A review of Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 lens. Offers a blend of performance and affordability that makes it a standout option in the world of fast prime lenses.
A comprehensive review
The Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 lens, also known as the Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 25mm f/0.95, is a remarkable piece of optical engineering designed for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras. This lens has garnered attention for its ultra-fast aperture and manual focus capabilities, making it a favorite among photographers and videographers who crave creative control and exceptional low-light performance.
Design and build quality
The Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 lens is a compact and lightweight lens, weighing in at just 230 grams. Its all-metal construction gives it a robust and premium feel, while the smooth and precise manual focus ring allows for fine-tuned adjustments. The aperture ring is also manual and operates without click stops, which is particularly beneficial for video makers who require seamless aperture changes.
One notable aspect of the lens design is its protruding rear element, which precludes its use on certain Olympus camera models, such as the E-PL6, E-PL5, EM-5 Mk I, E-PM1, and E-PM2. This is an important consideration for potential buyers who own these specific camera bodies.
Optical performance
The standout feature of the Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 lens is its ultra-fast maximum aperture of f/0.95. This allows photographers to achieve incredibly shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh, making it ideal for portrait photography and creative effects. The lens performs admirably in low-light conditions, enabling photographers to shoot in challenging lighting situations without compromising image quality.
In terms of sharpness, the lens delivers good results wide open at f/0.95, with sharpness improving significantly by f/1.4 and reaching excellent levels at f/5.6. However, the depth of field at f/0.95 is extremely shallow, which can make focusing challenging, especially if the subject or camera moves slightly.
Handling and usability
The Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 lens is fully manual, meaning that both focus and aperture adjustments must be made by hand. While this may be a drawback for some users accustomed to autofocus lenses, it offers a level of creative control that many photographers and videographers appreciate. The lack of electronic contacts means there is no communication between the lens and the camera, so in-camera corrections for distortion or chromatic aberration are not possible.
The lens extends slightly during focusing, but the front element does not rotate, allowing for the use of polarizing filters without issue. The stepless aperture ring is particularly useful for video work, as it allows for smooth and silent aperture adjustments.
Conclusion
The Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 lens is a unique and versatile tool for photographers and videographers who value manual control and exceptional low-light performance. Its ultra-fast aperture, solid build quality, and compact design make it a compelling choice for those looking to explore creative possibilities with their Micro Four Thirds cameras. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations, such as the lack of autofocus and compatibility issues with certain camera models.
