Mitakon Zhongyi 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro

The Mitakon Zhongyi 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro is a fully manual macro lens for magnifications from life-size to five times life-size. It is made for full frame and medium format cameras and was announced worldwide in August 2025 by ZY Optics. Mounts are Sony E, Canon RF, Canon EF, Nikon Z, Nikon F, Leica L, Fujifilm X and Fujifilm G.

Optical design

The lens has 13 elements in 8 groups, a 9-blade aperture and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. ZY Optics says the design is meant to reduce chromatic aberration across the magnification range. The image circle covers full frame and, according to ZY Optics, medium format without vignetting. The angle of view is 13.7 degrees at 1X and 5.6 degrees at 5X.

Focusing and handling

The lens is fully manual with no electronics. Magnification is set on the barrel, which extends as it increases. The working distance, which ZY Optics gives as the distance from the front of the lens to the subject, is 150 mm at 1X and falls to 65 mm at 5X. The minimum focus distance is 279 mm at 1X and 272 mm at 5X. A front LED light is provided to light the subject, and a removable Arca-Swiss compatible lens support helps with tripod and rail setups.

Build and size

The lens weighs 690 g and measures 67 mm in diameter. Its length is 87 mm at 1X and extends to 162 mm at 5X. The filter thread is 58 mm.

Where it fits

For 1X macro on E, RF and Z, there are lenses such as the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro (Sony E), Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM, but all of these stop at 1:1 or below. Beyond 1X, the Mitakon competes with other 2X to 5X lenses, for example the AstrHori 25mm f/2.8 2-5x Ultra Macro and the Mitakon Zhongyi 200mm f/4 1x Macro, which is a 1X lens from the same maker.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 1X to 5X magnification in one lens
• Working distance of 150 mm at 1X
• Full frame and medium format image circle
• LED light and tripod support are part of the package

Cons

• Fully manual: no autofocus, no automatic aperture
• 690 g and a barrel that extends to 162 mm
• Depth of field becomes extremely thin at high magnifications

Verdict

The Mitakon 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro suits photographers who want to explore extreme magnification without a specialist microscope setup. It needs patience, a stable support and extra light, and it rewards that effort with a rare feature.