Chinese lens series featuring extremely wide maximum apertures (f/0.95), enabling shooting in minimal light conditions.
Technical Details
The flagship of the series, the 50mm f/0.95, consists of 11 elements in 8 groups with a minimum focusing distance of 50cm. The filter diameter is 77mm with a weight of 720g. The f/0.95 variants utilize a special multi-layer coating to reduce stray light and reflections. All Speedmaster lenses operate exclusively manually – focus and aperture are adjusted via precisely geared rings. The number of aperture blades varies between 11 and 13 depending on the focal length, enabling circular bokeh even when the aperture is stopped down.
History & Development
Zhong Yi Optics introduced the first Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 for mirrorless cameras in 2016, deliberately targeting the niche market of extremely fast lenses. In 2018, the company expanded the series with the 17mm f/0.95 – at the time, the fastest ultra-wide-angle lens for mirrorless systems. By 2023, the product line had grown to eight different focal lengths, with the focus always on maximum light gathering capability at affordable prices.
Practical Use in Film
Mitakon Speedmaster lenses are primarily used in low-budget productions and independent films where available light situations must be managed without elaborate lighting. The f/0.95 aperture allows for shooting at ISO 800 by candlelight or in dim interiors. The extreme bokeh at wide-open aperture is suitable for stylish isolation of protagonists or dream-sequence-like imagery. Manual focus requires precise follow-focus systems and experienced camera assistants, as the depth of field at f/0.95 is often less than one centimeter.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to Leica Noctilux f/0.95 (approx. €12,000) or Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L (€2,400), Mitakon lenses position themselves as a budget alternative around €400-800. The image quality does not reach the level of German or Japanese premium manufacturers, but offers 80% of the performance at 20% of the price. For professional cinema productions, Zeiss Supreme Primes or Cooke S7/i remain the first choice, while Mitakon lenses play to their strengths in experimental projects and content creation.