Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5 lens for the Leica L mount is a fascinating offering that caters to photographers seeking a classic long focal length with a unique character. This lens has garnered attention for its elegant design and charming optical characteristics, making it an attractive option for both portraiture and landscape photography.

Design and Build Quality

Mitakon has a reputation for producing well-crafted lenses, and the Creator 135mm f/2.5 continues this tradition. The lens features a robust metal construction, which not only gives it a premium feel but also ensures durability for those who frequently travel with their gear. The smooth focusing ring is a delight to use, allowing for precise adjustments even at shallow depths of field, an important aspect for portrait work.

The minimalist design includes a ribbed focus ring and a tasteful matte finish, maintaining a professional aesthetic. Although it's relatively compact for a 135mm lens, it still has a bit of heft, weighing in at around 850 grams, which can be felt during extended shooting sessions.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Mitakon 135mm f/2.5 impresses with its sharpness and contrast. The lens delivers excellent image quality even wide open, showing minimal softening and acceptable levels of chromatic aberration. The bokeh is beautiful, producing smooth transitions that are aesthetically pleasing for portraiture and detail-oriented work.

However, users should be aware that this lens may exhibit some noticeable vignetting at wider apertures, which can be either a creative asset or a drawback, depending on your shooting style. Additionally, while the lens performs admirably in good lighting conditions, it may struggle a bit in low light, with autofocus performance being slightly slower than modern equivalents.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid metal construction with a premium feel.
• Smooth focus ring for precise control.
• Excellent sharpness and contrast across most apertures.
• Beautiful bokeh that enhances portrait images.

Cons

• Some vignetting noticeable at wider apertures.
• Heavier compared to some alternatives in its class.
• Autofocus may be slower in low light conditions.

Verdict

The Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 135mm f/2.5 for the Leica L mount is a compelling choice for those valuing image quality and tactile control in their photography. Its solid build and impressive optical performance make it suitable for portrait and landscape work alike. While it does have some limitations, such as noticeable vignetting and weight, the overall experience it provides makes it a worthwhile addition to any photographer's kit. If you appreciate manual lenses that deliver character and charm, the Mitakon Creator 135mm f/2.5 might just be the lens you’ve been searching for.