World’s only f/0.95 lens designed for DSLR systems in production
Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) has released the new Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 for Canon EF mount cameras. The new 50mm lens has a different optical design from the mirrorless version and it is currently the world’s only f/0.95 lens designed for DSLR cameras. Due to the large size of the rear element, the new 50mm f/0.95 lens cannot be made into the Nikon version, unfortunately.
Offering a natural 50mm perspective along with an ultra-fast f/0.95 maximum aperture, the Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 is a compact prime characterized by its bright f/0.95 aperture to suit working in low-light conditions. It also affords a great degree of control over depth-of-field for isolating subjects from the background and producing selective focus effects.
A carefully-designed 12 elements in 6 groups optics system with 1pc of HRI (High Refractive Index) & 5pcs of UD (Ultra-low dispersion) elements successfully minimizes the chromatic aberrations and delivers exceptional image quality.
An eleven-blade diaphragm helps to produce a softly diffused out-of-focus rendering (bokeh). The enclosure of the lens is made of metal to strengthen its durability. An 82mm filter thread is equipped for mounting screw-in filters easily.
ZY Optics have been releasing f/0.95 lenses for different camera systems. A mirrorless design of 50mm f/0.95 (III) had been released in 2019 and is available in Sony FE, Canon RF & Nikon Z mounts.
Pricing & Availability
Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 Canon EF is now available to ship and purchase at ZY Optics official website (http://www.zyoptics.net/). The Recommended Retail price (before tax) is USD 799/pc.
Specifications
Lens type | Manual lens |
Max Format size | Full Frame |
Focal length | 50mm |
Lens mount | Canon EF |
Aperture | |
Maximum aperture | F0.95 |
Minimum aperture | F16 |
Aperture ring | Yes |
Number of diaphragm blades | 11 |
Optics | |
Elements | 12 |
Groups | 6 |
Angle of view | 45 |
Focus | |
Minimum working distance | 0.65m (2.13’) |
Physical | |
Weight | 1.5kg (3.3 lb) |
Dimensions | Ф89 x 122 mm |
Colour | Black |
Filter thread | 82mm |
About ZY Optics
Shenyang Zhongyi Optical and Electronic Company (ZY Optics) is a leading Chinese camera lens & adapters manufacturer. We currently manufacture lenses and lens turbo adapters under the brand name of ‘Mitakon’ & ‘Zhongyi’.
For more information about Shenyang Zhongyi Optical and Electronic Company Limited and our products information, visit our official website http://www.zyoptics.net
(I know they’re referring to aperture speed)
I'm fairly sure Canon still sells magnitudes more EF lenses than RF...
What makes you so sure of that?
Anyway, Nikon users already have one of these manual focus non-IS f0.95 lenses (55mm). It's only $7995. (Not a typo - 10x the price).
Thanks.
Scott
I sold both.
That said: they're a little soft wide open when focusing close (but acceptable sharpness at medium to far focus), with noticeable CA. Bokeh is usually good, but due to CA, if you have a background with alternating dark and light (like tree branches against bright sky), it can look pretty 'busy' and unpleasant. They might be 0.95 from the bokeh perspective, but let a little less light in than you'd expect with comparatively poor transmission and wide incidence angle on the sensor.
Build quality felt sturdy and solid in both cases, with all metal construction. they were also surprisingly heavy for the size because of this.
The manual focus at .95 made focusing pretty hard, but that's a lot better on cameras like the r/rp, which pretty good manual focus aids.
I found them useful on wider scenes to isolate the subject from the background in busy environments; creating a few unique shots. Still, even then, focus was tough, but those shots where I got it right I really liked. The problem was there were a lot more shots that I missed where I got it wrong :)
In the end, the last one I owned on RF I traded in to get the RF 50mm 1.2 instead. Half a stop less bokeh, but an autofocus that nailed it every time. Of course, 3 times as expensive, soooo.....
I'm not sure how different the optics are on this one though, since it's for EF mount, rather than mirrorless.
Short version: If you like manual focus lenses, then this is actually a pretty decent option, though a little tricky. Otherwise if you're more like me, stick to something with autofocus where you'll end up with a LOT more keepers rather than mostly 'man, this shot would have been SO good if I hadn't missed the focus by half an inch'
Edit: "Welsh monkey" Looked it up. Why would you use a slur like that? I'm adopted, so my last name is Diaz. My birth name is Davis, a Welsh hereditary name.