Zhong Yi Optics, the company behind Mitakon brand lenses for both stills and video applications, has just released a new version of their 135mm f/2.8 lens. The new model uses a different internal lens design, features a faster aperture and improved optical performance.

What hasn’t changed is the completely manual lens design. No autofocus, no electronic interface to the host camera. For this reason, this lens is quite affordable ($299), although its optical performance seems to be quite good.


Image credit: Zhong Yi Optics

The Mitakon Creator 135mm f/2.5 covers full frame sensors and is available for Canon RF & EF, Sony E or Nikon Z & their older F mount.

Mitakon Creator 135mm f/2.5


Thanks to an updated internal lens design, Zhong Yi Optics was able to minimize some of the unpleasant side effects that lenses can produce, especially when used wide open. The company claims to have reduced chromatic aberration and color fringing by using two Super ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and two Ultra High Refractive Index elements in the lens’ optical design. 9 elements in 7 groups have been used in total.


Optical design of the Mitakon Creator 135mm f/2.5 lens. Image credit: Zhong Yi Optics

The retractable lens hood is quite a bit longer than it used to be, helping to reduce flare and ghosting. The aperture itself is designed with 9 blades, which should provide a pleasant, round bokeh.

In terms of size and weight, this new lens comes in at 3.11” x 5.39”(79 x 137mm) and it weighs 1.86 lb / 845 g.

Specifications


For using additional filters, the lens sports a 76mm filter thread. Angle of view is 18.2° and the minimum focus distance has been improved in comparison to the old version, now you can focus as close as 3.94′ (1 m) which is quite good for such a long focal length.


Sample image, showing off some bokeh. Image credit: LinGuanZhang / Zhong Yi Optics

The Mitakon Creator 135mm f/2.5 prime lens uses a sturdy metallic housing and markings on the aperture ring as well as the focus ring. The iris seems to be clicky, though.

All in all, this seems like a very sturdy and decent portrait lens that offers good value for the money. The clicky aperture could be a drawback for video applications, but sometimes a nice long prime lens is just a superior choice over an all-around zoom.


Sample image credit: LinGuanZhang / Zhong Yi Optics

The lens is available now and it sells for $299.

Link: Mitakon

What do you think? Would you consider getting one of these portrait lenses for your field of work? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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