TTArtisan Launches New $99 AF 24mm F/3.8 Mini Pancake Lens

Pancake lenses have been gaining popularity, and TTArtisan is joining the trend with its new AF 24mm F/3.8 Mini. Designed for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, the compact autofocus lens measures just 16mm long and weighs 57 grams. It is priced at $99.

The new lens draws comparisons to the Viltrox AF 28mm F/4.5 Chip, another ultra-compact autofocus lens that became popular following its launch for Sony E-mount cameras before expanding to Nikon Z and Leica L mounts.

The TTArtisan offers a wider 24mm focal length and a maximum aperture of F/3.8. It has an 84-degree field of view and a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters, compared with 0.34 meters for the Viltrox lens.

A Compact Design With a Built-In Lens Cover

The AF 24mm F/3.8 Mini’s biggest selling point is its size. At only 16mm long and 57 grams, it is designed to stay out of the way when mounted on a camera. Despite its small dimensions, the lens accepts 52mm front filters, a feature the Viltrox AF 28mm F/4.5 Chip lacks.

TTArtisan uses a relatively simple optical formula comprising six elements in six groups, including two extra-low dispersion elements and two aspherical elements. The lens is designed for everyday photography, including street and travel shooting.

The lens has a fixed F/3.8 aperture, so photographers cannot adjust the aperture to control depth of field. Its diaphragm uses nine blades.

Autofocus With Minimal Controls

The AF 24mm F/3.8 Mini uses a voice coil motor (VCM) for autofocus. TTArtisan says the motor provides fast, accurate, and quiet focusing, with support for face and eye detection autofocus on compatible cameras.

The lens offers autofocus only, with no manual focus ring or aperture ring. Instead, it has a sliding lever that opens and closes the front lens cover. This integrated cover makes the lens convenient to carry on a camera, functioning much like a body cap while allowing photographers to start shooting by opening the cover.

A USB-C port on the rear lens mount allows for firmware updates.

Pricing and Availability

The TTArtisan AF 24mm F/3.8 Mini is priced at $99 and is available now through the TTArtisan online store and B&H Photo.