TTArtisan Unveils Affordable 85mm f/1.8 Full-Frame Lens for Mirrorless Cameras
TTArtisan has officially launched its latest innovation, the AF 85mm f/1.8 Neo lens, a remarkably accessible full-frame portrait prime. This new addition is specifically engineered for Sony and Nikon mirrorless camera systems, boasting an introductory price point of merely $99. The manufacturer highlights its commitment to delivering uncompromised image fidelity through a minimalist approach, focusing solely on essential photographic capabilities.
The company positions the AF 85mm f/1.8 Neo as a lens that prioritizes 'pure image' quality, stripping away unnecessary features to achieve its competitive pricing. Constructed from durable reinforced fiberglass, the E-mount version of the lens weighs approximately 332 grams (11.7 ounces) and measures 90.5 millimeters (3.6 inches) in length. It accommodates 62mm front filters, offering versatility for various shooting conditions. Distinctively, the lens foregoes a traditional manual focus ring, relying instead on an STM autofocus motor, similar to its predecessor, the $89 AF 50mm f/1.8 Neo. This design choice supports customizable 3D-printed aesthetics while ensuring precise autofocus capabilities, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.8 meters (2.6 feet).
Optically, the AF 85mm f/1.8 Neo is meticulously crafted with 12 elements arranged in eight groups, including two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements and two high-index elements. TTArtisan guarantees that this optical configuration will provide 'sharp detail, natural color, and edge-to-edge sharpness.' The lens features an 11-bladed aperture diaphragm, which, combined with its medium telephoto focal length and wide f/1.8 aperture, is expected to produce 'natural bokeh' with a 'soft background blur,' ideal for portrait photography. Preliminary observations from sample images suggest a subtle 'cat’s-eye' effect in the bokeh, which can add an appealing aesthetic quality, though comprehensive hands-on evaluations are needed to fully ascertain its performance.
Currently, the TTArtisan AF 85mm f/1.8 Neo is available for pre-order across both Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount platforms, priced uniformly at $99. This makes it the most economically priced 85mm f/1.8 autofocus lens available for these systems, significantly undercutting competitors such as the AstrHori 85mm f/1.8 II AF and the Meike 85mm f/1.8 SE Mark II, both of which are priced at $199. In contrast, first-party alternatives like Sony’s FE 85mm f/1.8 and Nikon’s Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S are considerably more expensive, priced at $648 and $746.95 respectively, even with current discounts. This new offering from TTArtisan presents an compelling option for photographers seeking high-quality portrait capabilities at an entry-level cost.
This innovative optic offers photographers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a high-performance portrait lens without a significant financial outlay. With its simplified design and focus on fundamental image quality, TTArtisan continues to challenge market norms by making professional-grade focal lengths more accessible. The AF 85mm f/1.8 Neo’s introduction further solidifies TTArtisan's reputation for delivering value-driven photographic equipment to a broad audience.