In this blog I will be comparing the Sony FE 40mm f2.5 with the TTArtisan 40mm f2 for the full-frame Sony system. While there are some glaring differences, both of these lenses serve the same purpose — to offer the most compact 40mm pancake for days when you don’t want a big setup. I’ve already talked about these in detail and you can read the respective blogs below:

Why These?

While there are other 40mm (or similar) options out there, these two offer almost the same solution but at two totally different price points. One lens is £125, while the other is £630. For most people, this alone is the deciding factor; however, for some, there is more to consider.

Why 40mm?

A 40mm pancake-style lens is one of the most useful pieces of kit one can get. It’s perfect for documenting days out, it’s great for street photography, and it makes for an ideal backup travel lens. I personally have a 40mm as a backup with me at all times, so should I drop and damage the zoom, the 40mm prime will save the day.

Key Similarities

Both lenses are tiny and can easily be pocketable. When fitted to a smaller body such as the A7CII / A7CR, the overall package is smaller than many APS-C alternatives.
Both lenses have a solid metal build.
Both have a tactile aperture dial and focus ring.
Both have AF.

Key Differences

The Sony is five times more expensive.
The Sony is weather-sealed.
The Sony has far superior build quality and material choices.
The Sony has superior image quality, flare control, sharpness, and colour rendering.
The Sony’s AF performance is in a different league due to more advanced focus motors.
The Sony has a custom button, an AF/MF switch, and an option to de-click the aperture dial.
The Sony lens can be updated directly through the camera.
While both have a tactile aperture dial and focus ring, the Sony one is far smoother, more premium, with better feedback.
The TTArtisan is faster at f/2 compared to f/2.5 on the Sony.

Why Pick the Sony

If you want the best version of a 40mm prime, then the Sony is the only choice. Outside of price, it’s superior in every single way. The build quality, AF performance, image quality, and feature set are in a different league compared to the TTArtisan. This is, of course, to be expected given the price difference. If this is a focal length and lens that you know you will be using, then the investment is worth it.

Why Pick the TTArtisan

The primary reason for picking up the TTArtisan is the financial saving. This is also a great way to test out the 40mm focal length without committing such a large sum of money. I love 40mm, but I know it’s not for everyone, and many people find this focal length a bit awkward. If you end up not liking it, you haven’t lost a lot. Another reason to go for the TTArtisan is for that sub-par image quality. The Sony is technically perfect, which most photographers want; however, some want an image that lacks technical performance, sharpness, and is full of imperfections. If you hate perfect lenses, then I suggest giving this a go. Lastly the TTArtisan is a little faster given the f/2 aperture. This isn’t a big difference, but if you want the fastest lens, then this will do the job.