50mm or 35mm Mirrorless Lens? Compared by Specs
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Choosing between a 50mm vs 35mm mirrorless lens depends on your shooting style and camera mount. Both TTArtisan options are manual focus primes designed for APS-C sensors, offering large apertures for low-light performance and background blur. The main difference lies in their focal length and maximum aperture. The 50mm lens provides a tighter, portrait-friendly view, while the 35mm offers a wider field of view. You also need to match the lens mount to your specific camera system, as each model supports different mounts.
Key differences
| Aspect | TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens | TTArtisan 35mm F0.95 APS-C Manual Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 35mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/0.95 |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z |
| Weight | 336g | 247g-267g |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | not listed | 0.35m |
Which one should you choose?
Choose TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens if
- You shoot with a Micro Four Thirds camera and want a tighter, portrait-style perspective.
- You prefer a slightly larger aperture for standard low-light situations and do not need the widest possible opening.
- You are comfortable with a heavier lens and want a classic 50mm field of view.
Choose TTArtisan 35mm F0.95 APS-C Manual Lens if
- You use a Nikon Z mount APS-C camera and need a wider, more versatile field of view.
- You want the absolute largest aperture available for extreme low-light shooting and dreamy bokeh.
- You prioritize a lighter, more compact lens for everyday carry.
Verdict: The 50mm lens suits photographers who prefer a tighter, portrait-oriented perspective on Micro Four Thirds cameras. The 35mm lens is better for those using Nikon Z mount APS-C systems who need a wider view and the largest possible aperture. Your choice depends primarily on your camera mount and whether you prefer a standard or wide perspective.
50mm vs 35mm Lens Specs
Maximum Aperture
The TTArtisan 35mm f/0.95 offers a wider maximum aperture than the 50mm f/1.2 option. A larger aperture number, like f/0.95, allows more light to reach the sensor. This gives you better performance in low-light environments without raising the ISO. It also creates a shallower depth of field for stronger background blur. The 50mm lens stops down at f/1.2, which is still large but slightly less bright. If you shoot in dim conditions or want extreme bokeh, the 35mm lens has the advantage here.
Lens Weight
Portability differs between these two manual focus primes. The 35mm lens weighs between 247g and 267g, depending on the mount version. The 50mm lens weighs 336g. The 35mm option is significantly lighter, making it easier to carry for long walks or travel. You will notice the difference in your bag. The 50mm lens uses an all-metal body, which feels durable but adds mass. If you prioritize a lightweight setup for everyday carry, the lighter 35mm lens is the better choice for your comfort.
Lens Dimensions
Size is another factor for your gear bag. The 35mm lens measures approximately 1 inch in width, height, and length. The 50mm lens is larger, measuring 2.44 inches in width and height, and 2.36 inches in length. The 35mm model is more compact and fits into smaller bags more easily. The 50mm lens has a longer barrel, typical for its focal length and aperture combination. If you need a small footprint for your mirrorless camera, the 35mm lens is more space-efficient.
Focal Length Perspective
These lenses offer different fields of view on APS-C sensors. The 35mm lens provides a wider perspective, closer to a standard view. It is good for environmental portraits, street photography, and indoor scenes where you need to step back. The 50mm lens offers a tighter, more compressed view. It is often called a portrait lens because it isolates subjects well. The choice depends on your composition style. If you prefer wider contexts, choose the 35mm. If you prefer tighter framing, the 50mm is suitable.
Minimum Focusing Distance
Close-up capability varies between the two options. The 35mm lens has a specified minimum focusing distance of 0.35 meters. This allows you to get relatively close to your subject for details. The data for the 50mm lens does not list a specific minimum focusing distance. Without this value, you cannot compare how close you can get to your subject with the 50mm lens. The 35mm lens has a clear advantage in terms of documented close-focusing performance.
Which Lens Fits Your Workflow
Low light portrait shooter
You need maximum light intake for dark environments. The 35mm f/0.95 aperture lets in more light than the 50mm f/1.2. This wider opening helps you shoot in dim conditions. The f/0.95 setting also creates distinct background separation. You get a dreamy bokeh effect that isolates your subject effectively.
M4/3 system user
You own a Micro Four Thirds camera like Olympus or Panasonic. This lens mounts directly to your body. It weighs 336g and uses an all-metal body. The 50mm focal length offers a perspective close to the human eye. You get a compact package that fits your existing gear setup without needing adapters.
Nikon Z compact shooter
You shoot with a Nikon Z mount camera and want minimal weight. This lens weighs only 247g to 267g. It features aviation aluminum construction for durability. The 35mm focal length is versatile for daily use. You can focus as close as 0.35 meters for detailed shots without losing portability on the go.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens | manual portrait and street photography | Check price of TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens on Amazon |
| 2 | TTArtisan 35mm F0.95 APS-C Manual Lens | Low-light APS-C photography with manual focus | Check price of TTArtisan 35mm F0.95 APS-C Manual Lens on Amazon |
The products compared
TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens
Best for: manual portrait and street 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 is a 50mm manual focus lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It features a large f/1.2 aperture and an all-metal body. The 50mm focal length offers a perspective close to the human eye. It weighs 336g and includes 10 diaphragm blades for background blur. This lens suits users who want classic framing and low-light performance on APS-C format sensors.
Pros
- 50mm focal length mimics human-eye perspective
- f/1.2 maximum aperture for low-light shooting
- All-metal body construction weighs 336g
- 10 diaphragm blades for smooth bokeh
Cons
- Manual focus only requires manual adjustment
- Designed for APS-C sensors on M4/3 mount
- No autofocus motor for automatic focusing
Good fit if
- You shoot portraits or street photography manually
- You want a lightweight lens for travel
- You own a Micro Four Thirds camera
Skip if
- You need autofocus for fast action
- You use full-frame cameras
- You prefer electronic aperture control
Verdict: TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 M4/3 Manual Lens is a solid manual option for M4/3 users seeking a classic 50mm view. It fits photographers who prioritize build quality and wide apertures over speed.
TTArtisan 35mm F0.95 APS-C Manual Lens
Best for: Low-light APS-C photography with manual focus
- Focal Length
- 35mm (what this guide is about)
- Lens Mount
- Nikon Z
- Maximum Aperture
- F0.95
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Manual Focus
- Minimum Focusing Distance
- 0.35m
View on Amazon: TTArtisan 35mm F0.95 APS-C Manual Lens Affiliate link
This is a 35mm manual focus lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It features an extremely wide f/0.95 maximum aperture, which allows for significant light intake and shallow depth of field. The lens weighs between 247g and 267g and includes aviation aluminum construction. It supports a minimum focusing distance of 0.35m. You should choose this lens if you need a compact, lightweight prime lens for low-light situations and do not require autofocus capabilities.
Pros
- f/0.95 maximum aperture for low-light performance
- Compact weight of approximately 247g to 267g
- 0.35m minimum focusing distance for close-ups
- Aviation aluminum build for durability
Cons
- Manual focus only, lacking automatic focusing
- Limited to APS-C sensor format
- No electronic contacts for aperture control
Good fit if
- You shoot in low-light environments
- You prefer manual focus control
- You want a lightweight prime lens
Skip if
- You need autofocus for fast action
- You shoot with full-frame cameras
- You require electronic aperture control
Verdict: TTArtisan 35mm F0.95 APS-C Manual Lens is a specialized tool for photographers who prioritize extreme light gathering and portability over convenience. It fits those who enjoy the deliberate process of manual focusing and need a small lens for APS-C bodies.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 Manual Focus Prime Lens | TTArtisan 35mm F0.95 APS-C Manual Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z |
| Focal Length | 50mm | 35mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | F0.95 |
| Sensor Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus | Manual Focus |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | not stated | 0.35m |
| Color | Black | Black silver |
| Aperture | f/1.2 | f/0.95 |
| Dimensions | 2.36 × 2.44 × 2.44 inches | 1 × 1 × 1 inches |
| Size | M4/3 | Nikon Z mount |
| Model | TTArtisan 50-f/1.2 M4/3B | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Which lens is better for tight indoor portraits?
The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 is the better choice for tight indoor portraits. Its 50mm focal length provides a classic perspective that isolates subjects effectively. The f/1.2 aperture allows you to blur busy backgrounds while keeping the subject sharp. This makes it ideal for capturing detailed facial expressions in confined spaces without needing to step back.
Can I use these lenses on full frame cameras?
No, these specific lenses are designed for APS-C sensors. Using them on a full-frame camera may result in vignetting or a cropped image circle. The TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 and the 35mm f/0.95 are optimized for APS-C bodies. Ensure your mirrorless camera has an APS-C sensor to get the intended field of view and image quality from these primes.
How small is the TTArtisan 35mm lens?
The TTArtisan 35mm f/0.95 is exceptionally compact, measuring 1 inch by 1 inch by 1 inch. Its tiny form factor makes it highly portable for travel or street photography. You can easily slip it into a small bag or pocket. This size advantage is significant compared to larger standard primes, offering maximum light gathering in a minimal footprint.
Is manual focus difficult with these lenses?
Manual focus requires you to adjust the ring by hand, which demands practice. The TTArtisan lenses lack autofocus motors, so you must rely on focus peaking or magnification aids if your camera supports them. This process is slower but offers precise control. It suits photographers who enjoy a deliberate shooting pace rather than quick, automated captures.
Which mount is the 35mm lens compatible with?
The TTArtisan 35mm f/0.95 is available in Nikon Z Mount. You must ensure your camera uses this specific mount to attach the lens. The 50mm option is listed for M4/3 systems. Check your camera brand and model before purchasing to confirm the mount compatibility. Using the wrong mount will prevent the lens from attaching securely to your body.
Does the 50mm lens have a wide aperture?
Yes, the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 features a wide f/1.2 aperture. This allows significant light to reach the sensor, improving performance in dim conditions. It also creates a shallow depth of field for artistic background blur. The wide opening helps you shoot at faster shutter speeds while maintaining exposure, making it versatile for various lighting scenarios.