TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Lens for Leica M

2022-04-30T12:51:18

I wanted a fast prime in the standard range for my Panasonic S5 and manual focus is not a problem when shooting still-life, which is most of my subjects. This lens is quite a pleasure to use with nicely-damped long focus-throw of about 150 to 160 degrees. The size and placement of focus ring and the lightly-clicked aperture ring make them easy to use. Optically this lens performs very well and its character can provide some advantages for different subjects. Wide open there is a soft 'glow' with subdued contrast and softened detail, this could be a plus when shooting certain types of portraits. The effect quickly dissipates, however, and by f/2.0 it is mostly gone, contrast and sharpness are good across the frame except in the FF corners. Once closed down to f/4 thru 8 you are getting really good detail, contrast and definition like any modern lens can provide and when you have it closed right down to f/16 you can get some decent if wide-spoked sun-stars. The other aspect I like about this lens is the quality of the bokeh. Unlike many modern, over-corrected and very sharp lenses that have 'soap-bubble' bokeh, this lens provides a much smoother look that I prefer. I've only had it out for a little bit of shooting in one day but I can already tell that this lens will be a keeper in my L-mount kit and I am looking forward to doing some close-up and portrait shots with it when I have a chance. Meanwhile I will try provide some example images I shot on a recent walk. My only 'improvement' I will do is to get a plastic pinch-style lens cap for it. The lovely push-on metal front cap looks great but for functionality, convenience and reduced risk of damaging the front element when reinstalling the cap, plastic will replace the metal one when I'm using it. RKS 20220430

Robert S.

2022-01-25T08:23:10

Great lens for the cost. I bought for my Lumix S5 and it fits perfectly. Great bokeh/shallow depth of field at f 1.4, 2.0, 2.8, even at 4... Image looks sharp on my 4k monitor. Also, I did not mind the manual focus/aperture at all... I am old school anyway, so it takes me back to earlier days of filmmaking when there was no autofocus. Not difficult to adapt to. Definite improvement over the kit lens I have.

Christopher M.

2021-12-27T07:44:09

Every now and then a screaming deal just sneaks up on you. Even when reviewers favorably report on a product, one learns to temper one?s expectations. So, based on overwhelmingly positive reviews, I took a chance on this fast nifty fifty, thinking even if it is half as good as promised, that would be cool. Happy to report that the favorable on-line reviews understate, if anything, just how good this lens performs. On both the Leica SL2-S and the M7 it produces results better in all aspects than the non-apo Sumilux, especially in overall sharpness and microcontrast. A truly outstanding lens, and, yes, a screaming deal.

Wilfred D.