Introduction
TTArtisan is trying to catch up in the autofocus lens market, having previously focused mainly on manual lenses while other companies gained ground in AF development. Their latest release is a full-frame 40mm f/2 lens—a popular focal length with a bright aperture and an ace up its sleeve: a dedicated aperture ring, something not all AF lenses in this class offer. Let’s take a closer look.
I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with a Nikon Zf )
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.
Sample Images
Most of the sample images in this review and many more can be found in higher resolution here.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 40mm |
| Angle of View | 57° |
| # of Aperture Blades | 7 pcs |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Min Focus Distance | 0.4 m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Lens Mount | E, Z, L |
| Weight | ≈ 170 |
| Size (D x L) | ≈ 64 x 46 mm |
| Elements/Group | 9 / 6 |
| Buy new: TTArtisan Store, Amazon (anywhere) for $168 (Affiliate links) |
Disclosure
TTArtisan kindly provided this lens for test and review purposes.
Handling Build Quality
As the name suggests, the TTArtisan AF 40mm f/2 is an autofocus lens. Like most TTArtisan lenses, it is made primarily of metal and glass. It’s a very light and compact lens—see it next to two other AF 40mm lenses in the images below!
Despite its compact size, TTArtisan has managed to include both a manual focus ring and an aperture ring. The aperture ring offers click-stops in one-third-stop increments from f/2 to f/16, plus an “A” setting for automatic aperture control via the camera. The clicks feel distinct and satisfying, though there’s no option to declick the ring.
Closest to the front element is the manual focus ring. In addition to controlling focus, it can be reassigned to adjust aperture, exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, or be disabled entirely.
The autofocus is fast enough for a normal lens, but not fast enough for action or sports.
Both front and rear lens caps are included in the box, along with a lens hood. The hood is made of metal and feels surprisingly sturdy—TTArtisan typically includes basic plastic hoods with its more budget-friendly lenses. The rear lens cap features a USB-C port and electronic contacts, allowing it to function as a docking station for firmware updates.
Optical Features
Sharpness (Infinity)
For the infinity sharpness test, we look at three areas of the image, centre, mid-frame, and corner, see highlighted areas in the image below!
Wide open, right from f/2, the lens delivers very good sharpness in the centre and good sharpness in the midframe. Centre becomes excellent at f/2.8, while the midframe improves to excellent around f/4–f/5.6. The corners are another story—good sharpness requires stopping down to f/8, and by f/11 they become very good, though they never quite match the centre or midframe.
Sharpness (Portrait)
Let’s look at the points of interest for portraits at the portrait distance: the very centre, the centre’s inner periphery (1/3 rule intersection), and the centre’s outer periphery (1/4th intersection).
At portrait distance the sharpness is very good to excellent in all measured points, so not much to complain here.
Sharpness (Close-up)
The lens seems to struggle most at close-up distances, with wide-open sharpness being nothing to write home about. It improves noticeably to a good level by f/2.8 and takes another leap to excellent when stopped down to f/4. It remains excellent to f/16, where the diffraction reduces the sharpness slightly.
Lens Distortion
The lens shows a slight pincushion distortion. To correct it, apply a –3 adjustment in Lightroom or Photoshop.
Vignetting
Vignetting is heavy — among the strongest seen in modern lenses. Even at f/8, light falloff remains noticeable. You’ll need to either use it creatively or correct it in post if you want evenly lit images.
- F/2.0: 3.3 EV
- F/2.8: 2.7 EV
- F/4.0: 2.1 EV
- F/5.6: 2.0 EV
- F/8.0: 2.0 EV
Focus Shift & Aberrations
Some longitudinal chromatic aberration is visible—not distracting in every situation, but definitely present. You need to stop down to at least f/11 to eliminate it completely.
There is also a tiny lateral chromatic aberrations noticeable in the image corners, while it is not much, it is there and to get rid of it completely you have to use manual correction.
The purple fringing is clearly visible in high contrast backgrounds, though. Look at the window frame in the following picture.
Flare Resistance
Flare resistance has been TTArtisan’s Achilles’ heel. The good news is that they seem to be getting a handle on it and making improvements. Compared to many of their earlier lenses, this 40mm f/2 performs much better, though it’s still not among the best—at smaller apertures, ghosts and flares can still appear easily.
Coma
The TTArtisan 20mm f/2 suffers from coma, which is visible in the corners of the image. Stopping down to f/2.8 does not help much, but at f/4 we see a visible improvement. To get rid of it completely, you’ll need to stop down to f/5.6.
Sunstars
TTArtisan lenses are generally strong at producing sunstars. This one isn’t among their best in that regard, but it can still produce nice, distinct sunstars from f/11.
Focus Breathing
This TTArtisan suffers from a moderate focus breathing, enough to make videographers unhappy.
Bokeh
I’m not sure if I completely like or dislike this lens’s bokeh. Up close, like most lenses, the bokeh is pleasant, but at mid and long distances, the background blur can sometimes get quite busy—mostly when there’s a lot of light or a contrasty background, though it’s usually less noticeable against darker backgrounds. Of course, bokeh is subjective—have a look and see what you think!
Short Distance
Mid-Distance
Long Distance
Conclusion
| I LIKE | AVERAGE | I DON’T LIKE |
| Price Size and weight Lens distortion Centre sharpness Midframe sharpness stopped down |
Midframe sharpness wide open Corner sharpness Chromatic aberrations Sunstars Coma Flare resistance |
Vignetting Focus breathing |
The TTArtisan AF 40mm f/2 is a very compact and lightweight lens in a popular standard focal length. It offers several strong build and optical qualities, including low distortion and good sharpness across most of the frame. It’s well-built and has a quality feel in the hand. Sunstars, coma, and flare resistance are decent, though not top-tier. However, it doesn’t quite match its competitors when it comes to vignetting and edge-to-edge sharpness, and focus breathing also leaves something to be desired. On the plus side, it features a practical aperture ring—something the competition lacks—and at its price, it’s hard to expect it to outperform the rest. While it’s not among the best, it stands as a solid performer in its own right. Combined with its compact size and attractive price, it makes for a versatile all-around lens.
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| Buy new: TTArtisan Store, Amazon (anywhere) for $168 (Affiliate links) |
Alternatives
Nikon Z 40mm f/2
This is Nikon’s own 40mm f/2 for Z mount, It has better corner sharpness, vignetting, and CA control, but it does not have an aperture ring, It is about 40% more expensive though.
Buy new: Amazon.com, B&H for $227, $327 for SE (Affiliate links)
Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5
It is 2/3 of a stop slower, and physically a bit larger than the Nikkor and TTA. It is also a budget lens and also lacks the aperture ring. It sells for the same price as the TTA. Between this one and the TTA, I would go for the TTA.
Buy new: Viltrox Store (8%), B&H, Amazon.com for $168 (Affiliate links)
Voigtländer Ultron 40mm F2 SL II
With a length of 25-30 mm (depending on mount), a true pancake lens, manual focus only, (Nikon F (FX), Canon EF, Pentax KAF), discontinued but available used for about the same price as a new Nikon Z or a little more expensive (300$-400$ used)
Buy it from: eBay.com (affiliate links)
Voigtländer Ultron 40mm F2 SL II -S
A newer version of the above with Nikon Ai-S mount, manual focus only, but with electric contacts on the mount plate. More expensive than Nikon Z 40 without being any better optically, but very nice manual handling and look (419$ new)
Buy from: Amazon.com, Amazon.de , B&H $419 (affiliate links)
Voigtländer Nokton 40mm 1:1.2 Aspherical
The fastest 40mm around, available in Nikon Z, Sony E/EF, VM mount. With its 315g weight, 54mm length, it is larger and heavier than the Nikon. Manual focus only but one and a half stops faster, nicer bokeh, better sunstars and flare resistance, but more than 3 times more expensive (899$ new Nikon Z version)
Buy from: Amazon.com, Amazon.de , B&H fro $899 (affiliate links)
Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
Autofocus 40mm, 1 stop faster. With its 1200g weight and 131 mm length it is like a bazooka on your camera. Nikon F (FX), Canon EF, Sigma SA Bayonet, Sony FE mount. (799$ new)
Buy from: Amazon.de, Amazon.de , B&H for $799 (affiliate links)
Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95
Not a 40mm but not far from, even faster than the Voigländer Nokton by less than one stop, more than 2 stops faster than the Nikon Z, which means 4 times more light to the sensor, nicest bokeh of all but with lemon shape bokeh balls instead of round ones, manual focus only, no electrical contacts whatsoever, available in Nikon Z, Sony E, Canon RF, 835g 110mm long (599$ new)
Buy from: Amazon.com, Amazon.de , B&H for $599 (affiliate links)
For other camera mounts there are several other alternatives like:
Canon EF 40/2.8 STM,
Autofocus. a true pancake lens, 22mm long, One full stops slower, much less bokeh potential,
Buy new: amazon.com, B&H for $149-$199 (Affiliate links)
Buy from: ebay.com for about $100 (affiliate links)
Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G
Buy from: Amazon.com, Amazon.de , B&H for $748 (affiliate links)
Zeiss Batis 40/2 for Sony FE
Buy from: Amazon.com, Amazon.de , B&H for $999 (affiliate links)
Voigtländer 40mm F1.4 Nokton Classic for Leica M
Buy from: Amazon.com, Amazon.de (affiliate links)
Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar for Sony E
Manual focus. One stops slower, much less bokeh potential, 21mm long, the thinnest 40mm
Buy from: Amazon.com, Amazon.de (affiliate links)
Buy new: amazon (anywhere) for $ (Affiliate links)
Buy used: ebay.com, ebay.de, ebay.co.uk from $ (Affiliate links)
More Sample Images
Most of the sample images in this review and many more can be found in higher resolution here.
Further Reading
- Review: Nikon Z 40mm f/2 – The Street Sniper for Discreet Photography
- Review: Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 STM Asph ED IF
- Review: Konica Hexanon AR 40mm f/1.8
- Voigtlander 40mm F1.2 Nokton Aspherical: An In Depth Review
- Review: Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S
- What camera gear and accessories do I use most frequently?
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Martin
Latest posts by Martin (see all)
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Thank you for the review! You saved me a whole $168! 😊
I am a big fan of 40mm lenses. I had the Z40 f/2 and the Viltrox 40 f/2.5.
If I had to choose only one fixed lens, I would definitely go with the Z40 f/2. I really like and appreciate the round bokeh balls in the corners and edges of the frame. However, since I have a Z50 f/1.8S and a Z35 f/1.4, I decided to sell the Z40 f/2 and the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5.
Your review subject is a classic DX steroid lens, and it will work best on DX cameras, where its soft corners won’t be a problem.
little same with me, i always look on FF 40mm.
if it is worth to change.
But until now i stay with viltrox 1.2 and fuji 2.8 27mm lens
Heh, maybe I’m letting the price sway me but I’m thankful for the review for reasons opposite of the above comment… None of the flaws seem fatal enough for me to not give it a try to see if I like it better than my Samyang 45/1.8. I’d been considering the Sigma 45/2.8 but I’d rather have the extra speed at the cost of some LoCA and midframe softness wide open, although from comparisons I’ve seen the Sigma still seems to have the smoothest rendering of any of these very small AF options.
The Sony 40G has jumped to $750-800 at the US affiliate links (and anywhere), might wanna correct that for future copy/pastes and to not confuse anyone cross shopping these… I doubt the price is coming back down any time soon, unfortunately. I’d probably just go for that otherwise but I can’t quite bring myself to pay as much for it as for my 20/1.8 G or a 16/1.8 G…
I’ve not any experience of the Samyang 45mm. For the price this TTA is actually not that bad, I’d prefer this one over the Viltrox 40/2.5. Optically is the Nikon Z 40/2 a tad better, but build of handling of this TTA wins.
Thanks for the price update, I’ve updated that.
Hi Martin,
i have the voigtländer 40 1.2 but i wanted a tiny af objectiv in this length. i bought the Viltrox 50 2 ca. 1 month ago. i think i’m Happy technically, but i like more the 40 mm. I also want to buy the ttartisan 75/2. So it woukd bei nice to have the Same Brand and feeling.
So when you compare the 50 2 from Viltrox to the ttartisan 40 2, whats you’re favourite?
Thanks for you work
“My favorite” might be influenced by my preference for the 40mm focal length in everyday photography. Another point for the TTArtisan is its aperture ring — much more practical and intuitive to use, at least for me. Optically, though, the Viltrox is clearly better, with sharpness that’s second to none, even in the corners.
Pretty mid performance, even for the price.
Optically, their APS-C version (27/2.8) is a lot more interesting, delivering exceptional sharpness straight from the wide open.
Would’ve been great if they would double down on the same recipe for FF: pancake 40/2.8 so sharp, you’ll never miss having an F2.
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend an APS-C version either, as it was the buggiest lens I’ve ever owned, even after months of trying to work with manufacturer and several FW updates.
TTArtisan just cannot nail AF and software of their lenses in general.
Making full-frame lenses is generally more challenging — what’s possible for an APS-C camera is almost impossible to match in the same package for full-frame. TTArtisan doesn’t yet have the AF experience of some other manufacturers, but they’re improving with each release. Hopefully, they’ll catch up while keeping prices lower than the competition, which would be a win for everyone.
Great review, matches my experience with my copy so far. Vignetting is indeed quite heavy, but not a deal breaker for me. I feel like TTA pushed a little too hard to reach F/2, which some people won’t find acceptable.
Build quality is just superb and the aperture ring makes shooting that much more engaging. I’ve been shooting on Sony native glass too long now, where most of the Gs and GMs have aperture rings. I’m not going back to a plastic, cheap feeling lens with zero controls on it (looking at you Viltrox). It’s honestly impressive that the build quality is just so good at this price point.
Still too early to say, but the Achilles heel might the autofocus. It’s not as reliable as I’d like so far, but I need to do a lot more shooting. But overall initial impressions are very good, it’s a quirky lens with excellent build quality that pairs beautifully with my A7CII. I’m sure the Sony 40G is better in many areas, but the $799 price tag is just outrageous for what you get.
I felt like the feature set and Sony’s consistency as of late just about justified the original price points of the small G trio, despite being slower, but yeah $799 is such a stretch (even if I can afford it)… How are you testing AF, just everyday shooting? I’d like to compare how a couple Samyang and TTArtisans stack up in that regard (maybe with a Tamron zoom as a pseudo control, and/or my 35GM), it’s such a bear to set up something repeatable though.
I dunno maybe I’m just being cheap heh, I had no qualms with paying $500-ish for a CV21/3.5 that I’d end up pairing with this 40/2… And I’ve even eyed a much pricier Nokton.
For AF testing, it’s not super scientific — in addition to the daily focus experience during test period’s daily shots – I usually focus on something about a meter away, then on something far off near infinity, in quick succession. As soon as it acquires focus, I repeat this 10–15 times back and forth to get a feel for how it works.
For sports or action, I sometimes let my dog – a very fast, agile herding dog – run around and try to capture a burst of shots. If the lens keeps up and delivers consistently sharp images, it gets a good rating. If it hunts, refuses to shoot because focus isn’t acquired, or fires but misses focus, then it’s a no-go for fast sports.
Actually, you can see a small part of my tests in the video, where I mention the autofocus speed (around 02:39).
I want more of these. Currently shooting mostly with the sony 50 2.5. I have a very small bag which holds my a7c ii just perfectly with that optic. It gives me the feeling to have a compact camera and since I have this comb, I take my camera with me, twice as much. Having a faster lens that fits that bag for theaters, bars, … would be a game changer. The samyang 45 already is too large.
Given the TTA, I’ve mixed feelings. The vignetting seems a litte too strong and as others report, the autofocus isn’t peak. I would rather spend 300 bugs more and have a better lens with the same specs.
Overall, it seems like a good lens. The flaws aren’t important to me for my photography style. P.S. Are you sure about the f/2 data inside the industrial plant? Some photos seem to have too much depth of field to be at f/2.
Yes, overall it’s a good lens, especially for the price and size.
In the industrial plant shots, I double-checked and you’re right—some were taken at f/2.5, but that shouldn’t make a big difference. Most images were correctly marked as f/2 or f/5.6.
Keep in mind the machines are huge, and I was several meters away from them.
Thanks a lot for checking. Good to know, the result seems excellent to me, as usual, real photos are different things from pixel peeping.
Indeed.
Thx for the review. Not a chance in the Nikon AF world. The aperture ring is (very) nice but not enough. More chances in the Sony AF world, but the Viltrox stand out. So…Why? (YMMV).
Normally, Viltrox stands out, but in this case I am inclined to say that I prefer this 40/2 over Viltrox’s 40/2.5
Nice review. Unfortunately for us who have a Canon camera, we will be left with the EF 40mm STM + EF-RF adapter.
Not our fault you bought a Canon camera 🙂
Yep, your are right!! I hate Sony’s EVF’s ( only A9III has great EVF) and Nikon’s AF (not even the Z8 satisfied me !)
I was already in the Canon ecosystem but that wasn’t a problem . Being a Milolta SLR user I really appreciate Sony’s GM lenses . I believe that the design department of the former Minolta is responsible for these amazing lenses!.
I did my job just fine with my trusted 5DIII, it’s just that R6II gave me the opportunity to make better use of the Carl Zeiss lenses that I have , especially to nail focus. It also gave me the opportunity to experiment with adapting old lenses and to try them out ( Tessar 35mm from Yaschica T4, Lomo 75mm from Lubitel II etc.)
Are you sure that it’s the worse lens? It’s supposed to be a decent lens. This TTArtisan is just that, and barely.
40mm STM is a very nice lens but you have to use the adapter ( more weight and volume), an RF version will be great .