TTArtisan 500mm f6.3 Review
TTArtisan 500mm f6.3
The TTArtisan 500mm f6.3 is a telephoto lens designed for various camera mounts, such as Canon EF, Nikon F, and others. It's known for being compact and lightweight for a lens of its focal length, making it more portable than many traditional 500mm lenses. When TTArtisan reached out to me asking if I would be interested in reviewing their lens I jumped at the opportunity. This lens is popular among photographers looking for a budget-friendly option for wildlife, sports, or landscape photography. Before you buy your copy be sure to check out my review. Even through TTArtisan sent me this lens, my thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone other than my own experiences.
LENS SPECS
Released Date: 2023
Format: 35mm
Mount: E, Z, RF, L, X, GFX, EF, F
Filter: 82mm
Aperture Blades: 12
Aperture Range: 6.3 - 32
Min Focus Distance: 3.3m
Weight 1617g
Optical Design: 8 Elements in 5 Groups
Weather Sealing: No
Lens IS.: No
APS-C Conversion Approx.: 800mm
Price
At the time of this review this lens is priced at $369 USD which is really affordable for a super telephoto of 500mm. If you want to check the current price or support my YouTube channel by buying this lens with my Amazon affiliate link click here.
Design and Build Quality
The TTArtisan 500mm f6.3 lens boasts a sturdy metal construction that makes this lens feel solid in the hands. Even the focus and aperture rings are metal, which surprisingly, I really did really enjoy using. Compared to other super telephoto lenses this lens is relatively light weight at 1617g / 3.5 lb. This allows the TTArtsan’s 500mm to be more portable than many traditional super telephoto lenses. This is a huge bonus if you want to be able to toss this lens in a normal backpack and head out for a shoot. Its sleek, minimalist design features a tight focus ring that helps with precise manual focusing. I’ve heard other reviewers say that’s it’s too tight but in my opinion it’s perfect for a 500mm lens. The craftsmanship with this lens is really nice but perhaps the attention to detail isn’t where it should be. I noticed on my copy (RF mount) that the lens has a very slight wobble when mounted to my R5 Mark II. I think the machining on the mount could have been done better for tighter mount. The lens comes with a very nice metal lens hood with an 82mm thread mount. The nice thing about this lens hood is that you can attach your 82mm filters to the lens then screw the lens hood onto those filters. A big thumbs up to TTArtisan for that. When you have a CPL filter attached to your lens you can just turn the lens hood to adjust your CPL. Another nice feature is that because this lens hood has a standard 82mm filter it can be screwed onto any lens that has an 82mm filter thread such as the RF 85mm f1.2 L. Another thumbs up to TTArtisan because the lens cap can be attached to the lens and to the lens hood. I really like that feature.
Lens lengths
The length of a lens is typically not a major concern, but since this one may not fit into all camera bags, I thought it would be helpful to highlight its sizes.
Lens on it’s own no hood: 33cm / 13”
Lens with hood: 36.8cm / 14.5 “
Lens with hood and camera : 41.3cm / 16.25“
Lens and Camera: 37.4cm / 14.75”
Menu Setting
This lens has no electronics, no autofocus and no lens IS. As such this lens has no electronic contacts on the mount. If your camera’s setting are set to default chances are that your camera won’t take a photo when you mount this lens. There is a setting in the menu called Release Shutter Without Lens. Set it to Enabled/On and your camera will be able to shoot photos.
*If you’re shooting with a brand other than Canon you’ll find a similar setting in your menu. It may have a different name but once you enable it you’ll be able to shoot with the lens.
More information here: The One Setting You Have to Change
Special Features
Weather Sealing
There are two major features this lens is missing. The first is weather sealing. I’m not saying the lack of weather sealing is good or bad but I’m bringing it up because it is something you should be aware of. It is an outdoor lens so maybe bring a lens cover or garbage bag with you to keep it dry if you’re shooting in wet conditions.
no in-lens stabilization
The second thing I want to point out is that this lens has no in-lens stabilization which is to be expected with a lens at this price point. However, there are adjustments you can make to increase your chances of getting a sharp crisp image.
Pro tip 1: To ensure you get sharp images make sure to go into your camera’s menu settings and manually set your IBIS to 500mm. This will tell your camera to stabalize for the right focal length.
Pro tip 2: Make sure your shutter speed is double your focal length to minimize the effect of camera shake. Because this lens is a 500mm you want your minimum shutter speed to be 1000th/s.
Pro tip 3: Set your camera to electronic shutter. Again to minimize camera shake. When shooting over long distances one millimeter of shake on your end could be meters of shake on the subject.
Pro tip4: Use a tripod or monopod. As you’ve noticed shake is bad so using something to stabilize your lens is a great idea. A nice heavy tripod would be best.
When I set out to take some test shots with this lens I followed all my pro tips but the forth. I wanted to see if I could get hand held shots without my monopod because I really didn’t want to fuss with it. To my surprise I was able to get hand heled shots with this 500mm no problem. Here is a shot I took from the mouth of the Humber river of the CN Tower which is 7 Kilometers / 4.35 Miles away. I really wasn’t expecting such a clean image but there it is. I shot a photo with a 50mm from the same location to give some perspective.
tripod collar
I’m going to put this under special features because I think it’s worth highlighting. This lens has a nice tripod collar for mounting your lens. It’s got a good sized thumb screw which can be easily loosened or tightened so that you can rotate your lens in the collar to get landscape or portrait shots. A very nice touch. There is a warning sticker printed on the collar suggesting that you should not carry your lens by the collar. Probably because the screw can loosen and well you get the idea.
As part of my research for this lens I watched some older review videos posted when this lens was initially launched. Several reviewers suggested it would have been a great idea if there was a built in Arca Swiss plate built into the base of the tripod collar. I was excited when I unboxed my copy of the lens and saw that the revision was made. So firstly I would like to say thank you to TTArtisan for listening to your users. I appreciate the upgrade. However, I noticed that the Arca Swiss plate is just a little too narrow and the lens slips right out of my Arca Swiss mounts! Needless to say that could end in tragedy for the lens and or my camera. But I came up with a simple solution. Two pieces of masking tape on either side of the Arca Swiss plate and everything secured nice and tight. I’m sure TTArtisan will upgrade their design again but if you have the same version of the lens I have a little tape will save you from having a really bad day.
Aperture ring
The aperture ring is firm yet smooth, so you won’t accidentally adjust it. Interestingly, it’s de-clicked, a feature typically found on cinema lenses. While I can't imagine this lens being a go-to for videographers, if you ever find yourself in need of a super-telephoto lens with a de-clicked aperture ring for a project, this could be the perfect fit.
Gear Shots
Focusing
The TTArtisan 500mm f6.3 lens is fully manual, including focusing, but don’t let that deter you, it’s actually quite easy to focus. The focus ring is well-designed, with a stiff but smooth, controlled feel that allows for precise adjustments. In my opinion, it’s perfectly tuned for a lens of this focal length, striking a great balance between smoothness and resistance. While manual focusing might seem like a drawback in today’s age of autofocus, I find that it encourages a more thoughtful, deliberate approach to photography. Taking the time to carefully dial in focus and consciously compose each shot not only slows you down but also brings a more creative and enjoyable element to the process. For those who appreciate a hands-on shooting experience, this lens offers a rewarding, immersive way to engage with your passion.
Pro Tip: Set one of the custom buttons on your camera to zoom in on your subject. This allows you to zoom in and nail critical focus. Than hit your shutter button, take your shot and your camera will zoom back out again. Now compose your second shot with focus already locked on and take the shot.
Optical Performance
The TTArtisan 500mm f6.3 lens delivers impressive optical performance for a budget-friendly super-telephoto lens. It’s not top of the line $10k lens good but for it’s price point I can’t complain. This lens offers good sharpness across the frame, particularly in the center. While it may exhibit some softness in the extreme corners, it is generally quite usable for most photographic applications, especially at mid-range apertures. Chromatic aberration and fringing are a bit of an issue. They are well-controlled for the most part, but may still become noticeable in high-contrast situations. The lens also performs well in terms of contrast and color accuracy, with minimal flare, making it a solid choice for outdoor and wildlife photographers who require a long focal length without breaking the bank. However, like most lenses in this category, it does have a slower f6.3 aperture, which limits low-light performance compared to faster lenses, but overall, the TTArtisan 500mm f6.3 provides great optical value for its price.
Versatility
The TTArtisan 500mm f6.3 lens is a highly versatile tool, particularly for photographers who need a long focal length without the hefty price tag of premium telephoto lenses. Its compact (for a telephoto) design makes it easier to handle than many other 500mm lenses, which are often bigger and heavier. This makes it an excellent choice for wildlife, bird, and sports photography, where distance is key and portability matters. The lens is also well-suited for landscape or urban photographers who want to capture distant details or isolate specific elements in vast scenes. Its manual focus system encourages a more deliberate and creative approach, ideal for photographers who enjoy slower, more intentional shooting styles. While the maximum f6.3 aperture limits its low-light capabilities, it still performs well in daylight or bright conditions, making it a great option for outdoor use. Though it's not as fast or sharp as some high-end super-telephoto lenses, its affordability and reasonable image quality make it a great option for enthusiasts and those looking to experiment with telephoto focal lengths without a huge financial investment.
User Experience
Using the TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3 lens offers a unique and engaging experience, especially for photographers who appreciate manual focus and a slower, more intentional shooting process. The lens is relatively lightweight for its focal length, making it more comfortable to handle compared to other super-telephoto lenses, though it's still best used with a tripod or monopod for stability, especially at long distances. The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, allowing for fine adjustments, though the lack of autofocus can make fast-moving subjects a challenge. The smaller f/6.3 aperture requires more attention to lighting conditions, with slower shutter speeds being necessary in lower light, which can lead to potential motion blur if not stabilized properly. The image quality, while not as razor-sharp as premium lenses, is more than adequate for many shooting situations, offering good contrast and color reproduction. Overall, the lens encourages a more deliberate approach to photography, rewarding patience with satisfying results, particularly for those seeking a budget-friendly, long-reaching option for nature, wildlife, or distant landscape shots.
Quality control
As part of my commitment to providing honest reviews, I have to address one of my main concerns with this lens: quality control. As mentioned, the Arca Swiss connector was too small and required some makeshift tape to keep it from slipping out of my Arca Swiss mount. Another issue is that the lens mount doesn’t sit perfectly in my camera’s RF bayonet mount, causing a slight wobble, indicating the mount is a little too small. While these aren’t dealbreakers, they are areas TTArtisan could improve in future versions of the lens.
Sample Shots
Final Thoughts
The TTArtisan 500mm f6.3 lens offers several notable advantages, particularly for photographers on a budget. Its lightweight and compact design make it more portable than many other super-telephoto lenses, and the manual focus system, while requiring more time and attention, provides a rewarding, hands-on shooting experience. The image quality is solid, with good center sharpness and reasonable contrast, making it a good option for wildlife, nature, or landscape photography when used in good light. However, there are some trade-offs to consider. The f6.3 aperture limits its low-light capabilities, and the lack of autofocus can be challenging for fast-moving subjects. Some softness in the corners and chromatic aberration in high contrast areas are also present, though not major issues for most types of photography. Ultimately, whether it's worth investing in depends on your needs. If you're an enthusiast or hobbyist looking for a budget-friendly way to explore telephoto photography without committing to the high cost of premium lenses, this TTArtisan lens offers great value. However, if you require faster autofocus, and superior low-light performance, you may want to look at higher-end options. For those who enjoy a slower, more deliberate photographic approach, it’s a solid investment for the price.
Go to the TTArtisans webpage
