If you’re searching for a compact, budget-friendly pancake auto focus lens with a unique vintage character, the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 might just surprise you.
Available in a stunning titanium color and also black, this lens promises a retro aesthetic both in looks and image rendering, while still offering autofocus capabilities for Fujifilm shooters.
In this article, I’ll share my honest first impressions of the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 after using it on my Fujifilm X-Pro3 and X-T5.
TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 First Impressions
I bought two years ago TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 titanium color lens, and I tested it on both my Fujifilm X-Pro3 and X-T5. Straight away, I noticed some differences compared to the very popular Fujifilm 27mm f2.8 lens.
A well-known Fujifilm X Ambassador claimed that this TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 is snappier than the Fujifilm 27mm f2.8 on the Fujifilm X-Pro3.
From my own experience, I have to disagree. On the Fujifilm X-Pro3 in AF-S, the autofocus is very slow, at least in indoor and low-light conditions. It squeaked, hunted, and missed focus on close subjects.
In comparison, the Fujifilm 27mm f2.8 Mark II is definitely better in autofocus performance, especially on the X-Pro3.
But then I mounted the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 on my Fujifilm X-T5, which has a more advanced AF motor, and the results were much better. On the X-T5 in AF-S, the lens focused fast, accurately, and with less squeaking.
It’s working perfectly for now, moving very quickly — so I’d say the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 will perform great on newer Fujifilm bodies or even older ones if TTArtisan improves its firmware. For updating the firmware, the lens even comes with a USB-C port hidden under a cap.
TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 Real-World Street Photography Performance
When I checked the images on my phone and on the camera screen, they were consistently in focus — even in tough lighting conditions. For real-world street photography and daily photography, this lens is snappy and delivers results.
Sure, it’s a little slower than the Fujifilm 27mm f2.8 in terms of autofocus, but I didn’t miss any moments, especially on the Fujifilm X-T5. It is sufficiently fast, although not faster than the Fujifilm 27mm f2.8, despite what some reviews say.
However, given its price — about one-third or even one-fourth of the Fujifilm version brand new — it is a real bargain.
I love that TTArtisan included a metal lens hood in the box, something Fujifilm does not do with their 27mm. Also, the titanium color is beautiful, and the aperture ring is stiff in a good way, even though it lacks the nice clicky stops of the Fujifilm version. Still, it’s not loose, which is important.
The focus ring feels smooth with a nice grip, and the lens is very light but sturdy. Overall, it’s a bit bigger than the Fujifilm 27mm f2.8, but that’s acceptable.
TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 — The Vintage Look
Now, let’s talk about something that really shocked me: the image rendering.
I recently took the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 out on the street with my X-Pro3, using my EarthyNeg film recipe, and I was blown away. The photos looked like they were shot on film — the reds, greens, and yellows were rendered in a truly special way, with a film-like vibe that is hard to replicate.
Even when I checked the RAW files, I noticed this lens renders color and contrast in a vintage, classic style while still being sharp from f2.8.
There is some visible vignetting wide open, but it contributes to the vintage character rather than hurting image quality.
That’s why I call the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 a “film stock lens.” If you want that authentic filmish look with deep, rich colors and organic contrast, this lens is a go-to option.
Is the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 Worth It?
Yes, absolutely. You don’t buy this lens if you want perfect color accuracy or sterile sharpness. You buy the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 because you want a special, vintage-looking lens that is compact, beautiful, and unique.
For the price, it is unbeatable. You get a sharp lens with a lovely film-style rendering, good build quality, and a metal hood included.
Autofocus is behind the Fujifilm 27mm f2.8, especially on older cameras, but on the Fujifilm X-T5 it works great and doesn’t get in the way.
If you are after a digital film stock look — that true, nostalgic film vibe — then get the TTArtisan 27mm f2.8. You will not regret it.
TTartisan 27mm f2.8 Alternatives
Here are some interesting alternatives
- The first lens that comes in my mind it’s 7Artisan 27mm f2.8. The lens it’s a little big bigger, but with good 3D pop and with better controlled vignetting but without an aperture ring.
- The second auto focus lens it’s of course Fujifilm XF 27mm f2.8 MK II – a sharp lens from Fujifilm, weather resistant, with a nice aperture ring.
- Another interesting lens in this field of view it’s the Fujifilm 30mm f2.8 macro lens – extraordinary lens for image quality, it’s light but it’s not as compact and the price it’s in another league.
- The last on my least it’s of course the superb manual focus lens Voigtlander 27mm Ultron f2. It’s a great lens except that the price it’s on the premium side and it’s a manual focus lens, but also the image quality it’s outstanding.
- Here is my latest collection of my best Fujifilm lenses.
Where To Buy TTArtisan 27mm f2.8
- Get it using my affiliate links from Amazon or TTArtisan Shop
TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 Street Photography Pictures
