Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5

Canon RF

Review

The Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5 lens for the Canon RF mount is a unique addition to the world of portrait and artistic photography. Known for its clever design and impressive optics, this lens aims to provide photographers with a versatile tool that excels in capturing stunning images with a distinctive character.

One of the standout features of the Mitakon Creator 135mm is its ability to render beautiful bokeh. The f/2.5 aperture allows for a creamy background separation, making it an excellent choice for portraits where the subject stands out against a soft, blurred backdrop. The lens exhibits smooth out-of-focus areas, which can enhance the overall mood and aesthetic of the images. Coupled with a sharp focal length, it produces superb detail in the areas of focus, yielding excellent results for both stills and video work.

In terms of build quality, the Mitakon Zhongyi Creator feels solid and well-constructed. The metal body gives it a premium feel, and despite being relatively compact, it does not compromise on durability. The focus ring has a good amount of resistance, allowing for precise manual focusing, which is crucial when working at longer focal lengths where depth of field can be narrow.

One potential downside to the lens is its manual focus-only design. While this can be an advantage for some photographers seeking more control, it may prove challenging for those who are accustomed to the convenience of autofocus, especially in fast-paced shooting situations. Additionally, the lens lacks image stabilization, which can make it harder to capture sharp images when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds, particularly in low light conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful bokeh with a creamy background.
• Sharp image quality with excellent detail.
• Solid metal build quality and durable construction.
• Precise manual focusing control.

Cons

• Manual focus can be challenging for those used to autofocus.
• Lacks image stabilization, making slow shutter speed shots tricky.

Verdict

In summary, the Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5 is a compelling option for photographers seeking a unique portrait lens for their Canon RF system. Its fantastic image quality, beautiful bokeh, and solid construction make it an attractive tool for creative expression. While the lack of autofocus and stabilization may limit its versatility for some users, those who embrace its manual controls will find a wonderfully artistic imaging experience. If you're looking to add a lens that offers both character and sharpness, this could very well be the right choice for you.