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Voigtlander COLOR SKOPAR 18mm F2.8 aspherical X-Mount
Many thanks to ttartisan for sending me their 100mm f2.8 lens to test. Admittedly, I took my time with this because I rarely walk around with a 100mm lens. The manufacturer's intended use is a kind of "bubble glass" - in other words, a lens for playing with bokeh. I don't do that very often. Instead, I take a look at whether this lens can also be used well in everyday life.
The TTArtisan 100mm f2.8 bubble lens is typically made of full metal, which ensures durability and longevity. It feels solid and is perfect for photographers looking for a lens that will last. The 100mm ttartisan comes in the old-fashioned M42 mount - and can therefore be adapted to most cameras. The aperture iris closes almost circularly, which naturally enhances the bokeh effect. The closest focusing distance is a rather boring 0.9m - so definitely not a macro lens. But it feels quite good in the hand. I was a little irritated that it snapped onto my Sony adapter with the scale facing downwards. But that was better again on the Fuji - with the same result in the pictures - although for me 150mm is even less useful in everyday life than 100...
The lens reminds me of an old Trioplan - you don't get any really clean images at all. Chromatic aberrations, cloudy effects, a slight impression of decentering: a bit like the psychological profile of a drug addict. A "special touch" remains even when the camera is turned down. The "captivating soap bubble bokeh gives the images a dreamy, ethereal quality and sets them apart from others" - or so the manufacturer might write. The TTArtisan 100mm f2.8 lens is probably particularly suitable for taking strange portraits with a "seductive, nostalgic feel". To be honest, that's not my thing at all. I like it when a lens has some "character" at open aperture. But that can disappear when you stop down. I simply don't need a one-trick pony, even if the lens isn't expensive. BUT: If that's exactly what you're looking for, you can't go wrong here. My personal preference is different, but that doesn't have to apply to you, dear readers!
As the lens is intended for bokeh games, its use in everyday life is clearly limited for me. I miss the fact that it can also do "normal". However, it is certainly well suited to use for more artistic notes.
With its solid construction and its, hmm, clear image aesthetics, the TTArtisan 100mm f2.8 lens offers good value for money for photographers who are looking for a very special look and want a lens that will last a long time. There is really nothing to complain about in terms of workmanship. Just make sure you get really good adapters!
