56mm Showdown: Viltrox vs TTArtisan | Best Bang for Your Buck?

Summary

Dustin Abbott compares two popular budget-friendly 56mm portrait lenses: the Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 and the TT Artisan 56mm f/1.8 for Fuji X Mount. The Viltrox offers superior image sharpness, consistent optical performance, and a lighter, more affordable design, making it ideal for portrait work. The TT Artisan, on the other hand, excels in build quality, autofocus performance, and close-focus capabilities, making it a better option for those needing more versatility and detail in their shots. The review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both lenses, offering recommendations based on different photography needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The VRO is cheaper ($139) and lighter (171g) compared to the TT Artisan ($168, 236g).
• 😀 The VRO has a slightly brighter aperture (f/1.7 vs f/1.8) for better light gathering.
• 😀 The TT Artisan offers better build quality, with an anodized metal finish, making it feel more premium than the plastic VRO.
• 😀 The TT Artisan has a superior manual focus ring with smoother, quieter operation compared to the VRO's less refined focus ring.
• 😀 The VRO offers better optical performance in terms of sharpness and consistency across the frame, especially in the corners.
• 😀 The TT Artisan excels in close-up work, with higher magnification (0.14x vs 0.11x) and better contrast at close focus distances.
• 😀 Autofocus on the TT Artisan is smoother, faster, and more reliable than the VRO's autofocus, especially for Fuji cameras.
• 😀 The VRO is more consistent in terms of sharpness and contrast, making it the better choice for overall image quality.
• 😀 The TT Artisan performs better in flare resistance, producing cleaner sunstars and fewer prismatic effects compared to the VRO.
• 😀 Both lenses have similar bokeh quality, with neither standing out dramatically over the other in portraiture.
• 😀 For portrait photography, the VRO provides better contrast and 'pop,' especially in facial features like eyes and lips.
• 😀 In terms of value, the VRO offers a more affordable option for users focused on optical consistency, while the TT Artisan is better for those who need premium build quality and close-up performance.

Q & A

What are the main differences between the VROX 56mm f/1.7 and TT Artisan 56mm f/1.8 lenses?

The main differences between the VROX and TT Artisan lenses include price, size, autofocus performance, build quality, and optical performance. The VROX is cheaper, lighter, and has a slightly brighter f/1.7 aperture, while the TT Artisan offers better build quality, smoother autofocus, and superior close-focus performance.

Why is the VROX 56mm considered more affordable than the TT Artisan 56mm?

The VROX 56mm is priced at $139, making it about $30 cheaper than the TT Artisan 56mm, which costs $168. This price difference makes the VROX a more budget-friendly option for photographers seeking a lower-cost portrait lens.

How do the sizes and weights of the VROX and TT Artisan compare?

The VROX is smaller and lighter than the TT Artisan. The VROX weighs 171g, while the TT Artisan is heavier at 236g. The VROX is also 7mm shorter in length, making it a more portable option.

What is the impact of the VROX's slightly brighter f/1.7 aperture?

The VROX's f/1.7 aperture allows for slightly better light-gathering capabilities, about 12% more than the TT Artisan's f/1.8. This can result in slightly better low-light performance and a marginally brighter image when shooting in equivalent conditions.

What are the handling differences between the VROX and TT Artisan lenses?

The VROX has an integrated USB-C port for firmware updates, located at the lens mount, making it more convenient to update the firmware without needing additional parts. On the other hand, the TT Artisan has its USB-C port on the rear lens cap, which can be easy to lose. The VROX also has a more conventional lens hood, whereas the TT Artisan's hood is unconventional and prevents filter use while attached.

Which lens performs better optically in terms of sharpness and consistency?

The VROX 56mm f/1.7 is optically superior to the TT Artisan, being sharper across the frame and more consistent in sharpness, even at various aperture settings. The TT Artisan is weaker in the corners, whereas the VROX maintains better sharpness throughout the frame.

What are the autofocus differences between the two lenses?

The TT Artisan has smoother, more confident autofocus, especially on Fuji cameras, while the VROX's autofocus is slower and less consistent. The TT Artisan's autofocus is more reliable for both indoor and outdoor photography.

Which lens has a better close-focus performance?

The TT Artisan has superior close-focus performance. It can focus closer and provides better magnification (0.14x) compared to the VROX (0.11x), making it a better choice for capturing detailed portraits or macro-style shots.

How do the two lenses compare in terms of flare resistance and sunstar quality?

The TT Artisan performs better in terms of flare resistance, with fewer artifacts and a more pleasing sunstar effect. The VROX exhibits more noticeable prismatic effects and a harsher sunburst pattern, especially when shooting directly into the light.

Which lens is recommended for portrait photography and why?

For portrait photography, the VROX is recommended if you prioritize sharpness, especially in the corners, and a more consistent optical performance. However, if you want a lens with better autofocus, smoother handling, and superior close-focus capabilities, the TT Artisan would be a better choice.