TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 Macro 2X

This 2024 macro prime exists for one job: making very small subjects large. It reaches 2x magnification, twice life size, so insects, flowers, coins and product details can fill the frame.

The trade-off is a fully manual design with no autofocus, stabilization or weather sealing. That pace suits deliberate close work, and it slows anyone chasing quick frames.

TTArtisan sells this optical family in Canon RF, Canon EF, Fujifilm G, Fujifilm X, Leica L, Nikon F, Nikon Z and Sony E versions. It remains in production, so choose the version made for your camera.

The Canon RF version weighs 1 lb 10.4 oz (748 g), measures 5.87 in (149 mm) long and has a 2.83 in (72 mm) body. That is a solid but manageable macro. Other mount versions differ in weight and size.

Our physical score is 64 out of 100. A 67mm screw-in filter attaches directly to the lens, and any filter you buy must match that thread.

The 100mm focal length keeps some distance between you and the subject. That matters for insects and other small creatures that flee a camera placed close. The extra distance also makes it easier to light small subjects without the lens or camera casting a shadow.

Magnification is the headline. True macro is 1:1, life size, and this lens doubles it to 2x. Tiny subjects can fill the frame. Depth of field becomes extremely thin at that scale, so expect to stop down the f/2.8 aperture and focus carefully in small steps.

The maximum aperture is f/2.8, fixed on this prime. At portrait distance it gives moderate background separation, and you stop it down for most macro work. Twelve aperture blades keep the opening close to round as you stop down, which keeps out-of-focus highlights smooth.

Focusing is manual only, and the focusing ring suits the precise, slow adjustments that 2x macro demands. Our optics score is 70 out of 100. Closest focus is 0.8 ft (25 cm).

There is no image stabilization. At 100mm, and especially near 2x magnification, small camera movements show in the frame, so a tripod or another firm support is the practical answer.

There is no weather sealing and no fluorine coating. Keep the lens out of rain, spray and heavy dust, since nothing in the build is rated to resist them.

The 67mm front thread also opens close-up light control. A polariser tames reflections on leaves and water, and an ND filter lets you keep the f/2.8 aperture open in bright light. Both filters attach to the same front thread.

Focusing is internal, so the lens moves inner elements and the barrel keeps a constant length. The front of the lens does not extend toward a close subject as you focus. Our construction score is 23 out of 100. Inside, 14 elements in 10 groups use ordinary glass, with no low-dispersion elements.