TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 Review

The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF for Fujifilm X-Mount cameras promises an attractive combination of compact design, autofocus functionality and an affordable price of around 140 euros. But can the small lens convince in practical tests and meet the high expectations that the promising specifications raise? This detailed test report highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF and examines who it is worth buying for.

Processing and design

The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF impresses with its compact and lightweight design. With a weight of around 90 grams and a length of just under 3 cm, it is lightweight and almost disappears on the camera.

The workmanship seems solid for the price, the housing is mostly made of metal and gives a robust impression. The focus ring runs pleasantly smoothly and precisely, but without an end stop, which may be unusual for some users.

The included lens hood is also made of metal. However, it is more for the optics and has less impact on the image quality. Overall, the lens leaves a positive impression in terms of build quality, especially considering the low price.

Autofocus performance

A decisive factor for many photographers is the autofocus performance. The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF uses a stepper motor (STM), which in the test offers a quiet and relatively fast autofocus.

However, compared to more expensive lenses from Fujifilm or other manufacturers, the speed is a bit slower and the focus can occasionally “pump” a bit, especially in low-light situations or low-contrast subjects. However, for everyday shots such as street photography, landscape shots or architectural photography, the autofocus is sufficiently fast and precise.

The autofocus is also usable when recording videos, but focusing noises can be picked up by the camera’s internal microphone, which can be annoying in professional productions.

Image quality

Let’s get to the heart of the test: image quality. The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF delivers good sharpness in the center of the image, which is already satisfactory at the widest aperture of f/2.8 and reaches its peak when stopped down to f/4-f/5.6.

The sharpness decreases slightly towards the edges, especially at the widest aperture. This is typical behavior for lenses in this price range and focal length.

The vignetting is very present at f/2.8, but is significantly less noticeable when stopped down. However, this can be quickly remedied in post-processing. In some situations, vignetting naturally also contributes to the image.

The bokeh, i.e. the blur in the background, is pleasantly soft and round, but not particularly pronounced due to the low light intensity of the lens.

Areas of use and application examples

Thanks to its compact design and focal length of 27mm (equivalent to approx. 40mm on a 35mm film), the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF is ideal for various photographic genres:

Street Photography: The inconspicuous size and relatively fast autofocus make the lens an ideal companion for street photography.

Travel Photography: The low weight and versatile focal length make the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF a practical travel lens.

Everyday photography: Due to its versatility, the lens is also well suited for everyday snapshots.

Alternatives for Fujifilm cameras

There are a few alternatives in the area of ​​27mm lenses for Fujifilm X-Mount, but they are usually significantly more expensive:

Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR: The Fujinon lens offers better image quality, weather resistance and faster autofocus, but is also significantly more expensive.

Conclusion on the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF

The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF is an interesting lens for photographers looking for a compact, lightweight and affordable solution for their Fujifilm X camera.

The image quality is solid. The autofocus is fast and precise enough for everyday shots, but can reach its limits in demanding situations. A larger aperture (f/2 or even f/1.4) would be desirable, but if you have one, it is only available for significantly more money or only as a manual lens.

For the price, the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF offers good value for money and is a recommended option for anyone looking for an unobtrusive and versatile lens for on the go.

Additional notes

This review was created after testing the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF on a Fujifilm X-T20.