Brightin Star MF 35mm F1.4 Full Frame

The Brightin Star MF 35mm F1.4 Full Frame is a manual focus 35mm prime for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Chinese manufacturer lists it for Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z and Leica L, plus a Fujifilm X version that is used on APS-C bodies. According to Brightin Star the angle of view is 63.2 degrees, and the lens is pitched at street, portrait and everyday photography. It is aimed at photographers who want a small, light and fast 35mm with direct mechanical controls.

Optical design

Brightin Star specifies 7 elements in 6 groups and describes the layout as a double Gaussian design. The aperture runs from F1.4 to F16 and uses 10 blades. The manufacturer says this gives smooth bokeh and tidy sunstars. The filter thread is 49mm and the minimum focus distance is 0.3 m.

Focusing and handling

There is no autofocus, so every shot relies on the focus ring and on focus peaking or magnification in the camera. Brightin Star describes the aperture ring as stepped and de-clicked, aimed at both stills and video work. The company lists no image stabilizer, so stabilization has to come from the camera body.

Build and size

The weight depends on the mount: 203 g for L, 208 g for RF, 218 g for E and X, and 224 g for Z. The manufacturer's drawings show a diameter of roughly 55 to 64 mm and a length of about 39 to 43 mm, measured by hand and therefore approximate. The barrel is metal and the lens is offered in black and silver.

Where it fits

The model has no predecessor in this database. Comparable manual and budget options include the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4, the 7artisans Photoelectric 35mm f/1.4 Mark III and the Thypoch Simera 35mm F1.4. If autofocus matters, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 FE for Sony E, the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM or the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art are the usual step up, at a much higher weight and cost.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very light for an F1.4 full-frame lens, between 203 and 224 g
• Close focusing at 0.3 m
• 10 aperture blades and a 49mm filter thread
• Available for five mounts, including Leica L and Fujifilm X

Cons

• Manual focus only, with no autofocus or lens-based stabilizer
• Dimensions are hand-measured by the maker, so small deviations are possible
• No weather sealing is mentioned in the manufacturer's data

Verdict

The Brightin Star MF 35mm F1.4 Full Frame is a compact, fast 35mm for photographers who are comfortable with manual focus and want to keep weight low. Its data sheet is straightforward: a double Gaussian layout, 10 blades, close focus at 0.3 m and a broad mount range. Buyers who need autofocus or sealing should look at native alternatives.