Spending $52 to find out if that is a focal length you like, is probably better than spending $352 on a good lens, only to find out it is a focal length you don't like.
I picked this lens up a couple months back. Gives me a vintage feel. Love the shots I get even in video. It's been a great investment for artsy shots. Even for paid work with pro boxers!
I agree with Arthur that the Sigma 30 1.4 Contemporary (which I have) is an incredible value for sharp auto-focus photography at about $265 new at Amz and sometimes $289 at B&H , or who knows what price used (for a good one) (I'd get it new: great value). For a smaller option, the older Sigma 30 2.8 is pretty excellent also. But this little TTartisan 25 f2 isn't competing with those types of lenses. This is the only cheap "artisan" lens that I finally bit the bullet and bought, and I can't say I regret it. This is a light-weight tiny manual focus lens with an aperture ring, and it competes with lenses with those specific features to allow us to use old school techniques with our tiny Sony a6xx cameras - but for a cheap price. Have you ever auto-focused on a building or something while riding in a car, and the camera focused on the dirty windshield? You lost your shot. That doesn't happen if you pre-focus on infinity with an MF lens. You can do this in DMF or MF mode on your camera body, but you've got to push some buttons ahead of time. Have you ever tried to take a photo in a dark theater of your kid watching a movie, but your camera has a hard time locking focus? Instead, pre-manual-focus when the light from the screen is enough to set focus on your kid's face, and then snap the shot whenever you want. And like Arthur said, that Sigma 30 1.4 is about 2.5 times as long as this little 25 f/2. You could get an old MF Nikkor 24 2.8 (I have it) or something similar, but it's huge by the time you add the adapter, and a really clean one isn't cheap. No, this lens is not as sharp in the outer zones as my smallish Voigtlander 28 1.9, but it's heavier and today that lens is worth over $600. The tiny Leica 28 2.8 elmarit or any of the tiny old Leica 35 pre-aspherical crons would be great - for well over $1,000. The Leica 40 cron (I have) is a bargain but still over $600 and not quite wide enough for a walk-around lens (but actually better for shooting out of a car.) For me here are the negatives Arthur describes but put in my perspective: At f2 with bright light flare situation, it's crazy, but at 2.8 it doesn't do that. The far outer zones are smeared to garbage, but it really is the farthest corners. If it bothers you on a specific shot, just crop in a tiny bit later. You can even use the camera's Clear Image Zoom to crop in a little in-camera if you feel you must. Finally, and this is my worst complaint: like most manual focus lenses on these cameras or on adapters, the infinity focus isn't accurate, so you can't easily pre-focus by just using the focus ring distance scale. I saw a RUclips saying it is feasible to recalibrate the focus ring, but I haven't dared try that yet - but I might because of the great benefit that provides. The really good: As Arthur says, this lens is sharp in the middle, but I think it is sharper than he says. This lens is about as sharp in the center as the Sony ZM 24 1.8 (which I have), which is an excellent lens even if it was never worth $1200 in 2011 and arguably still overpriced new today at $800 and not as sharp as the Sigma 30 (but it has noticeably wider field of view)(...and Sigma 23 1.4 is coming in days, but like I said - that's a different sort of lens than this TT 25.). This TT holds up well in the mid zones too, but it is a train wreck in those very far corners, but who cares. I bought this to have fun with manual control and it actually is small enough to fit in a large pocket. I read and watched reviews about how this lens compares to the specific competition in the low price, manual focus, very small pretty fast category, and this seemed like the best one to me, but I'd like to hear if somebody thinks another one is better.
Judging by the pictures, he doesn't know how to use a 25mm. Post a video about this lens instead, you might have better insights. I have it too and it's a mighty lens for the price imo.
@@peter_parkouryeah another reviewer was raving about this lens. They did mention the issues with the corners/edges but not a deal breaker (according to him). I’ve got one on order. It’ll be my first lens outside of the kit AF Fuji lens that came with my camera.
I have this on my A6000 (Its my answer to NOT buying a Ricoh GRIII) but I really enjoy using it for street shooting and as a reminder to the fact that Ive enjoyed photography sine, errr the early 1970’s. Warts and all its a fun lens to shoot with, just not all the time. I also have a 30mm Sigma which I really like, but that lens is much larger and more conspicuous as well. For $52 its a keeper and is capable of producing some nice shots, IMO.
How refreshing to hear an honest review so many you tubers do a sales pitch “and by the way here is the link that I make a kickback on”. I don’t need the lens. Hope you give the lens to someone that’s just started out.
This lens is a good option for someone out there that is low on budget and somehow got on his hands an old Sony Aps-c camera without even a kit lens. I see zero reasons for anyone else buying it otherwise. Great work as usual on the video!
I used this lens and has a review on my channel. Just simply a fun and really cheap lens, where optical performance is not prioritized. A whole combo of Fujifilm XM1 and this lens cost under 120 dollars and brought me so much fun and creativity nowadays
Thank you for always giving us great videos. I am currently in pharmacy school and don’t have a lot of money for gear, so it’s always nice to see you reviewing more affordable options!
This lens is really made for MFT: (i) vignetting corners disappear, (ii) 25 mm MFT corresponds exactly with a 50 mm, the most ubiquitous prime lens for full frame.
As a fuji shooter, that mention of 150 dollars for a used sigma 30mm f1.4 makes me jealous. I paid 350 euros for that (new, because there were no used ones available yet)!
I think this lens will do good for casual street photography due to its compact size and almost 35mm full frame equiv. I don't know about most but I dont mind a lens with these kind of flaws specifically for the situation I will be using it in and my tight budget.
I ordered one to use as a small travel lens. Hope the odd colors and purple shadows don't annoy me too much Thank you for doing an actual review of this lens and not just "WoW! It's only $50, that's great!"
I actually don't mind the softness in the corners especially it's bokeh anyway. I was wondering how's the video quality too? Always thank you for your expertise reviews. Your pictures are great to me, I'm not a good photographer but I do it for healing my anxiety. I wish to give it a try on this budget lens.
This kind of lens always intrigues me. Fast, value-focused. I suppose a used sigma 30mm is triple the price, but I agree that's probably a better use of your cash
Exactly my plan. I just ordered this lens yesterday. Should arrive in a couple more days. It’ll be my first manual lens and my first lens period outside of the kit lens that came with my Fuji X-s10.
I had this on my wishlist but the last minute I got the TTArtisan 23mm f1.4. It’s a better value overall in my opinion because it’s only 50€ more, it’s one stop brighter, 2mm wider focal (actually 3mm due to crop factor) and it looks amazing on black/silver! In general, TTArtisan lenses delivers something impressive: really vintage feel with the right amount of corrections. And all that for cheap!
A nice review Arthur, as always. Although for this focal length I have the Viltrox 23mm f1.4, I would like to try this one as well. Good luck to everyone! 🙂🙂
I would love to try it, even though it has its flaws. It looks almost like a pancake lens, so it's easy to carry around without effort and without attracting too much attention.
Got one, stuck it on my old X-E1, and now have something that fits into my coat pocket. The corners are weird but the rest of the frame is sharp. Great for street and contemplative work, and only the most discerning eyes are going to see the flaws.
Great explanation, as always! I've been following you for years and love how you talk about those cheap alternatives! That inspired me for my RUclips channel that I try to manage here in Spain! It would be great to test it out with my Sony ZVE10! Regards from Valencia!!
Just picked up this lens. Already knew about the images quality. I'm using this to practice new composition and style that don't depend on sharp image quality.
I had this lens for a few days. On my A6400 there was heavy vignetting up to f4. Like, vignetting that I hadn’t seen in any reviews. Loved the size but had to return it.
Would be nice to have this on my cheap manual lens collection along with my Neweer 35mm f1.7 and my Avenir CCTV 50mm f1.8 lens. I don't really see the imperfections as a bad thing but it gives out that "vintage look" to it which I really liked!
Congratulations to the recipient of this lens. Please take the challenge of producing some excellent photos with this budget lens and share them online.
I agree with the overall verdict. As a positive, though, the lens is good for B+W. In conjunction with my Fuji X-T1 sensor, it delivers atmospheric images. Also, it makes the camera very portable.
I am using an old canon fd 2.8 mm lens on my xt20, but also with the adaptor is kind of huge! I would love to have a pancake lens just for everyday and travel. Keep up the good work Arthur !
Note that the focusing ring is closest to the lens mount: With my Lumix DMC-G85 I cannot see the focus distance because of the "overhang". With this DMC-G85 other lenses with the focus ring out front are better.
Thanks for the review. The lens is small and I think can fit any bag for an extra lens. Look forward to using this lens on my A6400 Camera and getting creative.
I was hoping the 23 to be closer to the 30 in terms of size, but according to leaked specs, it’s going to be closer to the 16.. good addition nonetheless, but probably not for me.
You've have made me leaving a comment😅. Well done 👍 I've seen a different reviews but yours its the most honest....honestly. Thanks for pointing out the flaws. I think is ok for 52 but with a bit of saving, that sigma 30 mm, f1.4 is so damn sexy. I had it and its heaven.
Hello! I don't currently own a lens outside of the kit lens on my a6000, and don't have the money to spend on a nice one, so it's nice to see an affordable option.
Sigma 23 1.4 for aps-c coming out next week, curious how that's going to be...the rumored dimensions look a bit large. I'm still hoping Sony or Sigma releases a COMPACT quality 23mm f2 and 18mm f2 similar to the Leica CL and Fuji options. I've been waiting far too long for a comfortable small walk round lens
This might make a far, far better M4/3s lens; it almost seems more like that is what it was originally going for, but they saw it -mostly- covers APS-C, and that's a bigger market, so good enough, I suppose. Good rec on the Sigma 30mm; that whole trio needs to go back into production.
Spending $52 to find out if that is a focal length you like, is probably better than spending $352 on a good lens, only to find out it is a focal length you don't like.
Just buy a zoom lens and you'll know.
@@blackmamba6938 The f stop is the problem with that, being substantially slower.
@@williamwilson5127 I don't think someone who is thinking about what focal length they are shooting at is concerned about f-stops just yet.
They go hand in hand.@@blackmamba6938
I picked this lens up a couple months back. Gives me a vintage feel. Love the shots I get even in video. It's been a great investment for artsy shots. Even for paid work with pro boxers!
I agree with Arthur that the Sigma 30 1.4 Contemporary (which I have) is an incredible value for sharp auto-focus photography at about $265 new at Amz and sometimes $289 at B&H , or who knows what price used (for a good one) (I'd get it new: great value). For a smaller option, the older Sigma 30 2.8 is pretty excellent also. But this little TTartisan 25 f2 isn't competing with those types of lenses.
This is the only cheap "artisan" lens that I finally bit the bullet and bought, and I can't say I regret it. This is a light-weight tiny manual focus lens with an aperture ring, and it competes with lenses with those specific features to allow us to use old school techniques with our tiny Sony a6xx cameras - but for a cheap price. Have you ever auto-focused on a building or something while riding in a car, and the camera focused on the dirty windshield? You lost your shot. That doesn't happen if you pre-focus on infinity with an MF lens. You can do this in DMF or MF mode on your camera body, but you've got to push some buttons ahead of time. Have you ever tried to take a photo in a dark theater of your kid watching a movie, but your camera has a hard time locking focus? Instead, pre-manual-focus when the light from the screen is enough to set focus on your kid's face, and then snap the shot whenever you want. And like Arthur said, that Sigma 30 1.4 is about 2.5 times as long as this little 25 f/2. You could get an old MF Nikkor 24 2.8 (I have it) or something similar, but it's huge by the time you add the adapter, and a really clean one isn't cheap.
No, this lens is not as sharp in the outer zones as my smallish Voigtlander 28 1.9, but it's heavier and today that lens is worth over $600. The tiny Leica 28 2.8 elmarit or any of the tiny old Leica 35 pre-aspherical crons would be great - for well over $1,000. The Leica 40 cron (I have) is a bargain but still over $600 and not quite wide enough for a walk-around lens (but actually better for shooting out of a car.)
For me here are the negatives Arthur describes but put in my perspective: At f2 with bright light flare situation, it's crazy, but at 2.8 it doesn't do that. The far outer zones are smeared to garbage, but it really is the farthest corners. If it bothers you on a specific shot, just crop in a tiny bit later. You can even use the camera's Clear Image Zoom to crop in a little in-camera if you feel you must. Finally, and this is my worst complaint: like most manual focus lenses on these cameras or on adapters, the infinity focus isn't accurate, so you can't easily pre-focus by just using the focus ring distance scale. I saw a RUclips saying it is feasible to recalibrate the focus ring, but I haven't dared try that yet - but I might because of the great benefit that provides.
The really good: As Arthur says, this lens is sharp in the middle, but I think it is sharper than he says. This lens is about as sharp in the center as the Sony ZM 24 1.8 (which I have), which is an excellent lens even if it was never worth $1200 in 2011 and arguably still overpriced new today at $800 and not as sharp as the Sigma 30 (but it has noticeably wider field of view)(...and Sigma 23 1.4 is coming in days, but like I said - that's a different sort of lens than this TT 25.). This TT holds up well in the mid zones too, but it is a train wreck in those very far corners, but who cares. I bought this to have fun with manual control and it actually is small enough to fit in a large pocket.
I read and watched reviews about how this lens compares to the specific competition in the low price, manual focus, very small pretty fast category, and this seemed like the best one to me, but I'd like to hear if somebody thinks another one is better.
what do you think of the 23mm f1.4? need an update 😅
Thank you very much for the insightful information. Just ordered mine one for the a6000.
Judging by the pictures, he doesn't know how to use a 25mm. Post a video about this lens instead, you might have better insights. I have it too and it's a mighty lens for the price imo.
@@peter_parkouryeah another reviewer was raving about this lens. They did mention the issues with the corners/edges but not a deal breaker (according to him). I’ve got one on order. It’ll be my first lens outside of the kit AF Fuji lens that came with my camera.
I have this on my A6000 (Its my answer to NOT buying a Ricoh GRIII) but I really enjoy using it for street shooting and as a reminder to the fact that Ive enjoyed photography sine, errr the early 1970’s. Warts and all its a fun lens to shoot with, just not all the time. I also have a 30mm Sigma which I really like, but that lens is much larger and more conspicuous as well. For $52 its a keeper and is capable of producing some nice shots, IMO.
How refreshing to hear an honest review so many you tubers do a sales pitch “and by the way here is the link that I make a kickback on”. I don’t need the lens. Hope you give the lens to someone that’s just started out.
This lens is a good option for someone out there that is low on budget and somehow got on his hands an old Sony Aps-c camera without even a kit lens. I see zero reasons for anyone else buying it otherwise.
Great work as usual on the video!
"DJ-Optical, the best DJ in the lens game"
I used this lens and has a review on my channel. Just simply a fun and really cheap lens, where optical performance is not prioritized. A whole combo of Fujifilm XM1 and this lens cost under 120 dollars and brought me so much fun and creativity nowadays
Thank you for always giving us great videos.
I am currently in pharmacy school and don’t have a lot of money for gear, so it’s always nice to see you reviewing more affordable options!
This lens is really made for MFT: (i) vignetting corners disappear, (ii) 25 mm MFT corresponds exactly with a 50 mm, the most ubiquitous prime lens for full frame.
As a fuji shooter, that mention of 150 dollars for a used sigma 30mm f1.4 makes me jealous. I paid 350 euros for that (new, because there were no used ones available yet)!
I think this lens will do good for casual street photography due to its compact size and almost 35mm full frame equiv. I don't know about most but I dont mind a lens with these kind of flaws specifically for the situation I will be using it in and my tight budget.
Love your reviews and videos. Super straight to the point and good examples
Great review as always: clean, helpful and with a lot of examples! 😁
Nice video, Arthur! As a photographer, I am always happy when you post a new APS-C lens review. Thanks.
I like the shorter and straight to the point review, thank you for that!
I ordered one to use as a small travel lens. Hope the odd colors and purple shadows don't annoy me too much
Thank you for doing an actual review of this lens and not just "WoW! It's only $50, that's great!"
I love your videos and look to you for solid advice. I would love to use the lens to learn with. Please keep up the great videos!
I actually don't mind the softness in the corners especially it's bokeh anyway. I was wondering how's the video quality too? Always thank you for your expertise reviews. Your pictures are great to me, I'm not a good photographer but I do it for healing my anxiety. I wish to give it a try on this budget lens.
Arthur wud request you to make a video on- photography basics with manual focus lens. Guess it wud help guys like us who are new to photography.
This kind of lens always intrigues me. Fast, value-focused. I suppose a used sigma 30mm is triple the price, but I agree that's probably a better use of your cash
Love ur videos. I dang near watch ur videos daily. Keep it up.
Thanks for your reviews. Good stuff. Informative. Honest.
I would love this lens to practice manual focus, I'm just getting started with photography. Great video as always.
Exactly my plan. I just ordered this lens yesterday. Should arrive in a couple more days. It’ll be my first manual lens and my first lens period outside of the kit lens that came with my Fuji X-s10.
Thanks for the honest review. Keep up the good work
Love your reviews. Keep up the great work!
I had this on my wishlist but the last minute I got the TTArtisan 23mm f1.4. It’s a better value overall in my opinion because it’s only 50€ more, it’s one stop brighter, 2mm wider focal (actually 3mm due to crop factor) and it looks amazing on black/silver! In general, TTArtisan lenses delivers something impressive: really vintage feel with the right amount of corrections. And all that for cheap!
I am a apsc camera user for many years but I haven’t tried a manual only lens before. Maybe it is time to try one.
Your reviews are great, thanks.
Could be a nice small travel lens for low light situations when the kit lens is to dark. Nice review!
Got mine used for $40 USD. It lives on my XE2s and it's an awesomly compact kit for B&W street Photography
A nice review Arthur, as always. Although for this focal length I have the Viltrox 23mm f1.4, I would like to try this one as well. Good luck to everyone! 🙂🙂
Super informative. Thanks!
I would love to try it, even though it has its flaws. It looks almost like a pancake lens, so it's easy to carry around without effort and without attracting too much attention.
Got one, stuck it on my old X-E1, and now have something that fits into my coat pocket. The corners are weird but the rest of the frame is sharp. Great for street and contemplative work, and only the most discerning eyes are going to see the flaws.
Hey Arthur, I'm from India and I wish I get selected and got the lens shipped to India. Thanks and Good job 👍
Great explanation, as always! I've been following you for years and love how you talk about those cheap alternatives! That inspired me for my RUclips channel that I try to manage here in Spain! It would be great to test it out with my Sony ZVE10! Regards from Valencia!!
Might be ok for B&W street if you're not fussy about corners and if low light/night can manage those light sources/loopy flares... 🤔
I love your commentary. Did you trash the lens… yes but, I want the chance to attempt to create something artistic with it. Let’s see if I get picked.
Thanks for the review. It looks good for $50.
The point of this lens is its compact size and low cost. Performance is fine for prosumers to play with!
For the right person or to achieve a certain look, this lens is interesting.
This lens could be very nice for clubbing or festivals. On an a6000 its so small. I would love to win this!
Nice to see a review on a cheaper lens. Can really see the differences. Thanks
Nice lens, bravo for winner! ;-)
Love your vids! They really help
Just picked up this lens.
Already knew about the images quality. I'm using this to practice new composition and style that don't depend on sharp image quality.
They're definitely going for a vintage look with this lens
I had this lens for a few days. On my A6400 there was heavy vignetting up to f4. Like, vignetting that I hadn’t seen in any reviews. Loved the size but had to return it.
But the Sigma 30mm f1.4 is 4 times the size, also some of us prefer manual focus
Would be nice to have this on my cheap manual lens collection along with my Neweer 35mm f1.7 and my Avenir CCTV 50mm f1.8 lens. I don't really see the imperfections as a bad thing but it gives out that "vintage look" to it which I really liked!
I love all your videos, I have purchased several after your recommendation, I hope to see more videos in the future
Would love to have that lens on my Sony Nex 😍 Nice honest review
Congratulations to the recipient of this lens. Please take the challenge of producing some excellent photos with this budget lens and share them online.
As always I enjoy your content. Great review and look forward to more!
I actually tested this one on the A7RV and is super sharp, even compared to more expensive lenses.
its the sony sensor ....lol
However, the size is crazy, especially for Sony E Mount, I am looking for a pancake lens for sony for a long time. I will vote for it.
This $52 lens could be a good choice for vintage b&w photography
Thanks for nice review!
Great video as usual. Thanks
Thanks for another great video!
It's really not the worst I've seen though, and it is very compact... i like it for my personal work
I agree with the overall verdict. As a positive, though, the lens is good for B+W. In conjunction with my Fuji X-T1 sensor, it delivers atmospheric images. Also, it makes the camera very portable.
I’d definitely want to try this lens. I just got a 6100 and at the moment only have the kit lens.
Winner winner! Email me or get in touch on instagram and I’ll send this out to you!
@@ArthurR messaging you on instagram right now.
Beautiful!
Vignette the corners more in post and you have a very cheap arty lens 🙂
I am using an old canon fd 2.8 mm lens on my xt20, but also with the adaptor is kind of huge! I would love to have a pancake lens just for everyday and travel. Keep up the good work Arthur !
I wanna try this lens! I only shoot with autofocus and would like to practice my manual focus!
I got this lens and modified it to a cinema lens for my run and gun set up, it is amazing!
What if we wanted to use it for talking head videos in your room?
Thanks for the review , Arthur. I like the compactness of this lens. I used to have a Neewer 35mm. I still regret selling it.
Something like this is probably better for a M4/3 sensor, which is what I'm probably gonna end up buying it for.
Thanks for all your videos I have been eyeing a new lens for an upcoming trip to Colorado still undecided on what to get for my a6100
Note that the focusing ring is closest to the lens mount: With my Lumix DMC-G85 I cannot see the focus distance because of the "overhang". With this DMC-G85 other lenses with the focus ring out front are better.
The Sigma 30 1.4 is great but huge compared to this one. Another consideration.
Thanks for the review. The lens is small and I think can fit any bag for an extra lens. Look forward to using this lens on my A6400 Camera and getting creative.
Wondering if the corner issues will be less obvious on M4/3? About to test this out on an E-M10 Mk IV
Thanks for the video! I think the big advantage of this lens is sharpness in center, it looks beautiful! But those corners... ough.
Which sigma do you suggest for wide angle street photography
I've been waiting for a fast 35mm equivalent focal length for APS-C. I hear Sigma adding to the Sigma trio with a 23mm 1.4
I was hoping the 23 to be closer to the 30 in terms of size, but according to leaked specs, it’s going to be closer to the 16.. good addition nonetheless, but probably not for me.
Thanks for your review for this len sounds like a great lens to leave on the shelf .
Jeff from Canada...
Nice little lens for an A6000, I guess. Sharp in the center is good enough for portraits.
Good review of another budget lens for hobbyists.
A lot of problems with colors => what about bw? Before you give the lens away it would be nice to make a small additional video about bw.
You will be the reason if I buy a Sony APS-C in future ... gosh I hope they release something this year for APS-C
You've have made me leaving a comment😅. Well done 👍 I've seen a different reviews but yours its the most honest....honestly. Thanks for pointing out the flaws. I think is ok for 52 but with a bit of saving, that sigma 30 mm, f1.4 is so damn sexy. I had it and its heaven.
Hello! I don't currently own a lens outside of the kit lens on my a6000, and don't have the money to spend on a nice one, so it's nice to see an affordable option.
Not bad for such price. Thanks for sharing and shipping possibly😅
For a 25mm budget lens this does seem worth it.
on MFT, corner softness of the lens falls outside image sensor.
Honestly what it looks like it was made for, but they adapted it to other mounts.
Do you recommend this lens for cheapest/value vlogging lens?
Which lens you suggest that is light and best for vlogging?
i love your style of video such as this one. iam looking for a lens for my camera simular to this one.
thanks for your videos. love.
Cheap as chips. Would love to compare it with some inexpensive vintage 28mm lenses I have.
I would definitely love to get the lens for free. I will use it to work with my street photography. Great content btw.
May as well spend the money on a 'Risespray' 35mm; it may be no good optically, but at least you can get it in red, gold, or blue. 😁
Sigma 23 1.4 for aps-c coming out next week, curious how that's going to be...the rumored dimensions look a bit large. I'm still hoping Sony or Sigma releases a COMPACT quality 23mm f2 and 18mm f2 similar to the Leica CL and Fuji options. I've been waiting far too long for a comfortable small walk round lens
I got one of these for my first ever camera, I really like it, but I am inexperienced so I might not know any better.
Honestly, it looks pretty good for $50.
I'm a big fan of the TTartisan lenses, I like the 25mm, how about for video?
This might make a far, far better M4/3s lens; it almost seems more like that is what it was originally going for, but they saw it -mostly- covers APS-C, and that's a bigger market, so good enough, I suppose.
Good rec on the Sigma 30mm; that whole trio needs to go back into production.