Brightin Star MF 60mm F2.8 2X Macro APS-C

The Brightin Star MF 60mm F2.8 2X Macro APS-C is a manual focus macro lens for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. It reproduces subjects at up to 2:1, twice life size. Brightin Star offers it for Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, Canon RF (RF-S), Canon EF-M and Micro Four Thirds. On APS-C the manufacturer quotes a field of view equivalent to about 90mm on full frame. Some press calls this version the 60mm f/2.8 II, but the maker's listings carry no numeral.

Optical design

According to Brightin Star the lens has 10 elements in 7 groups. CineD reports extra-low dispersion elements, a hybrid element and an aspherical element, together with multi-layer nano coatings against flare. The aperture runs from F2.8 to F16 with 9 blades, and the angle of view is 26.5 degrees. The filter thread is 67mm. The minimum focus distance is 0.182 m.

Focusing and handling

Focus and aperture are both manual. The aperture ring is de-clicked according to the manufacturer, which is useful for smooth exposure changes in video. There is no autofocus and no stabilizer in the lens. At 2:1 magnification the depth of field is only a fraction of a millimeter, so a tripod, a focusing rail or focus stacking is the realistic way to work.

Build and size

Weights differ by mount: 682 g for Micro Four Thirds, 698 g for Fujifilm X, 702 g for Sony E and Canon EF-M, 712 g for Canon RF and 735 g for Nikon Z. The diameter is about 73 mm and the length between roughly 109 and 113 mm, again hand-measured and approximate. That is large for an APS-C lens.

Where it fits

No predecessor of this exact version is in the database. Comparable manual APS-C macro options are the 7artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II, which covers the same mounts plus Leica L, and the Venus Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO. The Fujifilm XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro offer autofocus but stop at 1:2 and 1:1 magnification respectively.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Up to 2:1 magnification for extreme close-ups
• Six mounts, covering most APS-C and Micro Four Thirds systems
• 67mm filter thread and 9 aperture blades
• De-clicked aperture ring for video

Cons

• Manual focus only, which is demanding at 2:1
• Heavy and long for an APS-C lens, 682 to 735 g
• Designed for APS-C, so full-frame bodies must run in crop mode
• No stabilizer and no weather sealing listed

Verdict

The Brightin Star MF 60mm F2.8 2X Macro APS-C is a specialist lens for photographers who want to go beyond life-size reproduction on a compact camera system. The data sheet shows a long mount list, 10 elements and a close focus distance of 0.182 m. It suits tripod work with products, insects and details.