Macro lenses have enabled us to view the details of the unseen world with ease. Whether it is a dragonfly’s eyes or a butterfly’s wings, macro lenses showcase a side of nature that we interact with daily but never truly care about. While there are multiple lenses in this portfolio, Chinese manufacturer Zhongyi Optics has now introduced a new lens that offers a great magnification range for this genre: the Mitakon 55mm f2.8 1-5X Macro lens. What is this lens capable of? Let’s find out.
The 55mm f2.8 is designed for full-frame and medium-format sensors, which means it will work with Sony E, Canon RF, Canon EF, Nikon Z and F, Fujifilm GFX and X, L Mount, Hasselblad XCD. The lens also offers 1-5x magnification, which will enable photographers to explore subjects ranging from insects to textures and flowers. In other words, it offers between 150mm at 1X magnification and 65mm at 5X zoom range. As a result, both serious enthusiasts and professionals will be happy. Here is a quick look at the specification:
- Format Compatibility: Full Frame (covers Medium Format, no vignetting)
- Magnification: 1–5X
- Angle of View: 1X: 13.7° | 5X: 5.6°
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 1X: 279mm | 5X: 272mm
- Minimum Working Distance: 1X: 150mm, 2X: 97mm, 3X: 79mm, 4X: 71mm, 5X: 65mm
- Optical Construction: 13 elements in 8 groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 9
- Focusing System: Manual focus
- Filter Thread: 58mm
- Dimensions: 1X: 67mm × 87mm | 5X: 67mm × 162mm
- Weight: 690g
- Price: USD 399
Mitakon also states that the colors from the lens are true to life, which means photographers will not have to spend hours in post-processing unless they’re going for a specific look. At the moment, other lenses in the macro range are the Laowa 25mm f2.8 2.5-5X (45mm at 2.5X, 40mm at 5X), the Laowa 58mm f2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO at 2x and Canon MP-E 65mm f2.8 (100mm at 1X, 41mm at 5X), all of which offer a smaller focal range. In the first-party lenses, you have options like Nikon Z MC 105 mm f2.8 S VR, FE 50 mm f2.8 Macro, but neither offers a 2x range.
In addition, another reason to pick the Mitakon macro lens is that it has an integrated front LED light, which makes it easy to illuminate the subject when shooting. Usually, one would use a flash or an external LED light. But if you are getting the whole package only for $399, then we certainly have a winner.
Although we have not tested a macro lens from the company, our reviews of its Speedmaster 65mm f1.4 and 50mm f0.95 III have both been pleasing. The lenses offer good build, character, sharpness, and bokeh, and they are affordable. Overall, the only challenges were the lack of lens contact and weight, which we hope the new macro lens will change. The Mitakon 55mm f2.8 1-5X Macro lens is designed for those who know macro photography and are looking for an affordable alternative. Beginners can consider other options.
For more information, visit Zhongyi Optics’ website.
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