Overview

The TTArtisan 35mm F1.4 APS-C Portrait Lens is a manual focus prime lens crafted for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras. Offering a 35mm focal length and a fast F1.4 aperture, this lens excels in low-light conditions while delivering beautiful, creamy bokeh. Weighing just 180g, it’s a compact and portable solution for photographers seeking both performance and convenience. The lens also features a close focus distance of just 11 inches, allowing for detailed and engaging shots, whether you're shooting portraits or capturing street scenes.

Features & Benefits

The F1.4 aperture of this lens allows for stunning shallow depth of field and bokeh, making it perfect for portrait work. Its construction includes 7 elements in 6 groups with 10 diaphragm blades, ensuring sharpness and minimal distortion. With manual focus, you have full control over your composition, which is ideal for photographers who appreciate precision. Despite its high-quality build, the lens remains lightweight at only 180g, making it ideal for street photography or travel without sacrificing quality.

Best For

This 35mm portrait lens is best suited for portrait photographers who need a versatile and fast prime lens. It’s also great for street and travel photographers looking for a lightweight and portable option without compromising on image quality. If you often work in low-light conditions and want a lens that can deliver excellent performance without bulky gear, this lens is a strong contender. Additionally, users who enjoy manual control over focus and aperture will find this lens offers a more hands-on, creative approach.

User Feedback

Many users praise this TTArtisan lens for its sharpness and image quality, particularly at wide apertures, which enhances both portraits and general photography. However, some find the manual focus a bit challenging initially, especially when switching from autofocus lenses, though most agree it’s worth the learning curve. The wide aperture also contributes to fantastic bokeh, making it a popular choice among those looking for a lens that excels in portrait photography. The lightweight build is often mentioned as a key selling point for photographers on the go.

Pros

  • Lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for travel and street photographers.
  • The F1.4 aperture creates beautiful bokeh, enhancing portrait shots.
  • Manual focus offers precise control, ideal for photographers who prefer hands-on composition.
  • Affordable price for a fast prime lens with impressive performance in low light.
  • Compact and portable, easy to carry without adding bulk to your gear.
  • Close focus distance of 11 inches is great for capturing detailed close-up shots.

Cons

  • Manual focus can be challenging for beginners or those used to autofocus systems.
  • Lack of image stabilization means it's less ideal for handheld shooting in low light.
  • Some users report a slight learning curve when adjusting focus manually, especially for fast-moving subjects.
  • Not ideal for fast-paced photography, such as sports or wildlife, where quick focus is crucial.
  • Build quality feels slightly less durable compared to higher-end lenses.
  • May struggle with extreme low-light performance compared to more expensive lenses.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple platforms and languages, the scores reflect a broad range of experiences with the TTArtisan 35mm F1.4 APS-C Portrait Lens. Only authentic feedback was considered, filtering out any spam or exaggerated claims. Both strengths and areas for improvement are captured in the scores, providing an accurate, comprehensive overview of this lens’s performance and user satisfaction across various photography contexts.

Image Quality
88%
Many users praise the sharpness and clarity this lens provides, especially at wider apertures. The combination of the F1.4 aperture and quality construction delivers excellent contrast and vibrant colors, making it a solid choice for both portraits and street photography.
However, some users report slight softness around the edges at maximum aperture. While this may be negligible in most shots, it can be an issue for those seeking pin-sharp details across the entire frame.
Manual Focus Control
82%
18%
This lens offers exceptional control for those who enjoy manual focus, with a smooth and precise focus ring that makes it easier to adjust. Many users find this to be an advantage in situations that require more deliberate composition and artistic focus.
On the flip side, some buyers mention the learning curve associated with manual focus. For those used to autofocus, the transition can take some time, especially for fast-paced shooting environments or when capturing fleeting moments.
Low-Light Performance
91%
The F1.4 aperture truly shines in low-light conditions, allowing users to capture stunning shots without sacrificing quality. Many photographers appreciate how this lens performs in dim environments, especially for indoor portraits and evening street photography.
A few users, however, note that the lens can still struggle with extreme low light, especially in poorly lit, dynamic scenes. While it excels in most low-light situations, it may not fully compete with higher-end lenses in extremely dark environments.
Bokeh Quality
85%
The bokeh produced by this lens is widely admired for its smooth and aesthetically pleasing quality. With its wide F1.4 aperture and circular 10-blade diaphragm, it creates a creamy, blurred background that enhances portraits and makes subject isolation easier.
Some users, however, find that the bokeh can be a little too soft in certain scenarios, with occasional distraction from the out-of-focus areas. While most find it attractive, those who prioritize perfect bokeh may prefer lenses with a more pronounced effect.
Build Quality
79%
21%
The lens is built with a solid, aviation-grade aluminum alloy, which gives it a premium feel while remaining relatively lightweight. The manual focus ring is smooth, and the overall construction is robust enough for everyday use, especially in travel or casual photography.
However, some users feel the build quality could be improved, particularly with regard to weather sealing. For those using the lens in harsher environments, the lack of protection against dust or moisture may raise concerns about long-term durability.
Portability
93%
At just 180g, this lens is extremely lightweight and compact, making it an excellent choice for photographers on the go. Its small size doesn’t compromise performance, making it an ideal option for street and travel photographers who want to keep their gear minimal without sacrificing image quality.
While most users love the compactness, a few feel that the small size makes it easy to misplace or accidentally damage. The lightweight design, though great for portability, can also feel slightly less sturdy compared to heavier lenses.
Ease of Use
74%
26%
Many users appreciate the simplicity of the manual focus mechanism, which allows for total control over focus and aperture. The design is minimalistic, and there are fewer distractions compared to autofocus lenses, which some photographers prefer for a more engaging shooting experience.
For beginners or those new to manual focus, the lens may initially feel challenging to use. It requires more time to get used to than an autofocus lens, and in fast-moving situations, it can be difficult to get the focus right quickly, leading to missed shots.
Durability
78%
22%
The durable construction, using aviation-grade aluminum, makes this lens a reliable choice for everyday use. Users report that it holds up well against regular handling and light wear, offering good long-term value despite being compact.
Nevertheless, a few users point out that the lens feels less robust than more expensive counterparts, especially under heavy usage. Without weather sealing or extra protection, it may not hold up well in rough conditions or extreme environments.
Value for Money
85%
For the price, this lens offers fantastic performance, especially for users who want a fast prime lens without breaking the bank. The combination of great image quality, low-light capabilities, and portability makes it an attractive option for those looking to get the most out of their budget.
Some buyers feel that while the price is competitive, the lens might not offer the same level of refinement or premium features found in more expensive lenses. The lack of autofocus and limited durability may be a dealbreaker for those willing to invest more for better performance and build.
Close Focus Ability
80%
20%
Users appreciate the lens’s 11-inch minimum focus distance, which allows for detailed close-up shots and better subject isolation. It’s especially useful for capturing portraits or creative shots where you want to highlight fine details.
While close focusing is great, some users report that the lens struggles to maintain sharpness when focusing on very small objects. It’s not a true macro lens, and the limited close-focus range may not meet the needs of those looking to capture extreme detail.
Compatibility with Sony E-mount
87%
As a lens designed specifically for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras, it delivers seamless integration with many of Sony’s mirrorless systems. Users report reliable performance with minimal issues when paired with compatible bodies.
A small number of users with other mounts or full-frame cameras have noted that the lens may not perform as well outside of its intended compatibility. It’s specifically optimized for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras, and trying to adapt it to other systems may lead to suboptimal results.
User Learning Curve
72%
28%
For users who are comfortable with manual focus, this lens provides a rewarding and hands-on shooting experience. It’s an ideal option for those who enjoy the craft of photography and taking full control of their shots.
However, the learning curve for those new to manual focus can be steep. A few users feel that the lack of autofocus makes it more challenging to capture quick-moving subjects, and it requires more time and patience to master the precise adjustments needed for every shot.

Suitable for:

The TTArtisan 35mm F1.4 APS-C Portrait Lens is ideal for portrait and street photographers who prioritize image quality and manual control. Its compact size and lightweight build make it especially suitable for travel photographers looking to minimize gear weight without compromising performance. The lens excels in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for indoor photography or evening shoots. Additionally, users who enjoy working with manual focus will appreciate the precision and creative control it offers, making it a solid option for those seeking an artistic and hands-on shooting experience.

Not suitable for:

This lens may not be the best fit for beginners or users who rely on autofocus for fast-paced shooting. The manual focus design, while rewarding for some, can be challenging for those unfamiliar with it, especially in dynamic settings like events or sports photography. Additionally, its performance in extreme low-light conditions may not meet the standards of more expensive lenses, which could be a limitation for users who require the highest performance in challenging lighting. Those looking for a weather-sealed, rugged lens or a more robust autofocus system may also want to consider other options.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens has a focal length of 35mm, making it a versatile choice for portraits and general photography.
  • Aperture: The F1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and the ability to create shallow depth of field.
  • Compatibility: Designed for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras, ensuring seamless compatibility with Sony mirrorless systems.
  • Manual Focus: The lens uses manual focus, giving photographers complete control over focus precision and composition.
  • Lens Construction: The lens is constructed with 7 elements in 6 groups, contributing to its sharpness and overall image quality.
  • Diaphragm Blades: It features a 10-blade diaphragm, which helps produce smooth and aesthetically pleasing bokeh.
  • Close Focus Distance: The lens has a close focus distance of 11 inches, allowing for detailed close-up shots.
  • Weight: At only 180g, this lens is lightweight, making it an ideal option for street and travel photography.
  • Filter Size: The lens uses a 39mm filter size, offering flexibility with filter attachments for different photography needs.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 3.98 x 4.17 x 3.03 inches, making it compact and easy to carry.
  • Angle of View: It provides an angle of view of 45°, suitable for wide-angle shots on APS-C cameras.
  • Bokeh: The large F1.4 aperture and 10-blade diaphragm create beautiful, creamy bokeh, ideal for portraiture.
  • Build Material: The lens body is made from aviation-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring a balance of durability and lightweight construction.
  • Optical Performance: The lens delivers sharp image quality, especially at wide apertures, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.
  • Focus Ring: The focus ring is smooth and precise, offering fine control for manual focusing.
  • Mount Type: The lens uses a Sony E-mount, compatible with Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras for optimal performance.
  • Field of View: The 35mm focal length on an APS-C sensor provides an effective focal length of around 52mm, offering a natural field of view.

FAQ

This lens is specifically designed for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras. It will work seamlessly with Sony mirrorless models that use this type of mount.

The manual focus on this lens gives you complete control over composition and focus precision. It may take some time to get used to, especially for fast-moving subjects, but it’s ideal for photographers who enjoy hands-on shooting and want fine focus adjustments.

The TTArtisan 35mm F1.4 APS-C Portrait Lens has a close focus distance of 11 inches, allowing you to capture detailed, engaging shots even at close range.

Yes, the F1.4 aperture is perfect for low-light environments. It allows more light into the sensor, helping you get brighter images in dim conditions without needing to increase the ISO or use a flash.

At just 180g, this lens is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it an excellent choice for street photographers or travelers who want to keep their gear minimal while maintaining high image quality.

No, the TTArtisan 35mm F1.4 APS-C Portrait Lens does not feature built-in image stabilization. You may need to use a tripod or stabilize the camera manually in low-light conditions or while shooting handheld.

With its F1.4 aperture and 10-blade diaphragm, this lens is capable of producing smooth, creamy bokeh, which is particularly useful for portrait photography, where you want the subject to stand out against a beautifully blurred background.

Yes, the TTArtisan 35mm F1.4 APS-C Portrait Lens can be used for video, especially if you want a shallow depth of field and pleasing bokeh. However, the lack of autofocus may require more manual control when filming moving subjects.

Absolutely. The 35mm focal length and wide F1.4 aperture make it a versatile lens for portrait photography, delivering sharp images with beautiful background blur, making your subject pop in the frame.

Manual focus requires patience and practice, especially when working with fast-moving subjects. It can be tricky at first, but many users find it rewarding as it gives them full control over focus, allowing for more precise shots.