TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 Review
The TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 for Fujifilm X-Mount
TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 for Fujifilm X
After I posted reviews of the TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 and TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4 last month TTArtisan contacted me to see if I would like to become an affiliate.
I quickly mentioned to the TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 which had caught my eye and TTArtisan got back and said they would send me a lens for a review.
I have not received information or directions as to what I should write and the following is my usual unbiased take on this lens with sample images to follow, giving you an idea of the types of images you create with this lens.
Introduction
The TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 is brand new, released in May of 2022, and is made for Fujifilm X mount, Sony E, Canon RF, Canon M, Nikon Z, L-Mount, and Micro four-thirds.
At the time this review was posted, the TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 was priced at $218.00.
TTArtisan also makes a 50mm f/0.95 for full-frame but it is an entirely different beast at $755.00.
West End, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 @ f/0.95. Check out the bokeh at f/0.95.
TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 - Handling and Specs
I may as well admit it right away. I am a sucker for a nice big front lens element as seen on the TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95. It feels like a big window to the world, or so I imagine.
With its 58mm filter diameter proportionally it is a good fit for my Fujifilm X-Pro3 and is well-balanced in the hand with a solid feel.
The aperture and focus rings have deeply cut sharpish edges, and silver-colored indents/grooves. I am not a big fan of this look but it certainly makes the lens stand out in the crowd. The aperture goes from f/0.95 to f/16 clickable in half stops from f/0.95 to f/4 and full stops from f/4 - f/16.
Although I typically would not zone focus a lens with the APS-C focal length of 50mm, 75mm full-frame equivalent, the distance scale is easy to read.
Lens construction is 8 elements in 6 groups and there is no mention of aspherical elements used in the lens. It has 10 diaphragm blades resulting in decent-looking bokeh. The closest focusing distance is 19.7", 50 cm, and the lens weighs a hefty but manageable 14.5 oz, 411 g, and appears to be an all-metal construction.
TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 in Action
The aperture and focus ring on the TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 are well dampened, to the point where they are tight and it slightly hinders a smooth operation. Admittedly this is hard to get exactly right and some prefer the tight friction to avoid unintended changes to settings.
My initial impression was that the focus ring was a bit too close to the camera body but as it often is with new gear, the more I used it, the more I got used to it.
I have my rear command dial set up for focus check and after having tested several manual focus lenses, hitting the command dial to fine-tune focus is becoming second nature. I found the majority of my shots to be either in focus or very near.
Getting accurate focus at f/0.95 can be demanding as you are working with a very narrow depth of field. I do have a few f/0.95 sample images but mostly stopped the lens down to f/1.8, f/2, or f/2.8.
TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 vs. Fujifilm Options
At a price of $1,499.00 for the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR, you are looking at a significantly higher cost but a lens in a different league. The XF 50mm f/1 has autofocus, is weather-resistant, and produces beautiful colors and bokeh. It is also much heavier at 1.86 lb, 845 g, and I would put it in the category of a pro tool.
Much the same can be said about the XF 50mm f/2 R WR which comes in at a more reasonable $449.00. This lens often comes out as a value winner with all-around good performance. It is lightweight, portable, has fast and silent autofocus, and is weather-resistant.
Adding this up, it comes down to the feature set and what you may prioritize in a lens. If you are on a budget and do not mind manual focusing a lens such as the TTArtisan may come into play.
You may actually prefer manual focus and the feel of an all-metal-constructed solid lens. There is certainly a tactile difference and it would be great if you could try all options before making a decision.
You can read more about the Fujifilm options here:
Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1 R WR - Review
Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR - Review
TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 - Image Quality
Images at f/0.95 are quite soft and it is hard to nail the focus, especially with a manual focus lens. But stop the lens down just a bit and already by f/2, images are more pleasing with decent color and contrast.
Many will seek out the TTArtisan f/0.95 for creamy bokeh and I do not think you will be disappointed. The TTArtisan produces very decent bokeh at a variety of distances, in front and behind your topic.
Below are two photos, the first captured at f/0.95 and the second at f/2.8.
Please click to view larger.
TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 @ f/0.95
TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 @ f/2.8
The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size. Please click to view the larger photos below.
Conclusion
It is as if TTArtisan has dug out a bit of secret sauce for this 50mm f/0.95 in comparison to other TTArtisan lenses I have tested.
While the other lenses have been okay at prices around $100.00, the 50mm f/0.95 is $218.00, and in there perhaps lies the secret. The old saying, you get what you pay for, can be applied.
While you will not get the consistent performance as in a Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR you are also only paying half.
The few quirks I mentioned in this review may be insignificant to you and if you want to explore a lens with manual focusing this could be a good start.
If however, you are looking to cover fast-paced action, kids at play, and are looking for an all-around weather-resistant performer you would be better served by the Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR at this focal length.
Personally, I am looking forward to the newly announced Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR and we should see this lens at the end of the year. It will, however, not be a fair comparison to the TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 as the cost will be much higher.
Update:
I have now had a chance to review the TTArtisan 50mm f/2 also. you can read the review here:
Pros
Great build quality
Smooth focus ring
Decent bokeh
Cons
Soft at lowest f-stop
Please see more sample images below.
Price / Availability
Thank you for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support our site you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below.
Check availability and current price at B&H Photo
TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 - B&H Photo
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TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 - Sample Images
Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos. Some of the photos have been cropped slightly.
Please click to view larger images.
West 4th, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
West 4th, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
Bridges, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
Robson Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
Downtown, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
West Georgia Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
English Bay, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
West End, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
Beach Drive, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
Sunset Beach, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
Davie Village, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
Robson Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
Third-Party Lenses for Fujifilm X-Mount
7Artisans 35mm f/0.95
7Artisans 55mm f/1.4 II
TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4
TTArtisan 23mm f/1.4
TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8
TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8
TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95
TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2
TTArtisan 50mm f/2
Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4 XF
Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF
Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4 XF
Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 XF
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