TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3
TTArtisan · 500 mm · f/6.3
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
41
SCORE /100
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 | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe 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. | |
| Brand | TTArtisan |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
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. | Nikon Z |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Nikon Z |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 1617 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 88 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 317 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 82 mm |
Optics49/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 500 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 6.3 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 5° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 16 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Manual |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 12020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 330 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.23x |
| Autofocus Mode | No |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction38/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 8 |
| Groups | 5 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 2 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |