CameraReview
TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3
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TTArtisan · 500 mm · Canon EF, Nikon F, Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, Leica L, Fujifilm X, Fujifilm G mount · Full Frame

TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3

From $369 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandTTArtisan
Announcement dateFeb 2024
Released2024
Production started2024
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Exceptional value at ~$329-$369, making it the most affordable 500mm telephoto option available
+Compact and lightweight (1617g) compared to traditional super-telephoto lenses, more portable for field use
+Solid all-metal construction with smooth, well-damped focus and aperture rings for professional feel
+ED glass elements effectively reduce chromatic aberration and contribute to acceptable image quality
+Internal focusing design and cinema-compatible gear rings on focus/aperture for follow focus system compatibility
+Excellent for astrophotography, moon photography, and fixed distant subjects like wildlife perches
Worth Knowing
Manual focus only with no autofocus makes fast-moving subjects extremely challenging or impractical
Noticeable chromatic aberration and vignetting (especially on Sony E-mount), optical performance disappointing relative to ED glass claims
Requires stopping down to f/8-f/11 for acceptable sharpness, limiting low-light utility; nearly mandatory tripod use
Non-Arca-Swiss tripod mount (though newer versions may include Arca compatibility) and stiff focus ring requires significant practice

General

Brand
TTArtisan
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Feb 2024
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2024
Production started
2024
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The TTArtisan 500mm F6.3 is a budget-friendly manual focus telephoto lens priced at $329-$419. It's known for being compact and lightweight for a lens of its focal length, making it more portable than many traditional 500mm lenses. The lens adopts an optical structure of 8 elements in 5 groups, including 2 extra-low dispersion glass and 2 high index glass. However, reviews reveal mixed optical performance: despite ED elements, the lens shows strong chromatic aberration with outlining that's difficult to correct in post-processing. The lens performed best around f/8.0 to f/11, requiring careful technique and proper support. Best suited for astrophotography, moon photography, and stationary wildlife subjects rather than fast action.

Optical

Aperture
f/6.3
Aperture Range
f/6.3 - f/32
Optical Design
8 elements in 5 groups
ED Elements
2 extra-low dispersion glass, 2 high index glass
Internal Focus
Yes

Build

Tripod Mount Ring
Yes (removable, focus gear ring)
Construction
All-metal body
Image Stabilization
No

Format compatibility

Format
35mm (Full Frame)
APS C Compatibility
Yes (approximately 800mm equivalent)

Features

Focus Ring Gear
Yes (0.8 mod)
Aperture Ring Gear
Yes (0.8 mod)
Cinema Lens
Yes
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No

Specifications

Release Date
2023
Length
12.4 inches

Optics

Min focal length
500 mm
Max focal length
500 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
500 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Autofocus mode
No
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
12020
Closest focusing distance
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
330 cm01500

Physical

Lens weight
1617 g
Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
82 mm
Maximum format
Largest sensor size compatible with the lens.
Full Frame
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EF, Nikon F, Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, Leica L, Fujifilm X, Fujifilm G