In my article about the Leica T Type 701, I mentioned that I would have liked to get a manual TTArtisan 25mm f/2 lens because it’s almost pancake-sized, which would make the camera very compact while providing an attractive field of view. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find an L-mount version available anywhere.
L-mount lenses are very popular, causing stock to run out quickly everywhere. I searched for this specific lens on a well-known Chinese website, eBay stores, second-hand markets, as well as local Belgian, Dutch, and German shops – all without success.
This scarcity is because the L-mount is used by several camera manufacturers, particularly Leica on some of its APS-C and full-frame cameras, Panasonic’s Lumix full-frame S series, and Sigma’s FP full-frame series—collectively known as the “L-Mount Alliance.”
While searching for L-mount lenses in general, I came across a new brand called SG-Image. They offer a 25mm f/1.8 lens that is almost identical to the TTArtisan and at a similar price—the SG-Image 25mm f1.8 L-mount is priced at €60. Although a bit harder to find since the company is still quite new, the lens looked promising. It’s also fully metal, similar in size, pancake-sized, and even slightly faster. It is available for Sony E, Fuji X, Canon RF/EF-M, Micro Four Thirds (M4/3), Nikon Z, and Leica/Sigma/Panasonic L-mount cameras.
A few days later, I also found a 35mm f1.2 lens from the same company priced at €80. With the 25mm lens equivalent to 37.5mm and the 35mm equivalent to 52.5mm on a full-frame field of view, I can put together a great ‘standard’ manual lens set. This option is far better than the budget ‘nifty fifty’ alternative from TTArtisan, recommended by some other Leica T reviewers. So, I ended up ordering both lenses.
I’m still waiting for the SG-Image 35mm f1.2, but in the meantime, the SG-Image 25mm f1.8 has already been delivered. I’ve taken it out for testing and to compare it with the TTArtisan 25mm f2.0 lens, which I already owned for my Micro 4/3 system. I’ll be writing a review of my experiences with both lenses very soon.
One more thing: If by this point you’re tempted to purchase the SG-Image 35mm f1.2 lens, be aware that SG-Image also offers an even more light-sensitive version: the SG-Image 35mm f0.95. I only found out about this after I had already chosen the f1.2.
That said, I don’t regret my choice. The f0.95 lens has the drawback of being much larger and heavier.
For comparison, TTArtisan’s Zebra version of the 35mm f0.95 retails for around €250-270, while the SG-Image 35mm f0.95 is available for €155. That’s a significant price difference, though it’s still double the price of the f1.2. So, weigh your options carefully before deciding.
On the left, the SG-Image 25mm f1.8 L-Mount on a Leica T type 701, and on the right, the TTArtisan 25mm f2.0 Micro 4/3 Mount on a Olympus Pen-F.
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I always find F/0.95 to be very tempting, but imagine the small amount of depth of field you’ll have to play with!
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Hey Mark,
I completely agree with you, especially when it comes to Micro Four Thirds systems, where this can be even more of a challenge. The only real advantage I see might be if you often shoot in low-light conditions or if you’re going for that dreamy, soft-focus effect.
That said, I think an f1.2 aperture on a 35mm lens is already quite impressive!
Thanks again for your comment—it’s always appreciated.
Have a great day!
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