TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8

TTArtisan's AF 23mm f/1.8 is a compact wide-angle prime for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It comes in Fujifilm X, Sony E and Nikon Z versions, so pick the one made for your system. On an APS-C sensor, 23mm frames scenes much like a full-frame camera's standard wide-angle setting.

That view suits street, travel and everyday photography. It fits a person along with their surroundings, and it works indoors where space is tight. Reportage and small-group shots suit the same framing. The f/1.8 aperture is the main draw; the trade-off is a plain body without sealing or stabilisation. Released in 2025, the lens remains in production.

At 7.4 oz (210 g), the lens barely registers on an APS-C body, and the 2.64 in (67 mm) length keeps it pocketable. The Fujifilm X version measures 2.64 in (67 mm) across. Other mount versions may differ in width. A screw-in filter attaches directly, so it must match the 52mm thread.

The 23mm focal length rewards working close. You can include a market stall, a café interior or a couple in their setting without stepping back far. Crowded pavements and small rooms fit the same way. For a stronger subject, move nearer rather than zooming, since this is a prime.

The f/1.8 maximum passes plenty of light. That helps indoors, at night and under street lighting, where you can keep ISO low instead of trading away shutter speed. This specification set scores 85/100 for optics in our ratings.

Depth of field remains fairly generous at 23mm, even wide open. Backgrounds behind close subjects blur only moderately, so the lens suits scenes where context matters as much as isolation. Environmental portraits benefit, because the subject stays clear within the setting. The nine blades keep the opening round when stopped down, which helps out-of-focus highlights stay smooth.

Focus reaches to 1 ft (30 cm), close enough to frame foreground detail such as food, plants or shop windows within a wider scene. Foreground objects gain size quickly as you move close, which adds depth to street scenes.

This lens has no optical stabilisation. Low-light work therefore leans on the f/1.8 aperture, a steady hold and ISO rather than on stabilised glass. At 23mm, handheld shutter speeds can stay fairly short in daylight. Sensor stabilisation in the camera body still applies where your camera has it.

The body has no weather sealing. Take care in rain, spray and dust, and dry the lens before storing it. A rain cover or a dry pocket gives quick protection when the weather turns. The front glass also lacks a fluorine coating, so clean smudges gently with a proper cloth.

The optical unit holds 11 elements in 9 groups, including two low-dispersion elements. Low-dispersion glass helps reduce chromatic aberration, where colours focus at different points and leave coloured fringes. Those fringes tend to show along high-contrast edges such as bare branches against a bright sky.