In the world of photography, there are moments when my curiosity is drawn to the small but meaningful innovations. While the big names often dominate the headlines, it’s sometimes the underdogs that tell the most exciting stories. Today, we're diving into the world of TTArtisan — a manufacturer that has made a name for itself in recent years by releasing high-quality yet affordable lenses — and now, even with autofocus.

Two of these lenses have especially caught my attention, as they cover a classic focal length combination for APS-C cameras like the Fuji X series: the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 and the TTArtisan AF 56mm f/1.8. They promise a lot for very little money. But do they deliver on that promise? Let’s take a closer look.

TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8: The Versatile All-Rounder

On an APS-C camera like the Fuji X, the 23mm f/1.8 is an absolute classic. It’s the equivalent of a 35mm full-frame lens, a focal length that’s incredibly versatile for street photography, reportage, environmental portraits, and even landscapes. In short, it’s the go-to lens for many photographers.

Technical Insights

This little powerhouse is optically well-designed. It features 11 elements in 10 groups, including an impressive 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and 1 aspherical element. These specialized glass elements are key to minimizing chromatic aberrations and ensuring high sharpness across the frame. The 9-blade aperture promises pleasant bokeh — more on that shortly. Its minimum focus distance is a respectable 0.3 meters, making it suitable for nice close-up shots. Weighing in at around 220g and with a 52mm filter thread, it’s compact and lightweight — perfect for everyday use.

User Experience: Sharp, Fast, and Surprisingly Good

First impressions and more in-depth testing show that TTArtisan has delivered yet another “budget gem.” My observations align with many others: center sharpness and overall image quality are impressive.

Autofocus is driven by an STM motor, and in my experience, it’s fast and quiet enough for most situations. While it may not match the lightning speed of top-tier lenses, its performance is impressive for the price. It’s the kind of lens that invites you to carry it everywhere and capture the world from a natural perspective.

TTArtisan AF 56mm f/1.8: The Portrait Powerhouse

If the 23mm is the all-rounder, then the 56mm f/1.8 is the portrait specialist. On APS-C, the 56mm focal length is equivalent to 85mm on full-frame, a classic portrait focal length known for beautifully separating subjects from backgrounds and delivering pleasing compression.

Technical Insights

TTArtisan hasn’t cut corners here either. This lens is built with 10 elements in 9 groups, including 1 ED element and 1 aspherical element. Again, you get 9 aperture blades to help produce creamy bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is 0.5 meters, more than sufficient for portraits. At roughly 235g, it’s only slightly heavier than the 23mm and shares the same practical 52mm filter thread.

User Experience: A Bokeh Dream on a Budget

I’d personally describe the 56mm f/1.8 as a “small portrait lens with big potential.” My analysis shows that TTArtisan has focused on reducing flares and vignetting and improving the minimum focus distance — a clear sign of their evolving AF lens line.

In terms of image quality, I was pleasantly surprised: sharpness is decent, and while it may be a little soft wide open at f/1.8, it’s still very usable — and better than expected at this price point. The bokeh is lovely and creamy, making this lens a solid choice for video work as well.

The included tapered lens hood with its square opening is a real visual highlight for me and gives the lens a distinctive look. That said, its usability takes some getting used to, since you can’t use the lens cap at the same time. I solved this by adding a protective filter over the front element. If you plan to use filters, keep in mind that the outer diameter must not exceed 54mm, or the hood won’t fit — a small detail to remember when shopping for accessories.

Minor image flaws like chromatic aberration or longitudinal color fringing do exist, but not in a way that affects real-world shooting — they’re only noticeable under close pixel peeping. That makes this lens perfect for candid shots and sharing photos with friends and family without obsessing over technical perfection.

I see it as a worthy budget alternative to more expensive options, without compromising too much on image quality. Sharpness is good, especially in the center at wide apertures, which helps isolate your subject beautifully.

The sample images shown on the left were both taken with the Fujifilm X-T20 and the 56mm lens.
The top photo was shot at f/4.0, 1/70s, ISO 200; the bottom photo at f/1.8, 1/500s, ISO 1600.

The Key Features

Build Quality & Handling

One thing that immediately impressed me with both lenses is their build quality. Contrary to what you might expect at this price point, they’re — in true TTArtisan fashion — fully made of metal. This gives them a pleasing heft and a premium feel, which I personally prefer over the lighter plastic builds found in many budget lenses. The design is minimalist: aside from the large focus ring, there are no buttons or switches, which makes operation refreshingly straightforward. There’s no aperture ring, but given the price, that’s easy to forgive.

  • STM Autofocus: The stepping motor provides relatively fast and quiet autofocus. That’s a major improvement over TTArtisan’s earlier fully manual lenses and makes them much more practical for everyday use.
  • Compact Design: Both lenses are small and lightweight, making them ideal companions for mirrorless systems without adding bulk. The housing feels solid and well-made.
  • USB-C Port in the Rear Cap: This feature really piqued my curiosity. Instead of connecting the lens to a camera or using a dedicated dock for firmware updates, there’s a small USB-C port built right into the rear lens cap. It’s an incredibly practical design choice that allows for easy updates to improve compatibility and performance.

But the standout feature of both lenses remains their value for money. Available for Fujifilm X-Mount, Sony E, and Nikon Z — typically priced between €170 and €190 each (and sometimes as low as €130 if you’re lucky) — they offer surprising optical quality and modern features at a fraction of the cost of first-party lenses.

Conclusion: Who Are These Lenses For?

With the AF 23mm f/1.8 and AF 56mm f/1.8, TTArtisan has created two compelling lenses for the Fuji X system that prove good image quality and autofocus don’t have to break the bank.

  • The 23mm f/1.8 is ideal for anyone looking for a versatile, compact, fast lens for everyday use, street photography, or travel. It’s a fantastic “always-on” lens that delivers a classic perspective.
  • The 56mm f/1.8 is a must-have for portrait photographers who want a fast, sharp lens with beautiful bokeh — without spending a fortune.

For aspiring photographers, budget-conscious enthusiasts, or even professionals seeking lightweight and discreet tools for specific tasks, these TTArtisan lenses are well worth considering. They’re proof that with smart engineering and a focus on essentials, you can achieve impressive results. Not only do they expand the Fuji X ecosystem — they also expand our expectations of what’s possible in photography.