Inexpensive prime lenses from China (TTArtisan, 7Artisans, Pergear, Zonlai, etc)

QuickHitRecord

QuickHitRecord

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These lenses first came available a few years ago. At first they were easy to dismiss, but a few years and several generations later, these lens companies are posting some truly impressive specs (f0.95-f/1.2, 9+ aperture blades for round bokeh, FF coverage, highly compact) often in the sub-$300 range. The reviews I've seen have also been mostly favorable, with some YouTubers comparing them to Leicas of the same focal length (taking that with a grain of salt). Is anyone here using them? Thoughts?
 
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I've watched random videos of mostly 7Artisans when looking for footage from various cameras over the years and I personally would never be able to tell a difference between them and higher end glass when watching a final motion picture product.

IMO, cheaper, modern glass is really good these days - especially stopped down a bit - and it's only when you stop and take a look at one frame (photography), it's when you can start to pick it apart and analyze the shape of bokeh, and look for any vignetting, or color issues, etc. but normal people would never notice that on YouTube.

And I also think that because sensors are so good the glass doesn't have to work very hard, and can actually create some interesting or favorable results instead like taking the edge off a bit.

Besides having superior AF and being really sharp wide-open at impressive speeds like f/1.4 or f/1.8, I think a lot of lenses are overrated.
 
Samyang/Rokinon makes budget AF lenses. Reviews are quite favorable.

PS. And it is indeed next to impossible to tell them apart without frame grabbing.
 
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