Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) has released another model of their Mitakon lenses. It’s a 50mm lens (again) with an impressive f/0.95 rating (again), but this time the lens is specifically designed for Canon EF mount. Meet the new ZY Optics Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 prime lens!
The new Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 lens. Image credit: ZY Optics
Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III Lens for (Canon RF)
all prices excluding sales tax/VAT
ZY Optics already has three Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 in their lineup, but these are designed to fit mirrorless cameras and therefore they come in either Canon RF, Nikon Z, or Sony E mount. This time around, the company’s engineering team has put together a Mitakon 50mm lens specifically for Canon EF mount. It’s still f/0.95 and it’s still a bokeh monster because of that.
ZY Optics Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 Lens
The new model comes in a redesigned housing, so it’s not only the mount that has changed. Due to the large rear element, ZY Optics couldn’t make a Nikon version of it, it simply wouldn’t fit. So we’re stuck with a Canon EF version here.
New Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 EF (left) and the “old” model with an RF mount (right). Image credit: ZY Optics
With an impressive f/0.95 aperture you’re able to separate your subject from the background, and you can, in fact, let the background disappear completely in a sea of blurry colors. I don’t think that this is always a good idea to do (just because you can) but having a little extra legroom in lowlight conditions can’t hurt, right? The Mitakon 50mm covers full frame sensors and it is a fully manual lens, no autofocus will help you with the razor-thin f/0.95 depth of field here.
Image credit: ZY Optics
The aperture ring doesn’t look like it’s de-clicked and since this lens is primarily targeted at stills photographers, I think it just isn’t. But still, this is a fully manual lens and at least you have some rings to turn here. Namely the aforementioned aperture ring and, of course, a focus ring.
Technical Specifications
In terms of specifications, the list reads like this:
- maximum aperture: f/0.95
- minimum aperture: f/16
- number of diaphragm blades: 11
- optics: 12 elements in 6 groups (including 1x High Refractive Index & 5x Ultra-low Dispersion lenses)
- 82mm filter thread
- angle of view: 45°
- minimum focus distance: 0.65m (2.13″)
- weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)
- dimensions: Ф89 x 122 mm
image credit: ZY Optics
This new lens is quite heavy but that’s normal for such a high-speed lens, you simply need a lot of glass for a) achieving an f/0.95 aperture and b) be able to cover full frame sensors.
The ZY Optics Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 EF lens should be available very soon and it comes at a recommended retail price of $799 (before tax). The available versions for RF, Z, and E mounts are already a bit cheaper than that (check the links below).
Links: ZY Optics
What do you think? Is this a lens for your kit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
