Shenzhen Mingjiang Optical Technology has introduced the TTArtisan 250mm F5.6 Reflex, a compact and affordable telephoto lens for full-frame cameras. In order to create a compact design while keeping the price under $300, the manufacturer opted for a mirror-style construction.
This is not to say that such optics are widespread, but they are not something new at present: the Kenko Tokina alliance regularly produces them either under the Tokina brand or under the Kenko brand.
Telephoto lenses like these were quite popular in cinematography due to their lightweight design and ability to capture distant subjects. Its design uses curved mirrors and refractive optics to achieve a longer focal length with less glass.
SLR lenses, all other things being equal, provide reduced contrast and sharpness. They also have no means of adjusting the aperture, so they are fixed-aperture lenses. The new TTArtisan always has an aperture of f/5.6.
This design has another drawback that, with some imagination, can be seen as a creative advantage – a donut-shaped bokeh.
The telephoto lens features a retro design inspired by the 1970s-1980s, including a diamond-shaped knurling on the focus ring. It boasts a durable, all-metal body.
Designed for the M42 mount, this lens easily works with all modern mirrorless cameras, including Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Sony, using adapters.
Price and availability
The TTArtisan 250mm f5.6 SLR lens is already available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk for $298 and £349, respectively.
[amazon box=”B0D4D79594″]
TTArtisan 250mm f5.6 specifications
- Focal length: 250mm
- Mount: M42
- Fixed aperture: F5.6
- Closest focus distance: 2m
- Frame: Full Frame
- Focus method: Manual
- Angle of view: 10°
- Optical Design; 6 Elements in 5 Groups
- Filter size: 67mm
- Weight: 380g
Last year, TTartisan introduced an affordable telephoto lens, the TTartisan 500mm F6.3, priced at just $329. This fixed focal length lens is compatible with full-frame mirrorless cameras from Sony E, Canon R, Nikon Z, and L-mount systems.
