Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III is a lens that has garnered attention among photographers looking for extreme low-light performance and beautiful bokeh. Designed for the Leica L mount, this lens stands out with its impressive maximum aperture of f/0.95, which allows for stunningly shallow depth of field and incredible low-light capabilities.

Build Quality and Design

One of the first things you'll notice about the Speedmaster 50mm is its robust build quality. The lens has a solid metal construction that gives it a premium feel, ensuring durability over time. The focus ring is smooth, allowing for precise manual focusing, which is crucial at such a wide aperture where depth of field is razor-thin. The lens is relatively heavy, which could be a downside for some, but it feels well-balanced when mounted on a Leica camera.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Mitakon Speedmaster does not disappoint. It produces sharp images, especially when stopped down to intermediate apertures. That said, wide-open shots at f/0.95 can exhibit some softness, particularly towards the edges of the frame. However, this is often forgiven for the dreamy bokeh it creates, making it an attractive choice for portrait photographers.

Chromatic aberration and distortion are generally well-controlled, but you might notice some fringing in high-contrast areas if you're not careful with your shooting conditions. The lens also has a pleasing color rendition, delivering vibrant and lifelike images.

Usability and Focus

As a manual focus lens, users should be aware that it may not be suitable for all shooting styles, especially for fast-paced environments. While the focus peaking feature and magnification available on most Leica L cameras can assist in achieving focus, the learning curve could be steep for those accustomed to autofocus systems. The lens lacks electronic connections, meaning no automatic aperture control; you will be adjusting the aperture manually, which might be a drawback for some photographers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional low-light performance with f/0.95 aperture.
• Beautiful bokeh and depth of field control.
• Solid build quality with a premium feel.
• Sharp images at intermediate apertures.

Cons

• Heavy and might feel unbalanced for some.
• Manual focus can be challenging for beginners or fast-paced shooting.
• Some softness at f/0.95, particularly at the edges.
• Lacks electronic communication for automatic aperture control.

Verdict

The Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III is an intriguing choice for photographers who desire a unique blend of artistic qualities and technical performance in a lens. It shines in portraiture and low-light situations, producing images with character and depth. However, it's not without its quirks, particularly its manual focus design and weight. If you're comfortable adapting to its peculiarities, this lens could become a favorite in your kit for creative expression and stunning visuals.