50mm or 27mm Mirrorless Lens? Compared by Specs
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You are deciding between a 50mm vs 27mm mirrorless lens for APS-C cameras. Both options offer a normal perspective close to human vision. The main difference lies in their focal length and focus mechanism. One provides a tighter field of view with manual control. The other offers a wider angle with automatic focusing. You need to check which mount fits your camera body.
Key differences
| Aspect | TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens | TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 Pancake Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 27mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/2.8 |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus | STM AutoFocus |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X-mount |
| Weight | 336g | 93g (3.28 oz) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens if
- You use a Micro Four Thirds camera and prefer manual focus control.
- You want a tighter framing for portraits or low-light scenes with f/1.2.
- You do not mind a heavier lens for a larger aperture.
Choose TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 Pancake Lens if
- You shoot with a Fujifilm X-mount camera.
- You need fast autofocus for street or travel photography.
- You prioritize a lightweight pancake design under 100g.
Verdict: Choose the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 if you shoot M4/3 and want shallow depth of field with manual precision. Pick the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 if you have a Fujifilm X-mount body and need compact size with reliable autofocus.
50mm vs 27mm Lens Specs Compared
Autofocus capability
The TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 lens features an STM stepping motor that supports eye and face recognition autofocus. This allows for fast and smooth focusing, which is ideal for dynamic street photography or candid portraits where subjects are moving. In contrast, the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 is a manual focus lens. You must adjust the focus ring by hand for every shot. While manual focus offers creative control, it requires more time and skill. If you prefer automatic focusing assistance, the 27mm lens is the clear choice for convenience and speed.
Maximum aperture
Aperture controls light intake and depth of field. The 50mm lens offers a very wide f/1.2 maximum aperture. This allows significantly more light to reach the sensor, making it excellent for low-light environments. It also creates a shallower depth of field, resulting in stronger background blur for portraits. The 27mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8. While this is bright enough for general use, it does not match the light-gathering power or background separation potential of the f/1.2 option. The 50mm lens wins for low-light performance.
Lens configuration
Portability is key for travel and everyday carry. The 27mm lens is designed as a pancake lens, with dimensions of 1.97 inches in height, width, and length. It weighs only 3.28 ounces, making it extremely compact and easy to slip into a pocket or small bag. The 50mm lens is larger, measuring 2.44 inches by 2.44 inches by 2.36 inches, and weighs 336 grams. Although still portable, it is bulkier and heavier than the pancake design. For minimal gear, the 27mm lens is superior.
Mount compatibility
Lens compatibility depends on your camera body. The 50mm lens is available for Micro Four Thirds mounts, fitting cameras from Panasonic and Olympus. It is also offered for Sony E, Fuji X, Canon M, Nikon Z, L Mount, and Canon R mounts. The 27mm lens is specifically designed for Fujifilm X-mount cameras only. If you own a Fujifilm X-series camera, the 27mm lens is a direct fit. If you use Micro Four Thirds or other mounts, the 50mm lens is the viable option. Check your camera mount before purchasing.
Firmware updates
Long-term usability can be enhanced by firmware updates. The 27mm lens includes a rear lens cap with a USB-C interface. This allows you to connect the lens to a computer for firmware upgrades, potentially improving autofocus performance or adding features over time. The 50mm lens data does not mention any USB connectivity or firmware update capability. This means the 50mm lens remains static in its software functionality. For users who value future-proofing and potential performance improvements, the 27mm lens has a distinct advantage.
Which lens fits your shooting style
Street photographers needing fast autofocus
The TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 includes an STM stepping motor for eye and face recognition autofocus. This feature delivers smooth and fast focusing, which is essential for capturing candid moments or moving subjects in street photography. The 27mm focal length offers a 41mm equivalent view, making it versatile for various genres like travel and close-up shots without the delay of manual focusing.
Portrait shooters preferring manual control
The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 provides a large f/1.2 maximum aperture for excellent background blur and strong low-light performance. Its 50mm focal length mimics the human eye perspective, helping you create classic images easily. This all-metal lens weighs 336g and features ten diaphragm blades. You get precise manual focus control, ideal for deliberate portrait work or static scenes where depth of field is key.
Travelers wanting a compact pancake lens
The TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 is a lightweight pancake lens designed for portability. It features a USB-C interface for firmware upgrades via the rear cap. The f/2.8 aperture allows for manual control from f/2.8 to f/16 via an aperture ring. Its compact size and autofocus capability make it a practical choice for carrying around all day while maintaining image quality for street and travel photography.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens | Portrait and low-light photography | Check price of TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens on Amazon |
| 2 | TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 Pancake Lens | portable Fujifilm X-mount street photography | Check price of TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 Pancake Lens on Amazon |
The products compared
TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens
Best for: Portrait and low-light photography
- Focal Length
- 50mm (what this guide is about)
- Lens Mount
- Micro Four Thirds
- Maximum Aperture
- f/1.2
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Manual Focus
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens Affiliate link
This TTArtisan lens offers a 50mm focal length with a large f/1.2 aperture. It features an all-metal body and weighs 336g. The manual focus design requires you to adjust focus by hand. It is built for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The wide aperture helps in low light and creates background blur. This lens suits photographers who prefer manual control and classic perspectives.
Pros
- f/1.2 maximum aperture for low light and blur
- 50mm focal length mimics human-eye perspective
- All-metal body construction for durability
- Compact size at 2.44 inches in diameter
Cons
- Manual focus only with no autofocus motor
- Designed for APS-C sensor but mounts on M4/3
- No image stabilization listed in specifications
Good fit if
- You want a lightweight lens for travel
- You enjoy learning manual focus techniques
- You shoot portraits in varied lighting
Skip if
- You need automatic focusing for action
- You shoot exclusively with full-frame cameras
- You require electronic aperture control
Verdict: TTArtisan 50mm F1.2 M4/3 Manual Lens is a solid manual option for M4/3 users who value aperture size over speed. It fits those who prioritize build quality and low-light capability.
TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 Pancake Lens
Best for: portable Fujifilm X-mount street photography
- Focal Length
- 27mm (what this guide is about)
- Lens Mount
- Fuji X
- Maximum Aperture
- f/2.8
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- STM Autofocus
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 Pancake Lens Affiliate link
This pancake lens for Fujifilm X-mount APS-C cameras offers a 27mm focal length, which equals 41mm in full-frame terms. It uses an STM motor for fast autofocus and eye/face recognition. The f/2.8 aperture allows for decent low-light performance and depth of field control. Weighing just 3.28 ounces, it is highly portable for street and travel photography. It includes a manual aperture ring from f/2.8 to f/16.
Pros
- STM autofocus with eye/face recognition
- Lightweight 3.28-ounce pancake design
- Manual aperture ring from f/2.8 to f/16
- USB-C firmware upgrade capability
Cons
- Maximum aperture is f/2.8, which is slower than the f/1.2 option on the list
- Autofocus only works on Fujifilm X-mount cameras
- Fixed focal length limits zoom flexibility
Good fit if
- You want a lightweight lens for daily carry
- You shoot with Fujifilm X-mount APS-C cameras
- You prefer manual aperture control
Skip if
- You need autofocus on Canon or Sony mounts
- You require a faster f/1.2 aperture for shallow depth of field
- You need a zoom lens for variable framing
Verdict: TTArtisan AF 27mm F2.8 APS-C fits Fujifilm users who prioritize portability and manual control over maximum aperture speed. It is a practical tool for street photography where size matters more than extreme light gathering.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens | TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 Pancake Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Fuji X |
| Focal Length | 50mm | 27mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/2.8 |
| Sensor Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus | STM Autofocus |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Aperture | f/1.2 | f/2.8 |
| Dimensions | 2.36 × 2.44 × 2.44 inches | 1.97 × 1.97 × 1.97 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 3.28 ounces |
| Size | M4/3 | not stated |
| Model | TTArtisan 50-f/1.2 M4/3B | 27mm F2.8 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the 50mm lens manual or autofocus?
The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 is a manual focus prime lens. It does not include an autofocus motor. You must adjust focus by rotating the focus ring yourself. This design prioritizes build quality and a large f/1.2 aperture over automatic focusing speed.
Does the 27mm lens support autofocus?
Yes, the TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 includes an STM stepping motor. It supports eye and face recognition autofocus. This allows for fast and smooth focusing, making it suitable for street photography and capturing moving subjects without manual intervention.
Which lens is better for low light?
The 50mm lens is better for low light. It features a wider f/1.2 aperture compared to the 27mm lens's f/2.8. The larger aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, which helps in dim environments. It is ideal for portraits where light gathering is key.
Which lens is more portable?
The 27mm lens is more portable. It is a pancake design with a maximum dimension of 1.97 inches. It also weighs only 3.28 ounces. The 50mm lens is larger, measuring up to 2.44 inches in width and height, making it bulkier to carry.
What sensor format do these lenses support?
Both lenses are designed for APS-C sensor format cameras. The 50mm lens fits M4/3 mounts for APS-C sensors. The 27mm lens uses a Fujifilm X mount for APS-C sensors. They are not intended for full-frame cameras.
Can the 27mm lens focus on eyes?
Yes, the 27mm lens supports eye and face recognition autofocus. This feature uses the STM motor to track subjects quickly. It is particularly useful for street photography where you need to capture candid moments without missing focus.
What is the maximum aperture of the 50mm lens?
The maximum aperture is f/1.2. This wide opening allows for significant light intake and shallow depth of field. It is beneficial for isolating subjects in portraits or shooting in darker conditions where a faster shutter speed is needed.
Which lens is better for street photography?
The 27mm lens is better for street photography. It offers autofocus with eye and face detection. Its compact pancake size and lighter weight make it easy to carry. The 50mm lens requires manual focus, which can be slower for dynamic street scenes.