Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6

The Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6 is a manual focus portrait prime for the Fujifilm GFX medium format system (Fujifilm G mount). ZY Optics also makes it for Hasselblad XCD. On the 44 x 33 mm GFX sensors it gives a full frame equivalent focal length of about 63mm, and the f/1.6 aperture is its main selling point.

Optical design

The lens has 10 elements in 6 groups, including 4 high refractive index elements and 1 UD element according to ZY Optics. The aperture has 9 blades and runs from f/1.6 to f/22. The angle of view is 38.5 degrees. ZY Optics lists a maximum magnification of 0.26x, which is a moderate close-up ability for a portrait lens.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual, and the minimum focus distance is 50 cm. The lens has a 77 mm filter thread and, according to ZY Optics, a built-in retractable metal hood, so there is no loose hood to carry. At f/1.6 the depth of field on medium format is very shallow, which means precise focusing with the camera's magnification and peaking tools matters.

Build and size

The barrel is a metal enclosure measuring 83 mm in diameter by 83.2 mm in length. The GFX version weighs 850 g, and the XCD version is listed at 900 g. That is a substantial lens, but it is in the range expected for a fast medium format prime.

Where it fits

In the GFX system the obvious comparison is the Fujifilm GF 80mm F1.7 R WR, which has the same focal length and a slightly brighter aperture and adds autofocus and weather sealing. Other normal and short portrait options are the Fujifilm GF 63mm F2.8 R WR and the Fujifilm GF 110mm F2 R LM WR. The Mitakon is the manual, simpler alternative for photographers who accept a slower workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.6 aperture with 9 blades for a shallow depth of field
• Built-in retractable metal hood
• Metal construction
• 0.26x maximum magnification and 50 cm minimum focus distance

Cons

• Manual focus only, with no autofocus on a system built around it
• 850 g is heavy, and the 77 mm filter thread needs larger filters
• Slightly slower than the Fujifilm GF 80mm F1.7 R WR

Verdict

The Speedmaster 80mm f/1.6 is aimed at GFX owners who want a fast, simple 80mm and are comfortable focusing by hand. It does not match the native lens on features, so the case for it rests on the manual, hands-on way of working.