Mitakon Speedmaster T1.0 Cine Lens Set for Super35 Format Cameras Introduced

Lens News

by Jose PradaOctober 25^th, 2023

Shenyang Zhongyi Optics has launched the Mitakon Speedmaster T1.0 Cine Lens Set for Super35 format cameras consisting of three lenses (20mm, 35mm, and 50mm). Available at a promising price, let’s have a look at what these APS-C lenses offer.

Zhongyi Optics is a Chinese manufacturer established in 1984 that sells affordable lenses under the Zhongyi and Mitakon brands. At CineD, we have written about some of their releases in the past, like their Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm T1.0 full-frame cine lens. Now they are introducing a Super35 lens kit, available for Sony E, Nikon Z, Fuji X, and Canon RF mount.

Fast aperture lenses in a cinema body

The first two things that stand out in these lenses are their cinema housing and T1.0 aperture. Such attractive features at this price are the main selling points that may attract buyers to this set. The fast aperture ensures a shallow depth of field and excellent low-light performance.

The lenses come with a 9-aperture blade, a constant unified gear position among the three lenses, and a fluid lens gear. Additionally, the set includes a premium box to store and carry the lenses.

Regarding image quality, Zhongyi advertises minimal focus breathing and a vintage touch. At T1.0, the manufacturer talks about ‘cinematic storytelling’, ‘vintage vibes’, and ‘unparalleled contrast’. However, sometimes these terms are used as a positive method of advertising technical imperfections on the lenses, like uncontrolled flaring, chromatic aberration, lack of sharpness, etc.

The paradox is that these imperfections create a unique look that many filmmakers love. To an extent, these imperfections are normal in almost every budget lens at its maximum aperture, and this is not a bad thing by itself; they give the image another character that resembles old cinema lenses.

Judging by the images and videos on Zhongyi’s website, these imperfections are clearly noticeable at T1.0. Things start to get under control when stopping down the lenses, but if the main selling point is the T1.0 aperture, would you stop down to get a more ‘perfect’ image?

Who are these lenses for?

As always, using lenses with a vintage character comes down to personal preference. As I see it, this set is targeted more for narrative and creative work, music videos, personal projects, etc. Vintage lenses are fun to use, and they give character to the image straight out of the camera that modern lenses simply can’t.

Using budget lenses with a vintage feel for client work may be risky, given that it’s easier to make a normal lens ‘imperfect’ with filters and post-production instead of the other way around. If you are looking for a modern, sharp, and clinical look, there may be better options than this Mitakon Speedmaster set.

The focal lengths included, 20mm, 35mm, and 50mm, give you enough flexibility to cover the most typical scenarios. Their weight and size make them easy to carry, considering they are cinema-housing lenses. Their entry-level price is also something to consider for filmmakers who want to take the leap and experiment with cine lenses.

Price and availability

The Mitakon Speedmaster T1.0 Cine Lens Set for Super35 format cameras is priced at $1299. Zhongyi offers a five-year warranty for all purchases via their website.

What do you think about budget cinema lenses? Do you use them in your productions? Let us know what you think about them!