TTArtisan 25mm f/2

This TTArtisan manual-focus prime comes in Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Leica L, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon Z and Sony E versions. Each version fits its own system. Choose the mount made for your camera and check sensor coverage before use.

The 25mm focal length gives a slightly wide view on APS-C and a standard view on Micro Four Thirds. That suits everyday people, places and nearby details, with different framing on the two formats. The lens is designed for smaller sensors.

The main trade-off is the fully manual design. There is no autofocus, stabilization or sealing, so focusing, steady handheld work and weather care all fall to you.

The Canon RF version is small, 1.22 in (31 mm) long and 2.32 in (59 mm) across. It adds little bulk to a compact body. Every version takes 43mm screw-in filters, so a polarizing filter for glare or a clear filter for protection mounts straight on.

The fixed 25mm focal length suits street scenes, travel and portraits with some surroundings. APS-C includes more of a scene than Micro Four Thirds from the same position. Whether a whole shopfront or room fits depends on distance, so check the edges as you choose a viewpoint.

Framing changes come from your feet rather than a zoom ring. Moving a few steps changes perspective too, so leading lines and foreground interest shift as you move.

The f/2 maximum aperture gives more room for a faster shutter speed or lower ISO than a smaller opening. This helps in dim interiors and evening streets. Depth of field also depends on focus distance. A close subject can have a soft background; stop down when detail at several distances must stay sharp.

Closest focus is 0.8 ft (25 cm), measured from the sensor. A cup, door handle or nearby object can become prominent against its surroundings. Leave room ahead of the glass and avoid shading the subject as you move close.

There is no stabilisation in the lens. A camera with body stabilisation can reduce shake for still scenes. Firm support helps with slower exposures. Moving people need enough shutter speed for their movement too.

There is no weather sealing either. Keep the lens out of rain and heavy dust, and it suits fair-weather street and travel days.

Focusing is set by hand on the ring. Work slowly at f/2 and use your camera's focus aids when light drops. Zone focusing at a set distance works well for quick street frames. Fix a middle focus point and a smaller aperture, and a useful band of distances stays acceptably sharp.

The optical formula has seven elements in five groups. A clicked aperture ring gives a physical control for the opening. Use it with the manual focus ring to set depth of field for a scene. Check focus again when either your subject or the camera moves.