Build Quality and Design

The TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 boasts an all-metal construction, giving it a solid and robust feel in hand, despite its light weight of approximately 307g. The lens features engraved markings for aperture, distance, and depth of field, filled with paint, contributing to its vintage aesthetic. The lens is designed with a clicked aperture ring, typically with half-stop clicks from f/2.8 to f/11 and full-stop clicks from f/11 to f/22. The focus ring operation is generally smooth, though some reviews note varying degrees of resistance. A notable design element is the inclusion of four female screw holes near the front lens element, intended for attaching a provided flash cold shoe for macro lighting, a thoughtful feature for close-up work. The lens uses a M42 screw mount, requiring an adapter for use on most modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Adapters are readily available and inexpensive.

Image Quality

• Sharpness: Center sharpness is reported to be good even wide open at f/2.8, becoming excellent by f/4 and peaking around f/5.6 to f/8. Corner sharpness is weaker at wider apertures, improving significantly when stopped down to f/8 and f/11. Some reviewers note that sharpness may be just "okay" at f/2.8, potentially requiring some post-processing boost.
• Bokeh: The lens is most famous for its "soap bubble bokeh," a distinctive effect characterized by out-of-focus highlights rendered as balls with bright, clearly defined edges. This effect is more pronounced with point light sources in the background and is a key creative feature of this lens. Bokeh is generally described as soft and creamy, especially at macro distances and pleasing for portraiture.
• Vignetting: Vignetting is very well controlled and is considered negligible in most shooting situations. At f/2.8, vignetting is minimal, further improving as the lens is stopped down.
• Distortion: The lens exhibits a very low and negligible amount of pincushion distortion, which is unlikely to require correction in most scenarios.
• Chromatic Aberration and Coma: Lateral aberration and astigmatism are well-corrected, especially in the center and mid-frame. Coma is present but mild, reducing significantly by f/5.6 and largely gone by f/8.
• Flare Resistance: As a lens with a vintage optical design and likely without advanced modern coatings, flare resistance is not a strong point. The lens may be prone to flares, which some photographers might find adds to its vintage character, while others may see it as a limitation.

Focusing

This is a manual focus lens only. The focus ring has a rotation of around 180 degrees, which some reviews consider a bit short, particularly for macro work or precise focusing. However, the smooth focusing helicoid and focus peaking features in modern mirrorless cameras can aid in achieving accurate focus. For macro photography, it's often recommended to set the focus ring to the desired magnification and then physically move the camera to achieve focus.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique "Soap Bubble Bokeh": The lens's signature bokeh is its standout feature, offering a creative and distinctive look.
• Good Sharpness: Center sharpness is commendable, especially when stopped down.
• Solid Build Quality: All-metal construction provides a robust and vintage feel.
• Compact Size and Lightweight: Relatively small and light for a 100mm lens, enhancing portability.
• Very Low Vignetting and Distortion: Optically well-corrected in these aspects.
• Affordable Price: Offers a unique optical effect at a very accessible price point.
• Versatile M42 Mount: Adaptable to a wide range of camera systems via inexpensive adapters.
• Macro Capability: While not a dedicated macro lens, it offers a close minimum focusing distance for near-macro shots.

Cons:

• Manual Focus Only: Requires careful manual focusing, which may not be ideal for all users or shooting situations, especially action or fast-moving subjects.
• Soft Corners Wide Open: Corner sharpness is weaker at wider apertures.
• Flare Prone: May exhibit flares in challenging lighting conditions.
• Short Focus Throw: The focus ring rotation could be longer for more precise focusing, especially in macro.
• Center Sharpness at f/2.8 "Just OK": Some reviews suggest center sharpness at its widest aperture is not outstanding and might need post-processing.

Target Audience

The TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 lens is best suited for:

• Photographers interested in creative bokeh: Those specifically seeking the "soap bubble bokeh" effect will find this lens uniquely appealing.
• Portrait photographers: The 100mm focal length is suitable for portraits, and the lens can produce pleasing subject isolation with its wide f/2.8 aperture and bokeh.
• Macro and close-up photographers: The lens's close focusing capability and unique bokeh can be advantageous for artistic macro shots.
• Users of mirrorless cameras: Manual focus lenses are often easier to use with mirrorless cameras due to focus peaking and magnification aids.
• Budget-conscious photographers: Offers a unique optical character and solid build at a very affordable price.
• Photographers who enjoy vintage lenses and manual operation: The lens's design and manual focus operation will appeal to those who appreciate a classic photographic experience.

Value for Money

The TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 offers excellent value for money, particularly if you are interested in its distinctive "soap bubble bokeh" effect. For its price, it provides a solid build, good center sharpness, and unique optical characteristics. While it is not the sharpest or most technically perfect lens, it delivers a specific creative look that is hard to find elsewhere at this price point. It serves as an affordable way to experiment with a 100mm focal length and explore creative bokeh effects.

Conclusion

The TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 Full Frame Lens is a character lens that prioritizes a unique vintage rendering and "soap bubble bokeh" over clinical sharpness and autofocus convenience. It is a well-built, affordable lens that can be a fun and creative tool for photographers interested in portraiture, artistic macro, and exploring classic lens aesthetics. While it has some optical limitations, particularly in corner sharpness and flare resistance, its strengths and unique character make it a compelling option for photographers seeking creative and budget-friendly lenses. If you are drawn to the "soap bubble bokeh" and enjoy manual focus lenses, the TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 is definitely worth considering.