion

• very small pincushion distortion
• the overall level of distortion is at a level typical for such lenses
• the nature of distortion is unified, easily corrected in the editor

Vignetting

• the overall level of vignetting is at a level typical for such lenses
• noticeable vignetting is observed only at F/1.8-F/2.2
• vignetting almost disappears at F / 2.8-F / 4
• vignetting is easily fixable in the editor
• full frame sensor lens covers like this (very, very good indicator)

Aberration

• At wide apertures there is a small amount of chromatic aberration in the center of the frame and a large amount in the far corners of the image
• there is a weak one friging (HA in the blur zone)
• Stopping down to F/4 slightly reduces the amount HA

Rest

• the aperture opening at F/1.8-F/4 values ​​is quite round and smooth; at F/8-F/16 values ​​you can see regular nine-sided angles
• the lens does not handle side and back light very well, you can easily get glare and halos (example)
  
• in many scenes, the lens can create a pleasant / neutral bokeh

There is no lens profile for the lens in popular RAW converters, but most likely the profile will appear shortly or you can create it yourself.

Sample photos on APS-C

Camera used Sony a3500 (20MP Sony Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor) and Sony NEX-F3 (16 MP Sony APS-C HD CMOS sensor).

• Original photos from Sony a3500 и Sony NEX-F3 in RAW format (Sony '.ARW') you can watch/download it from this link (80+ files, Google Drive gallery).
• Original photos from Sony a3500 и Sony NEX-F3 in JPEG format ('.jpg') you can watch/download it from this link (80+ files, Google Drive gallery).

More photos will be added over time.

EGF such a lens on cameras with an APS-C sensor corresponds to approximately 84 mm, which is close to the classic focal length of 85 mm for portrait photography. And the equivalent aperture in terms of DOF is approximately F/2.55. As a result, on cameras with an APS-C sensor with TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF you get something like an 85/2.8 class lens.

Prices

Prices for TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF on Aliexpress can look at this link.

My experience

TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF – the most affordable “real” portrait lens for mirrorless cropped cameras, the noise from the focusing motor is a bit annoying. Similar Viltrox 56 / 1.7 I liked it more.

TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF captivates with its metal body and unusual appearance (especially with the hood). Very high resolution in the center of the frame, as well as very low price tag makes the TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF a very attractive solution.

Video review

Results

TTArtisan 56/1.8 AF is an affordable portrait lens that also handles other creative and not-so-creative photo tasks very well. Optical quality is at a good level.

main advantages

1. internal focusing, electronic wide focusing ring
2. stepper motor focusing, tenacious automatic focusing (on latest model cameras)
3. good/excellent build quality: metal bayonet and body, reliable and convenient caps, bayonet-type lens hood
4. USB port in the back cover for firmware upgrade, easy method to upgrade firmware
5. nine-petal diaphragm
6. modern complex optical design with special optical elements
7. nice / neutral drawing, which can be used as a good artistic technique during portraiture
8. very high resolution in the center of the frame already at F/1.8
9. low level of chromatic aberration and distortion
10. good value for money

main disadvantages

1. there are no indicators such as focusing distance scale, depth of field, etc.
2. there is no AF/MF focus mode switch (there is MEIKE 55/1.4)
3. the lens is not protected from environmental influences (at MEIKE 55/1.4 there is a rubber mount seal)
4. there is no image stabilizer (there is Sony E 1.8 / 50 OSS)
5. there is no aperture control ring (there is Viltrox 56 / 1.4)
6. quite a lot of noise from the focus motor
7. sometimes there is a long initialization of the lens
8. the original front cover is not convenient to use
9. the back cover (aka docking station) is installed on the lens only in a certain position (the marks must match)
10. some optical defects, such as glare in backlighting and a drop in resolution in the far corners of the image

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.