Lens ReviewMorten ByskovDecember 20, 2022TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF Review, TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF Sample Images, TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF Sample Photos, TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF Image Quality, TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF Specs, TTArtisan 27mm review, TTArtisan 27mm sample images, TTArtisan 27mm f28 review, TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF vs. Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, TTArtisan 27mm vs. Fujifilm 27mm, TTArtisan 27 2.8, TTArtisan 27 Fuji, TTArtisan 27mm vs fuji, TTArtisan 27 Review8 Comments

TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF Review

TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 for Fujifilm X Mount

Time is flying and come March 2023 it will be two years ago that I had the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR for a brief period of time. I purchased it as a bundle with the Fujifilm X-E4 but sold it briefly after writing a somewhat lukewarm review of it.

Don’t get me wrong. The XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is a nice enough lens but it just wasn’t for me at the time. More about this later.

Now, out of left field comes TTArtisan with an almost clone-like copy of the Fujifilm pancake concept with its newly launched TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF. The price difference is the most glaring, $399.00 for the Fujifilm 27mm vs. $149.00 for the TTArtisan 27mm. I was wondering if this price difference would change my opinion on this type of lens.

The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 for Fujifilm X mount, seen on the Fujifilm X-H2S — The TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF for Fujifilm X mount seen on the Fujifilm X-H2S

Introduction

The TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 was released in October 2022 and is made for Fujifilm X-Mount and comes in either a black or titanium version.

At the time this review was posted, the TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF was priced at $149.00.

TTArtisan provided this lens for my review but has not dictated or suggested a narrative in any way.

A food vendor it ready for business at Robson Square in Vancouver. Sample image from a TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF — Robson Square, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF @ f/2.8

TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF - Handling and Specs

When it comes to size and weight the TTArtisan 27mm is very similar to the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR. I will point out a few differences below but the two lenses will feel almost identical once you throw either of them on your camera. Here are a few key specs:

Weight: 3.3 oz / 94 g
Filter size 39 mm, (same as Fujifilm XF 27mm)
Minimum focusing distance: 13.8" / 35 cm, (1.12' / 34 cm on the Fujifilm XF 27mm)
6 elements in 5 groups, including two hi-index elements (7 elements in 5 groups on the Fujifilm XF 27mm including one aspherical element)
7-blade diaphragm (same as the Fujifilm XF 27mm)
40.5mm full-frame equivalent focal length
STM stepping AF motor
The rear lens cap has a USB-C interface which can be used for firmware upgrades

While the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR carries the WR badge and is weather-resistant, there is no mention of weather sealing on the TTArtisan 27mm.

Both lenses are adequately well built but going from memory the Fujifilm XF 27mm feels a tad nicer. On the TTArtisan 27mm, the aperture ring is clickable in third stops but is narrow in comparison to the Fujifilm counterpart.

The grooves on the aperture ring are also limited to two smaller areas on the sides of the lens whereas on the Fujifilm XF 27mm, the grooves continue in an uninterrupted 3/4 circle around the lens which gives it an ergonomic advantage, especially if shooting in the vertical orientation. In reality, this is a minor difference but worth mentioning.

The TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF seen on the Fujifilm X-Pro3 — The TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF for Fujifilm X mount shown on the Fujifilm X-Pro3

TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF in Action

Lately, I have been testing a number of larger lenses combined with my GFX camera, so it was quite a relief when I headed out to do some street photography with my X-Pro3 and the TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF. You barely feel the weight of it.

Since my review of the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR I have become more accustomed to the 40mm full-frame equivalent field of view. For my GFX 50R, I have chosen the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR which gives me this same field of view.

The mentioned GFX setup, however, weighs almost exactly double that of the X-Pro3 and TTArtisan 27mm combination.

A size comparison. Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 lens vs. Fujifilm X-Pro3 and TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF lens — A size comparison. Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR lens vs. Fujifilm X-Pro3 and TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF lens

The autofocus speed was sufficiently fast for the type of photos you will see in this review. Speaking of autofocus, so far TTArtisan has only produced manual focus lenses for the Fujifilm X Series, and having this feature and contacts to the camera which sends EXIF information is a welcome convenience.

The “A lock” button found on the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR is missing on the TTArtisan but personally, I do not miss it as it is placed exactly where my thumb goes when holding this lens.

Vancouver Auto Centre on Powell Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF — Powell Street, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro3, TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF @ f/8

Image Quality

The optical performance is admirable for a $149.00 lens and is not too shabby compared to the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR. The Fujifilm lens, however, shines when it comes to the overall color, sharpness towards the outer edges of the frame, and how well it does for vignetting.

For the TTArtisan 27mm, vignetting is quite visible at f/2.8, and even at f/8 it is not entirely gone. I do, however not find it too distracting and have not corrected it in any of the sample images in this review.

The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size.

The TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF shown on the Fujifilm X-H2S — The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 for Fujifilm X mount seen on the Fujifilm X-H2S

Conclusion

The TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF gives you an affordable moderate-wide-angle autofocus lens for your Fujifilm X Series cameras and would especially be well-matched to some of the smaller cameras such as the X-E4, X-S10.

For the larger X Series cameras, it may give you a breather resulting in an overall lighter setup as a carry-all-day option.

I was happy with the image quality from the TTArtisan but if 27mm was an important focal length for me I would seriously consider the Fujifilm XF 27mm option which is weather-sealed, has slightly better handling, and has better image quality.

As an extra lens in your bag or a lens, you won’t have to worry too much about the TTArtisan will do just fine, and if you can live with a few compromises you save $250.00 in comparison to the Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR.

Personally, the XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR wasn’t for me when I first had it but things have a way of changing and I have grown more fond of this focal length. On my X-Pro cameras 27mm, however, it is still not a priority and hence, I would not spend the $399.00 on the Fujifilm lens.

$149.00, on the other hand, is easier to justify when you want an affordable lightweight lens for the occasional photo walk where the ultimate image quality is not a main priority.

Pros

Affordability
Compact
Sufficient image quality and build quality value for money spent

Cons

Vignetting
Lacks weather sealing but at the low pricepoint this should not be expected

Price / Availability

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TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF - B&H Photos

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TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 XF - 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.