Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5

Fujifilm G

Review

The Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5 lens for Fujifilm G mount is a fascinating addition to any medium format photographer's kit. Known for its unique optical characteristics and build quality, this lens offers a strong option for portrait and fine art photography, where a distinct bokeh and sharp subject rendering are often desired.

Build Quality and Design

The lens sports a solid construction with a classic aesthetic, featuring a metal body that provides stability and durability. The focus ring is smooth and responsive, allowing for precise adjustments, which is essential when shooting wide open. Its compact size relative to other medium format lenses makes it a lightweight and easily portable option for on-the-go shooters. However, due to its manual focus design, using this lens may require a learning curve for those used to autofocus systems.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Mitakon Creator 135mm f/2.5 is capable of producing sharp images, especially when stopped down a notch or two. At f/2.5, it delivers impressive detail and a pleasing depth of field, ideal for isolating subjects from their backgrounds. Images display adequate contrast and color rendition, crucial for both portraits and landscape photography. However, some users may find that wide-open shots can exhibit a slight softness at the edges, which is typical of many portrait lenses but still worth noting.

Bokeh and Rendering

One of the standout features of this lens is its bokeh quality. The out-of-focus areas are creamy and smooth, which helps in creating that coveted dreamy effect. This makes it perfect for portraits, where the subject stands out prominently against a blurred background. Additionally, the lens demonstrates a nice character to the rendering, providing a somewhat vintage feel that could appeal to certain creative styles.

Compatibility and Use

The Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5 is specifically designed for Fujifilm G mount cameras, ensuring a good fit and full functionality with Fujifilm’s larger sensors. It's an excellent option for photographers who prioritize quality over convenience, given its manual focus nature. Users should also be mindful of the effective focal length, which translates to approximately 106mm in 35mm terms, making it versatile for both portraits and moderately cropped landscapes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality with a classic design.
• Excellent sharpness and detail, especially when stopped down.
• Beautiful bokeh that enhances portrait photography.
• Compact size for a medium format lens.
• Unique optical rendering that is aesthetically pleasing.

Cons

• Manual focus only, which may not suit everyone.
• Some edge softness when shooting wide open.
• Limited versatility in low-light situations compared to faster lenses.

Verdict

Overall, the Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5 is a remarkable choice for medium format photographers looking to elevate their portrait and creative photography game. While it might not be the most practical lens for everyone due to its manual focus and some optical limitations at wide apertures, its beautiful rendering and build quality make it a worthy contender for any Fujifilm G user. If you appreciate craftsmanship and unique image qualities, this lens is likely to satisfy your creative needs.