Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Lydith 30mm f/3.5 II

Canon RF

Review

The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Lydith 30mm f/3.5 II is a contemporary homage to the classic Lydith lens, which has been reimagined for modern digital cameras with the Canon RF mount. This lens is particularly interesting for photographers who crave unique optical characteristics and a vintage aesthetic, combined with the convenience of modern lens technology.

Design and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Lydith 30mm f/3.5 II is its solid build quality. Constructed with a robust metal body, the lens has a classic design that harks back to an era where craftsmanship was paramount. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise manual focusing, while the compact size makes it a lightweight companion on a mirrorless setup.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Lydith is where it shines. With its relatively fast f/3.5 maximum aperture, this lens provides excellent sharpness from edge to edge, particularly when stopped down a bit. The unique optical design produces a beautiful bokeh, which can give your images a distinct and artistic feel. This lens excels in portrait photography and provides a creamy background blur that isolates subjects nicely.

However, it's worth noting that at wide open settings, some softness in the corners can be observed, and there may also be a tendency for chromatic aberration in high-contrast areas. Nonetheless, these characteristics can also be seen as part of the charm of using a vintage-styled lens.

Compatibility and Usability

Designed for the Canon RF mount, the Lydith 30mm f/3.5 II is compatible with a wide range of Canon mirrorless cameras, providing excellent versatility. The lens retains full electronic communication with the camera, allowing for accurate exposure metering and autofocus capabilities (though focusing is primarily manual). This makes it an appealing choice for creative photographers who appreciate the manual focus experience without sacrificing too much modern convenience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a classic design.
• Beautiful bokeh and unique rendering.
• Compact and lightweight, making it travel-friendly.
• Good sharpness at moderate apertures.

Cons

• Some softness in the corners at wide open settings.
• Tendency for chromatic aberration in high-contrast situations.
• Manual focus only, which may not suit all users.

Verdict

Overall, the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Lydith 30mm f/3.5 II is an intriguing choice for photographers who value character and creativity in their images. Its vintage aesthetic and solid performance make it a strong contender for portrait and artistic photography. While it does come with some quirks such as limited wide-open performance and the necessity of manual focus, the unique rendering and nostalgic design can more than make up for these shortcomings. If you're looking to add a lens that brings out your creative side, the Lydith 30mm f/3.5 II is definitely worth considering for your Canon RF system.